Morrison Glasgow Distillers
History of Morrison Glasgow Distillers
Establishment and Vision
Foundation by Tim Morrison: Morrison Glasgow Distillers was founded in 2012, initially under the name Stanmorr Ltd, by Tim Morrison. Morrison, a notable figure in the whisky industry, brought his extensive experience to this new venture.
Objective: The primary aim was to establish a new distillery in Glasgow, a city with a deep-rooted history in whisky production. This project was envisioned to honour Glasgow’s and Scotland’s rich whisky heritage.
Early Challenges and Rebranding
Planning and Site Challenges: In its early stages, the company faced significant hurdles, particularly with planning permissions and site-related issues. These challenges necessitated a shift in the distillery’s orientation and led to a re-submission of plans to the Glasgow Council.
Rebranding as The Glasgow Distilling Company: In 2015, to better align with its mission of reviving Glasgow’s whisky production, the company rebranded itself as The Glasgow Distilling Company. This change occurred concurrently with the emergence of another whisky producer, the Glasgow Distillery Company, in the city.
The Clydeside Distillery Project
Groundbreaking and Construction: In 2016, the company commenced construction at the historic Pump House for the Clydeside Distillery, overcoming the initial setbacks.
Expectations for Operations: The Clydeside Distillery was anticipated to begin operations in autumn 2017, marking a significant milestone in blending traditional whisky-making with modern approaches.
Tim Morrison’s Legacy in Whisky
Family Heritage: Tim Morrison’s involvement in the whisky industry is extensive and dates back to his grandfather, who was active in the industry since around the 1850s in Glasgow, involving offices, bottling, and blending plants.
Personal Industry Experience: Morrison himself has a rich experience spanning nearly six decades, starting with Bell’s in 1960. His roles have encompassed various facets of the industry, including distilling, blending, and bottling.
Contribution to Whisky Heritage
Morrison Glasgow Distillers’ Role: Under Tim Morrison’s leadership, Morrison Glasgow Distillers is contributing significantly to the tapestry of Scotland’s whisky heritage. The company intertwines a family legacy with contemporary innovation and a dedicated commitment to the art of whisky making.
Awards Won by Morrison Glasgow Distillers
Scottish Whisky Awards 2022: Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers earned a Gold Medal for their Mac-Talla Red Wine Barriques in the Single Malt Non-Age Statement Peated category.
World Brand Design Society Awards: They achieved recognition for their brand and Càrn Mòr range, receiving a gold award for the Càrn Mòr redesign and a silver award for the Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers brand identity.
Excellence in Branding Award: At the Scottish Whisky Awards, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers won the Excellence in Branding award, a testament to their impressive packaging and branding efforts.
International Wine and Spirit Competition: The distillery was awarded five medals, including a gold for their Mac-Talla Mara and silver for Mac-Talla Terra and the 15-year-old Mac-Talla Strata. Their Old Perth Cask Strength expression and Bruadar, a single malt Scotch whisky liqueur, also won silver awards.
Morrison Glasgow Distillers Tour Information and Experience
The Clydeside Distillery, operated by Morrison Glasgow Distillers, offers a unique and immersive tour experience in Glasgow, showcasing the rich heritage and modern revival of whisky making in the city. The distillery is open seven days a week and provides a range of tours and whisky tasting experiences, along with a café and a specialist whisky shop.
Tour Options
The Clydeside Tour: Priced at £17.50 per person and lasting approximately one hour, this tour includes exploring the dockside story of Glasgow and the distillery’s whisky making process. Visitors get to experience the development of the Clydeside spirit, starting with the new make spirit and followed by tastings of whiskies matured in first-fill Bourbon casks and first-fill Sherry butts.
Chocolate & Whisky Tour: For £35 per person and lasting around 1 hour and 20 minutes, this tour offers a delightful combination of whisky and chocolate. It includes a guided tour of the distillery and the dockside story, followed by a tasting of five single malt whiskies, each paired with artisan chocolates.
Distillery Manager Tour: At £120 per person, this two-hour tour is an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience hosted by the Distillery Manager, Alistair McDonald. It includes a personal selection of premium single malt whiskies for tasting and special gifts. This tour is limited to a maximum of six people.
Private Tours: The distillery also offers private tours, which can be tailored to individual preferences. Prices and details for these bespoke experiences are available upon enquiry.
Facilities and Accessibility
The distillery is committed to accessibility, offering a downloadable access guide for visitors. The on-site Clydeside Café provides a comfortable setting with a selection of malts and whisky flights.
The Distillery Shop offers a variety of single malt whiskies from across Scotland, including personalised and bespoke bottles.
Visitors can book tours online, and gift vouchers for all distillery tours are available for purchase. The distillery is located at 100 Stobcross Road, Glasgow, G3 8QQ, and guides you on how to reach the location.
Flask & Barrel Review of Morrison Glasgow Distillers
As a seasoned whiskey collector who’s been on numerous distillery tours, I must say my visit to Morrison Glasgow Distillers was a standout experience. Their Clydeside Distillery tour, set at a breezy pace over an hour, offered a fascinating insight into Glasgow’s whisky heritage and the distillery’s meticulous crafting process. The highlight for me was tasting their spirits, matured in first-fill Bourbon and Sherry casks – a real treat for the palate.
The Chocolate & Whisky Tour added an unexpected but delightful twist, pairing fine single malts with artisan chocolates. For those seeking a more in-depth experience, the Distillery Manager Tour led by Alistair McDonald is worth the splurge, offering unique insights and premium whisky tastings.
Their commitment to accessibility and the cosy Clydeside Café added comfort to the experience, while the distillery shop presented a tempting array of whiskies. A 4.7 out of 5 rating feels just right – a nearly perfect whisky adventure, with just enough left to explore on a future visit.
What To Do Nearby Morrison Glasgow Distillers
Glasgow Botanic Gardens: Located approximately 9.8 miles from Glengoyne Distillery, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful retreat with beautiful plant collections and glasshouses. It’s a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts or anyone seeking a quiet place to relax.
Finnich Glen: Just 2.4 miles from Glengoyne Distillery, Finnich Glen is a stunning natural gorge, offering picturesque views and a serene environment for a leisurely walk or photography.
Glasgow Tigers Speedway: For a bit of excitement, the Glasgow Tigers Speedway is around 9.9 miles from Glengoyne Distillery. It’s a thrilling destination for speedway racing fans.
Glasgow West End: This vibrant area, about 10 miles from Glengoyne Distillery, is known for its bustling atmosphere, eclectic shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s a great place to explore Glasgow’s contemporary culture and enjoy some shopping or dining.
beGIN: If you’re interested in exploring Glasgow’s nightlife, beGIN bar, located around 9.8 miles from Glengoyne Distillery, offers a wide selection of gins and a cosy atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Morrison Glasgow Distillers?
One Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. The contact number is +441413069988, and the address is Crowne Plaza, 1 Congress Rd, Glasgow G3 8QT, United Kingdom.
Six by Nico: This restaurant has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Contact details are +441413345661, and the address is 21132 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8TD, United Kingdom.
Argyle House Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. The contact number is +441415808996, and the address is 150 Edmiston Dr, Glasgow G51 2XD, United Kingdom.
What hotels are near Morrison Glasgow Distillers?
Sandyford Hotel: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. The contact details are and the address is 21 Royal Cres, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7SL, United Kingdom.
Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre: This hotel has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. Contact information is +441412401002 and address is Finnieston Quay, Glasgow G3 8HN, United Kingdom.
Crowne Plaza Glasgow, an IHG Hotel: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. The contact number is +441413069988 and address is Congress Rd, Glasgow G3 8QT, United Kingdom.