Thursday, November 23, 2017

THE CLYDESIDE DISTILLERY OFFICIALLY OPENS ITS DOORS

The Clydeside Distillery, has today officially opened its doors to the public for the first time, and is now producing the first spirit in the area for more than 100 years.

Located on the site formerly known as The Queen’s Dock, once the beating heart of Glasgow’s shipping industry, The Pump House, with its famous clock tower is now the home to two new copper stills, which will produce Lowland single malt Scotch whisky.

The Clydeside Distillery copper stills produced by Forsyths of Moray

The new distillery site which is owned by Morrison Glasgow Distillers Ltd, also includes a visitor centre, shop, café and interactive whisky experience.

Glasgow’s links to the whisky industry have been brought to life through words, pictures and film as visitors make their way through 140 years of history as part of a self-led and guided tour.

The Pump House once controlled entry into The Queen’s Dock, one of the city’s most famous shipping ports built by Morrison and Mason in 1877. This ensured Customs and Excise could keep a close eye on goods in and out, including Scotch whisky.

Commenting on the news, Tim Morrison, The Clydeside Distillery’s Chairman, said: “This is an exciting day for Glasgow and the Scotch whisky industry. After more than a century copper stills are producing spirit on the banks of the Clyde and we’re incredibly proud to be able to open our doors to the public. Glasgow has an affinity with Scotch whisky unlike any other city in the world with The Queen’s Dock previously witnessing the exports of whisky with ships sailing past the Pump House destined for all continents of the world.”

He concluded by saying: “Of course for me and my family there is a very personal link knowing that my great grandfather built The Queen’s Dock where The Clydeside Distillery now sits. We’re looking forward to the future and seeing whisky produced in the heart of Glasgow once again.”

Around 25 jobs have been created at The Clydeside Distillery, including the appointment of Alistair McDonald as Distillery Manager. Alistair was previously the Distillery Manager at Auchentoshan, and has over 30 years’ experience in the industry.

Posted by Steve Rush