Nose: Fruity (particularly apple), digestive biscuits, honey, vanilla. Palate: Apple tart, poached pear in honey, apricot nectar. The profile is sweet to begin with and adding water develops even more sweetness. It also brings out a little ginger spice which gives it better balance. The texture is good. Finish: Short. Ginger biscuits. Clydeside Distillery was founded in 2016 and production began the following year. It is owned by Morrison Glasgow Distillers Ltd. which is associated with the independent bottler Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (but the two are separate companies). The distillery is located in the Pump House, a refurbished historic building next to the river Clyde. Their first whisky was issued in 2021 and they now have several expressions in the core range. The distillery has an interesting visitor centre that highlights the history of Glasgow and industry on the Clyde, and they offer a range of tours. A tasting is part of the basic tour and it features four of their whiskies, of which this was the first. This “Bourbon Cask” expression is not available for sale but is offered to show the character of their spirit when it is matured for a little over 3 years in refill bourbon casks. The result is about as close as you can get to a classic un-peated, un-sherried whisky character and it was interesting to taste this snapshot of their process. Tasted at Clydeside Distillery, 22nd April 2025 “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)