Glasgow Whisky Festival
An indoor tasting event bringing 30+ exhibitors to Glasgow for a day of whisky sampling. Mix of major distilleries, independent bottlers, and specialist retailers. Each ticket includes a tasting glass and tokens for a set number of drams. More accessible than the destination festivals (Fèis Ìle, Spirit of Speyside) — no accommodation needed, no ferry required, just a Saturday afternoon in the city centre. A good entry point for whisky beginners and a solid way for experienced drinkers to taste new releases.
Full Glasgow & Clyde Valley food & drink guide — distilleries, restaurants, where to stay, when to go.
Glasgow Whisky Festival is the city's best opportunity to taste 30+ distilleries and independent bottlers in one afternoon without leaving the M8. No ferry, no Airbnb, no week off work — just a Saturday and a taxi home. Solid for beginners wanting a guided first taste; excellent for enthusiasts chasing new indie bottler releases.
November in Glasgow. You're inside all day so weather is academic.
Programme highlights
| Event | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main tasting hall | All day | 30+ exhibitors pouring across distilleries and independent bottlers. |
| Masterclass sessions | Selected times | Deep-dive sessions with distillery reps. Included with premium ticket. |
| Festival bottling | All day | Exclusive cask or expression available only at the event. |
Tickets & pricing
Tasting glass + 10 dram tokens
Tasting glass + 15 dram tokens + masterclass
Visitor tips
- Eat a proper meal before attending — tasting on an empty stomach is a bad strategy
- Visit indie bottler stands first; they pour most generously and are less crowded
- Use the SPT subway or train — driving is not an option
Getting there
- 0
- G
- 1
- l
- 2
- a
- 3
- s
- 4
- g
- 5
- o
- 6
- w
- 7
- 8
- c
- 9
- i
- 10
- t
- 11
- y
- 12
- 13
- c
- 14
- e
- 15
- n
- 16
- t
- 17
- r
- 18
- e
- 19
- 20
- —
- 21
- 22
- a
- 23
- l
- 24
- l
- 25
- 26
- r
- 27
- a
- 28
- i
- 29
- l
- 30
- ,
- 31
- 32
- s
- 33
- u
- 34
- b
- 35
- w
- 36
- a
- 37
- y
- 38
- ,
- 39
- 40
- a
- 41
- n
- 42
- d
- 43
- 44
- b
- 45
- u
- 46
- s
- 47
- 48
- r
- 49
- o
- 50
- u
- 51
- t
- 52
- e
- 53
- s
- 54
- .
- 55
- 56
- T
- 57
- a
- 58
- x
- 59
- i
- 60
- 61
- h
- 62
- o
- 63
- m
- 64
- e
- 65
- 66
- r
- 67
- e
- 68
- c
- 69
- o
- 70
- m
- 71
- m
- 72
- e
- 73
- n
- 74
- d
- 75
- e
- 76
- d
- 77
- .
Where to stay
Where to stay near Glasgow Whisky Festival
Hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering within easy reach of the festival.
Booking links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Where to eat nearby
- Glasgow West EndArea
- FinniestonArea
The atmosphere is convivial rather than electric — this is a hall-based tasting event, not a Highland festival. But the exhibitor list is strong and a good proportion are independents rather than big names. The token system means you can pace yourself. Worth attending for the whisky; just manage expectations on the experience side.
Frequently asked questions
+How many drams can I try?
Standard ticket includes 10 tokens; premium includes 15. Each token is one standard dram. You can buy additional tokens at the event.
+Is this suitable for whisky beginners?
Yes — exhibitors are happy to guide beginners. Many have introductory expressions alongside premium pours.
+Is there food at the event?
Light snacks and water are usually available. Eat a full meal beforehand.
Compare with other festivals
Smaller and less destination-driven than Spirit of Speyside or Fèis Ìle, but the most accessible whisky event for central Scotland residents. Similar format to Whisky Fringe in Edinburgh.
Related articles
6 min read
Dog-Friendly Pubs and Taprooms in Edinburgh: The Verified List
Edinburgh pubs and brewery taprooms that say — on their own websites — that your dog is welcome. A short list on purpose: every entry here is verified, not hearsay.
6 min read
Dog-Friendly Pubs and Bars in Glasgow: The Verified List
Glasgow pubs, bars and brewery taprooms that say — on their own websites — that dogs are welcome. One even has a dog menu. Every entry verified, none of it hearsay.
7 min read
The Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh: An Honest Shortlist
Edinburgh's cocktail bars worth your evening — the barbershop speakeasy with the world's best menu, the Queen Street basement that started it all, and where Leith drinks.