Rebel Spotlight: The Glasgow Distillery Company
Glasgow is a city that thrives on its contrasts: gritty yet glamorous, steeped in history yet bursting with innovation. In the heart of this bustling metropolis lies The Glasgow Distillery Company, a true trailblazer in Scotland’s spirit scene. With bold products, a knack for breaking conventions, and an unwavering commitment to quality, this distillery doesn’t just make whisky, gin, and rum—they create moments in a bottle.
Join us as we dive into the story behind with this rebel spotlight: on the Glasgow Distillery Company and their standout brands.
In 2012, Liam Hughes and Mike Hayward, made a bold decision: to bring whisky distilling back to Glasgow after a 100-year hiatus. With a city famed for its industrial roots and creative energy, they set out to honour Glasgow’s rich history while creating something entirely modern.
The distillery’s name is no accident—it harks back to the original Glasgow Distillery, founded in 1770. Today, it operates from Hillington, blending cutting-edge equipment with time-honoured techniques to produce spirits that feel authentically Glaswegian yet unmistakably forward-thinking.
The Glasgow Distillery company isn’t just another name in the industry—it’s a movement. With state-of-the-art facilities, the team experiments with everything from cask finishes to botanical blends, all while paying homage to Scottish artistry. Even the stills are a nod to local heritage, named after famed Glasgow Girls artists, Frances and Margaret MacDonald.
The distillery’s output—up to 440,000 liters annually—proves that they’re not here to play small. They’re here to make waves.
The Show-Stopping Spirits
Each bottle from The Glasgow Distillery company tells its own story, reflecting a rebellious spirit and a dedication to craft.
This flagship whisky embodies Glasgow’s history and resilience. Made with pristine Loch Katrine water, it’s matured in carefully selected casks to deliver bold flavors, from rich to smoky to fruity, depending on the expression. It’s a whisky for those who appreciate heritage but demand something fresh.
The Glasgow 1770 Signature Range is matured in the finest casks, always non-chill filtered and only ever natural in colour. The range consists of The Original, Peated and Triple Distilled; three single malts of quality which have successfully put this distillery on the map.
The first gin distilled in Glasgow, Makar (meaning "poet" in Scots) weaves a lyrical narrative with every sip. Using juniper as the star and accentuating it with handpicked botanicals, this gin comes in vibrant varieties, from classic dry to spiced oak and even cherry-infused.
Glasgow’s seafaring history is alive in Banditti Club Rum. Inspired by 18th-century rogues who ruled the city’s drinking dens, this spiced rum is aged in Scotland and infused with tropical fruits and exotic spices. The result? A smooth, bold, and unmistakably rebellious rum that stands out in any lineup.
A Brand for the Bold
What makes The Glasgow Distillery Company a standout isn’t just the quality of its spirits—it’s the unapologetic attitude behind them. Their fans are connoisseurs and rebels alike, people who love the brand’s bold flavours and the philosophy of innovation it represents. Whether it’s whisky aficionados savouring Glasgow 1770 or gin lovers delighting in Makar’s twists, there’s something here for every palate.
In true Rebel Spotlight form, the Glasgow Distillery Company isn’t slowing down. They’re pushing boundaries, winning awards, and introducing new expressions, keeping fans on their toes with every release. And as they continue to grow, they’re solidifying their place as one of Scotland’s most exciting and innovative distilleries.
So, the next time you pour a dram of Glasgow 1770, mix a cocktail with Makar Gin, or sip on Banditti Club Rum, remember—you’re not just enjoying a drink. You’re part of a revolution.
For rebels, dreamers, and everyone in between, The Glasgow Distillery Company is a brand that delivers more than just exceptional spirits—it delivers a reason to celebrate.
Cheers to that!