When you walk into a Glasgow bar and see a flight of three small glasses lined up with different whiskies, you’re not just ordering drinks-you’re stepping into a story. Each sip carries the peat smoke of Islay, the sweetness of Speyside, or the salt spray of the Highlands. Glasgow doesn’t just serve whisky; it lets you taste the soul of Scotland, one flight at a time.
What Is a Whisky Tasting Flight?
A whisky flight isn’t a random selection of bottles. It’s a curated experience-usually three to five small pours, designed to show contrast, evolution, or regional character. You might start with a light, grassy Lowland dram, move to a sherried Highland, then finish with a smoky Islay. The goal isn’t to get drunk. It’s to notice how the same grain, aged in different casks, can taste like entirely different worlds.
Most flights in Glasgow come with a tasting sheet-notes on nose, palate, finish. Some bars even let you swap one dram for another. That’s not a gimmick. It’s how locals learn.
Top Bars for Whisky Flights in Glasgow
There are over 80 whisky bars in Glasgow, but only a handful do flights right. Here are the ones that stand out.
The Pot Still on Renfrew Street has been around since 1972. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic. Their Classic Scottish Flight includes Glenfiddich 12, Laphroaig 10, and Glenlivet Nadurra. Price? £22. You get a small tasting booklet with each dram’s history and the distillery’s founding year. No frills, just facts.
Barrow’s Stores on Bath Street is where whisky nerds go after work. They rotate flights weekly. Last month’s was From Cask to Glass: a 10-year-old Glen Scotia (unpeated), a 15-year-old Ardbeg (ex-bourbon), and a 21-year-old BenRiach (port cask). £30. They pour 25ml per dram-just enough to taste, not drown. Staff know every distillery’s water source. Ask them about the mineral content in Campbeltown water. They’ll tell you.
The Lighthouse on the River Clyde is newer but packed. Their Island & Mainland flight includes Talisker, Glenmorangie, and Oban. £28. The bar has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. You can sip your whisky while watching cargo ships pass. It’s the only place in the city where you can taste whisky and feel the sea breeze.
Whisky a Go Go on Argyle Street is the most playful. They do themed flights: Whisky & Chocolate, Smoky vs. Sweet, even Whisky for Beginners (all under £18). They’ll let you taste before you commit. If you don’t like the first dram, they’ll swap it. No judgment. No pressure.
Typical Prices for Whisky Flights in Glasgow
Prices vary by bar, dram age, and rarity. Here’s what you’ll actually pay in 2026:
| Flight Type | Price Range | Dram Size | Typical Whiskies Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Flight | £15-£18 | 20-25ml | Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glenmorangie |
| Classic Flight | £20-£28 | 25ml | Laphroaig, Oban, Talisker, BenRiach |
| Premium Flight | £30-£45 | 25ml | Ardbeg 10, Springbank 12, Glen Scotia 18 |
| Single Cask Flight | £50-£80 | 20ml | Barrel-specific bottlings, limited releases |
Don’t be fooled by cheap flights. Some places use 10ml pours to stretch their stock. Stick to bars that serve 20ml or more. You need that volume to properly assess aroma and texture.
How to Book a Whisky Tasting Flight
Walk-ins are fine at most places-except on weekends. If you want a seat at Barrow’s Stores or The Pot Still on a Friday night, book ahead.
Here’s how:
- Visit the bar’s website. Most have a dedicated ‘Whisky Tasting’ or ‘Events’ page.
- Look for ‘Reservations’ or ‘Book a Flight’.
- Choose your date and time. Most flights run 6-8pm on weekdays, 5-9pm on weekends.
- Pay online. Many bars require a £5 deposit to secure your spot. It’s refundable if you show up.
- Arrive 10 minutes early. Staff will guide you to your table and explain the flight.
Some bars-like The Lighthouse-offer private group bookings. For 6+ people, you can reserve a whole evening with a whisky expert. £60 per person, includes snacks and a bottle to take home. Great for birthdays or stag dos.
What to Expect During Your Flight
You’ll be handed a glass of water. That’s not for mixing. It’s for cleansing your palate between drams. Sip it. Don’t gulp.
Hold the glass by the stem. Don’t warm the whisky with your hands. Swirl it gently. Smell it. Then take a small sip. Let it sit on your tongue. Don’t swallow right away. Notice the texture-is it oily? Thin? Chewy?
Some people add water. Don’t be afraid. A few drops open up the flavors. A whisky expert at Barrow’s told me once: ‘Water doesn’t dilute whisky. It reveals it.’
And no, you don’t need to say ‘nose,’ ‘finish,’ or ‘mouthfeel’ unless you want to. Just say what you taste. ‘Smoky,’ ‘sweet,’ ‘spicy,’ ‘bitter’-those are all valid.
When to Go and What to Avoid
Best time? Weekdays. Tuesday to Thursday, 6-8pm. Less crowded. Staff have more time to talk. Weekends are loud. You’ll be shouting over music. You won’t taste anything.
Avoid tourist traps. If a bar has a sign saying ‘Whisky Tasting for £10,’ it’s likely using blended whisky from a 1-liter bottle. Real flights use single malts. If they don’t list the distillery names, walk out.
Don’t order a whisky flight if you’re hungover. Your palate won’t work right. Wait until you’ve slept. Whisky deserves respect.
What to Do After Your Flight
Don’t just leave. Ask for a recommendation. Tell the bartender what you liked. ‘I liked the smoky one’ or ‘The sweet one was too heavy.’ They’ll suggest your next bottle. That’s how you build your collection.
Many bars sell bottles from their flights. The Pot Still has a back room with 300+ bottles. You can buy a dram from your flight as a takeaway. £15-£25. It’s cheaper than buying a full bottle at the airport.
If you’re staying in Glasgow, take a photo of your tasting sheet. Note the distilleries. You’ll forget names. I did. Three months later, I found myself searching ‘that smoky one with the sea salt taste’-and remembered it was Talisker.
Why Glasgow Is the Best Place for Whisky Flights
Edinburgh has the castle. Glasgow has the people. Here, whisky isn’t a museum exhibit. It’s part of daily life. The guy next to you at the bar might be a retired shipbuilder who’s tried every Islay malt since 1982. The bartender might have worked at Glenfiddich for 17 years.
There’s no pretense. No velvet ropes. No ‘you’re not worthy’ vibes. Just honest conversation, real whisky, and a shared love for the drink.
That’s why, in 2026, Glasgow still leads Scotland in whisky flights. Not because it has the most bottles. But because it knows how to tell stories-one glass at a time.
Can I do a whisky flight without booking?
Yes, most bars accept walk-ins, especially on weekdays. But on weekends-Friday to Sunday-even popular spots like Barrow’s Stores fill up fast. If you’re traveling with a group of 4 or more, booking ahead is smart. Walk-ins get the leftovers, not the best selections.
Are whisky flights worth the price?
Absolutely-if you care about tasting real single malts. A £25 flight gives you five 25ml pours of whiskies that would cost £15-£20 each in a full bottle. You’re paying for experience, not volume. Plus, you get to try rare or limited drams you’d never buy on your own.
Do I need to know anything about whisky before trying a flight?
No. Most bars design beginner flights for people who’ve never tasted whisky before. Staff explain everything. The only thing you need is curiosity. If you can taste coffee, chocolate, or smoke, you can taste whisky.
Can I bring my own whisky to a bar?
Almost never. Glasgow bars have strict policies. You’re there to taste what they’ve curated. Bringing your own is seen as disrespectful. If you want to try your own bottle, buy it from the bar’s shop and open it at home.
Is there a dress code for whisky tasting in Glasgow?
No. Jeans and a sweater are fine. Some people dress up, but most don’t. The vibe is relaxed. You’ll see businessmen in suits next to students in hoodies. What matters is your interest-not your outfit.
How long does a whisky flight take?
Plan for 45 to 75 minutes. That’s enough time to taste each dram, talk to the staff, and ask questions. Rushing defeats the purpose. This isn’t a shot bar. It’s a slow, thoughtful experience.
Can kids or non-drinkers join a whisky flight?
Yes, but not for the tasting. Many bars let non-drinkers sit with the group and enjoy the atmosphere. Some even offer non-alcoholic tasting flights-like artisanal teas or smoked syrups-with the same structure. Ask if they have a ‘whisky experience without alcohol’ option.
What’s the best time of year to do a whisky flight in Glasgow?
Anytime. But October to December is special. Many distilleries release limited winter editions, and bars host themed flights for Hogmanay and Christmas. You’ll find rare bottlings you won’t see again until next year. If you can, plan around then.
Comments (1)
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Rubina Jadhav January 9, 2026
I tried a flight at The Pot Still last month. Just the Glenfiddich and Laphroaig. Smoky one made me cough. But I liked it. Simple. No fancy words needed.
