Spirit of Alba

Spirit of Alba We are an award-winning specialist spirits retailer based in Kirkintilloch, Glasgow.

Offering over 600 whiskies and spirits from around the world, including a large range of single cask, limited edition and independent bottlings, Spirit of ALba is your go-to shop for all whisky and spirits-based needs. With an extensive selection of gins and other specialist spirits, you'll be sure to find the perfect bottle for any occasion—or just to treat yourself!

🎉 What a Year It’s Been at Spirit of Alba! 🎉THATS US DONE FOR THE YEAR! 2024, you’ve truly outdone yourself! This year, ...
31/12/2024

🎉 What a Year It’s Been at Spirit of Alba! 🎉

THATS US DONE FOR THE YEAR!

2024, you’ve truly outdone yourself! This year, we broke records, shattered expectations, and might’ve set a new bar for keeping busy (our coffee bill agrees). Here’s a wee glimpse into the whirlwind/chaos that is our lives!

🚀 Events, Events, and More Events
We’ve run more tastings, gatherings, and whisky-fuelled celebrations than ever before. From our monthly Whisky Club nights to our legendary canal boat tastings, we’ve been everywhere—on land and water! Add to that a packed calendar of private whisky tastings (cheers to the groups who made each one unforgettable), and it’s been non-stop dram-filled-magic.

🎉 The Big One
Our yearly festival at Kirkintilloch Town Hall hit new heights! Record attendance, incredible feedback, and so many brilliant moments that we’re still grinning about it. Seriously, this year’s festival was mega.

🏆 Cheers to You
Of course, none of this would’ve been possible without our amazing customers/friends/interlopers and community. Whether you popped into the shop, joined an event, or simply raised a glass with us, you’ve been the heartbeat of Spirit of Alba.

2024 has been a ride. We’re raising a dram to all the memories made, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store. Bring it on! 🥃

What’s been your highlight of the year? Let us know below 👇!

It's nearly time for us to go into a momentary hibernation!We'll be closed from the 1st till the 9th, Back open on the 1...
27/12/2024

It's nearly time for us to go into a momentary hibernation!

We'll be closed from the 1st till the 9th, Back open on the 10th of January.

Fear not it's not like you won't hear from us as we have loads of bits and pieces to announce for this year...as well as that don't forget the website takes no holidays so browse and order away!

On behalf of Jim & I, thank you to ....bloomin everyone !! This year has been a long old slog, and December has been incredible. Thank you ♥️🥃
... We're still open for the last few days of the year tho, so come in and stock up for the bells!

The lovely folk at Golden Branch Rum have been in slinging about their delicious rum for everyone today! HERE TILL 4 For...
23/12/2024

The lovely folk at Golden Branch Rum have been in slinging about their delicious rum for everyone today! HERE TILL 4 For a free tasting 🥃

Dana is in the house slinging out The Uncharted Whisky Co. Till 4 today ! .... It's Free so what are you waiting for !
21/12/2024

Dana is in the house slinging out The Uncharted Whisky Co. Till 4 today ! .... It's Free so what are you waiting for !

With Santa almost chapping at our doors, we're ringing the bell on last orders. If you want your order in time for santa...
18/12/2024

With Santa almost chapping at our doors, we're ringing the bell on last orders. If you want your order in time for santa arriving it must be placed before 9pm this evening... or you will have to come visit us for your Christmas orders!

Have just spent a hour updating the website as we got a load of new bits and pieces in to keep the place full for Christmas as well as a special announcement tomorrow about our festival release... that's now a January release!

https://spiritofalba.com/

ANOTHER AWARD! It is with immense pride that I, Craig, humbly accept the Inaugural Award for the Greatest Whisky Shop in...
18/12/2024

ANOTHER AWARD!

It is with immense pride that I, Craig, humbly accept the Inaugural Award for the Greatest Whisky Shop in Kirkintilloch from the Association of Arbitrary Awards. This prestigious accolade was presented to me at a star-studded, secret event held just last night, where the who’s who gathered to witness this once-in-a-lifetime recognition.

I’m thrilled to be crowned the greatest—because, let’s face it, there’s no competition...mostly because there is no competition. Spirit of Alba is not just a shop, it’s an institution of unparalleled excellence. And now, thanks to this totally legitimate and completely unbiased award, the world knows what we already knew!

While I graciously accept my truly well-deserved honour, it’s time to pass the baton and recognise others for their equally remarkable—if not slightly questionable—achievements.

So, how can you win one of these highly coveted, completely legitimate awards? Here’s what you need to do:

Nominate Yourself: No one else will, so why not? Self-praise is the best praise.
Enter an Award Category: Choose from categories like "Most Creative Excuse" or "Excellence in Overachievement." We don’t judge—honestly, we can’t be bothered.
Submit a 150-Word Essay: Write a totally genuine statement about why you're deserving. Or just make it up, we won’t read it.
Pay the Nomination Fee: For just £19.99, we’ll process your application—completely worth it.
Wait for Your Prize: If you’re chosen, expect a ridiculously oversized trophy, a certificate that may or may not be real, and bragging rights that’ll last… well, maybe 5 minutes.

WORLD EXCLUSIVE.It's not often I get to shout that out is it? This is one of those occasions though so I'm going to shou...
12/12/2024

WORLD EXCLUSIVE.

It's not often I get to shout that out is it? This is one of those occasions though so I'm going to shout pretty bloomin loud about it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce The Stanhope Whisky.

Born in Scotland, Crafted in the USA.

They have a double bill of an inaugural release:

𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐍.
𝟖𝟗.𝟔 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐅 / 𝟒𝟒.𝟖% 𝐀𝐁𝐕

Here's what Craig had to say (....written like its not me actually writing this post)

🌾 Nose: Overripe bananas, caramelised pineapple, and charred oak, with a wee cheeky hint of leather and toasted nuts.
🔥 Palate: A whirlwind of tropical fruit, molasses, and burnt sugar, layered with spicy black pepper and creamy vanilla.
🌟 Finish: Long and warming with smoky wood, dried apricot, and a toasted marshmallows, its got this lovely sweetness to it.

https://spiritofalba.com/product/the-stanhope-straight-bourbon/

Next Up:

𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐑𝐘𝐄.
𝟗𝟎.𝟔 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐅 / 𝟒𝟓.𝟐% 𝐀𝐁𝐕

🌾 Nose: Freshly baked rye bread, green apple skins, dill, and black liquorice, with a funky twist of pickling spice and a touch of citrus zest.
🔥 Palate: A powerful hit of cracked black pepper, anise, and clove, balanced by sweet notes of caramel, dark chocolate, and candied ginger. There’s a delightful herbal funk with hints of eucalyptus and spearmint, which actually helps cuts through the pepperiness of the rye brilliantly.
🌟 Finish: Long and warming with bold rye spice, toasted oak, and a lingering hint of herbal tea and lemon zest.

https://spiritofalba.com/product/the-stanhope-straight-rye/

Available now at Spirit of Alba! Swing by the shop in Kirkintilloch, or purchase online now. Like I said, WERE THE ONLY PLACE ON EARTH TO BUY IT!

Worldwide Shipping Available.

Right I'm away to crank Chris Stapleton on, turn the music up to 11, pour myself a drink, and enjoy!
Tomorrow is Friday so that means ya'll have Jim to deal with! ENJOY!

Small Business Saturday at Spirit of Alba!!It’s Small Business Saturday, and me, Jim and the dogs, want to take a moment...
07/12/2024

Small Business Saturday at Spirit of Alba!!

It’s Small Business Saturday, and me, Jim and the dogs, want to take a moment to share what this day truly means to us.

Spirit of Alba isn’t just a whisky shop to us — it’s a dream Jim had, that I then turned into a nightmare by working with me! For a team of two we do an exceptional amount of work, we run private events, monthly tastings, a festival, we built the website, for a team of two we do a ridiculous amount of stuff and we do it because this is what we love to do.

But here’s the truth: none of this would be possible without you, aye... you.

Your support, whether it’s popping in for a bottle of your favourite dram, attending our monthly whisky club, or even just stopping by for a chat, means the world to us. Running a small business is a labour of love, but it’s your kindness, encouragement, and loyalty that make it all worthwhile.

Jim and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a vibrant, supportive community here in Kirkintilloch. Every time you choose to shop with us, you’re not just keeping our doors open — you’re allowing us to keep doing what we love, together... and you allow us to keep feeding the dogs! And for that, we are forever grateful.

So, on today's Small Business Saturday, we’d love for you to stop by and say hello! Whether you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift, something special for yourself, or just fancy a browse, or just want a nosey we’d be delighted to see you. And if you’ve never been in before....why the hell no, wit' you playing at!

Thank you for supporting small businesses like ours, and all the amazing small businesses that form this vibrant community. Thank you for helping Jim and I turn our dream into a reality.

Slàinte!

Latest releases from Lady of the Glen including their sumptuous Christmas special from Linkwood… they’re whiskies of dis...
26/11/2024

Latest releases from Lady of the Glen including their sumptuous Christmas special from Linkwood… they’re whiskies of distinction don’t you know!

ITS BALTIC!Know what that means don't you? Its time to crack out the peaty drams!Got a pair of Mac-Talla bottlings (Flor...
23/11/2024

ITS BALTIC!

Know what that means don't you? Its time to crack out the peaty drams!

Got a pair of Mac-Talla bottlings (Flora & Terra) that tick all the boxes.

Really affordable "entry level" drams, with loads going on.

Ideal for when you are having to fend off frostbite going outside.

I'm away back to cuddling our heater in the shop, i cant be using all this good heat on updating social media.
Stay safe out there everyone and have a lovely weekend.

ONLINE & INSTORE Now.

spiritofalba.com

"Look at this photograph," We've always got our finger on the pulse, except when we order something then forget we didn'...
21/11/2024

"Look at this photograph,"

We've always got our finger on the pulse, except when we order something then forget we didn't order it yet and its just sitting in order limbo waiting for us to go AYE WE STILL WANT THAT.

So about 40 years later than planned, we finally have the Ardnamurchan AD/10, their first 10yo!... how the flip has that been 10 years, where has the last 10 years gone... JINGS!

But the point i am making, is we have it in stock (and online)

Its pretty damn delicious, when have Ardnamurchan let us down, since day dot its been cracker after cracker, they are like the Nickelback of music... they can do no wrong, everything is a solid 10/10.

Hows it taste? Deeeeeeeeeeeeeelish. It tastes like you've been....."Burning it to the Ground" Light, Smokey, sensual, i dig it. Its always got this ridiculously unctious, thickness to their spirit. GET INSIDE ME!

Buy yours online, or come and visit my wee face, mon we can have a Nickelback sing-a-long in the shop!

https://spiritofalba.com/product/ardnamurchan-10-years-old/

🎉 Final Whisky of the Month for 2024 🎉Little Brown Dog - Glasgow Distillery 2017Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Single Oloro...
19/11/2024

🎉 Final Whisky of the Month for 2024 🎉

Little Brown Dog - Glasgow Distillery 2017
Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Single Oloroso Hogshead
55.7%vol 70cl
Filled 31/10/2017
Bottled 01/11/2024
Aged 7 years
339 bottles.
£49!

I’ll be honest – I had my eye on this one ever since Andrew mentioned it. With LBD’s record of pouring out some of the tastiest juice, I thought, “This’ll be a banger.” But “banger” doesn’t quite cover it sadly.

This is no ordinary dram – it’s an out-of-the-park-effin Belter.

It’s bold, filthy sherrybomb territory for sure. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t overpower the distillery character. Instead, both the sherry and the spirit itself get to share the stage, like the perfect prom king and queen. It’s rich, balanced, and just stupidly delicious.

My first gig was at the Barrowlands back in the day was insane – I crowd-surfed into a mosh pit, got punched in the face, and then had the kindest soul in the world buy the lad he just punched a pint. This dram? It pulls the same punches – it gives me that incredible sensory experience that you get from live music, I tasted it with Swedish Death Metal on... not saying you haveeeee to do that to experience it, mind you, just saying it works. It’s got everything: dark fruits, cacao nibs (that dusty, rich kind), and just f**k loads going on.

Watching what indie bottlers do with Glasgow Distillery’s spirit, putting their own stamp on it. It’s seriously exciting, and it works so bloomin' well here.

I might even need to do a ‘Whiskies of the Year’ list this Christmas just so I can rave about this one all over again. Less thinky, more buy’y – this one won’t disappoint.

https://spiritofalba.com/product/lbd-glasgow-distillery-2017/

BRAND NEW RUMThe lovely folk at East Neuk Spirit Company have only gone and released the first of their WashedAshore ran...
16/11/2024

BRAND NEW RUM

The lovely folk at East Neuk Spirit Company have only gone and released the first of their WashedAshore range of single cask rums so we would have been rude not to snap some up!

Proper funky Agricole style of rum, absolutely jam packed with fruity pear drop notes, pear drops and wine gums and a welcome addition to the shop.

£60 / 52.7% ABV

https://spiritofalba.com/product/dorchadas-washed-ashore-cask-aged-rum/

Had one our friends (aye i'm calling you a friend) drop me a message and ask if next year we would look at running one o...
15/11/2024

Had one our friends (aye i'm calling you a friend) drop me a message and ask if next year we would look at running one of the tasting nights as a sort of... blend your own 200ml bottle effort.

So was just gauging the interest in some wizardry like that. Might need to get me and Jim some lab coats... he's a Doctor anyway....surely he should have one kicking about!...BACK TO THE POINT.

Does that sound like something you would be up for!

Friday 29th of this month marks the end of a years worth of instore tasting nights and events! ( The Saltire Rare Malts,...
14/11/2024

Friday 29th of this month marks the end of a years worth of instore tasting nights and events! ( The Saltire Rare Malts, Event has now SOLD OUT )

WHAT A YEAR IT'S BEEN!!

That is officially the most events we have had in a year, and its been stupidly amazing, thank you to all the customers and brands who have made that possible its been our absolute honour to have you come through and to make the shop/the boat/the town hall, your own.

I'm doing my damndest to fill up the whole of next year pretty rapidly so that you have a whole years worth of events to look forward to after santa has been.

So come on, what was your fav, what did you love ( what didn't you love ) and who would you want us to wrangle into coming through to do a tasting next year?

That's us 4 now. 4 Years! That's mad. How has Jim put up with me for 4 years. Must be my beautiful singing voice. We're ...
11/11/2024

That's us 4 now.

4 Years! That's mad. How has Jim put up with me for 4 years. Must be my beautiful singing voice.

We're here in Kirkintilloch because we believe in it, in our community, in the people we call friends and regulars, for the experience we provide, you would need to go into the city centre for that. But you're stuck with us. Because we want you to be able to have that experience right here in Kirkintilloch!

We don't do this because its easy, but because its right, because this is our home and we love it here.

This year we are especially grateful to everyone that has come to an event, the festival or visited the shop. We're grateful to every brand that trusts us with their product, to know we treat your brand with the care and love that you do, and allowing us to tell your amazing stories.

We can only continue to do this if people like you, keep coming through our doors, or telling your friends and families about us.

Thanks for allowing us to keep our dream alive, and we hope we help brighten up the place a bit!

Thank you for believing in us!

Oh La La! A big chonky, spicy, pepper, sherry bomb effort from Still lets the distillery character shine, so you still ...
29/10/2024

Oh La La!
A big chonky, spicy, pepper, sherry bomb effort from
Still lets the distillery character shine, so you still get lots of that citrus funk that you usually expect from Craigellachie but the second fill European Oak doesn't in anyway steal the show.

Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelightful.
Get this straight into my veins.

https://spiritofalba.com/product/craigellachie-17-years-old-saltire/

Or why not come and try an amazing selection of their releases on November the 29th (7-9pm) when we have Saltire hosting our last tasting night of 2024! of which there is very limited availability as there's only about 4 tickets left.

https://spiritofalba.com/product/saltire-rare-malt-tasting-night-29-11/

Hello old friend… back in stock now!
29/10/2024

Hello old friend… back in stock now!

Address

5 Regent Centre, Kirkintilloch
Glasgow
G661JH

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+441417760807

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Spirit of Alba posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Spirit of Alba:

Videos

This Friday. The launch of Pictish Beastie PT.2 So we're quite literally pushing the boat out for this one and giving Andrew and Iain from FIB the run of the boat for the night. Who knows where we will end up!? The canal boat events basically sell themselves, so much so there is only about 3 tickets remaining for the night. https://spiritofalba.com/shop/event/fib-canal-boat-tasting-night/

Tomorrow night. Ye Coming? https://spiritofalba.com/shop/event/may-tri-carragh-tasting/

The paperwork has been signed. The date is set in stone. 31/8/24 We're back in the Kirkintilloch Town Hall. This will be festival number 5, so we better do what we do every year and make it more memorable than the last eh. Early Bird Tickets on sale from 27th of January.

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story

We sell wonderful whiskies, new, old, rare and collectable. You might even find the odd bourbon, rum, vodka and gin. We are available to organise tastings specifically tailored to meet your individual requirements. Oh and we run a pretty mean little monthly Whisky Club. Our online store is the place to go for all your whisky and spirits needs and now we are proud to present our high street store located at:

Unit 5 Regent Centre, Cowgate, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow G66 1JH