The exhibition is in the main hall of Glasgow’s Mitchell Library and runs until July 31.
It brings together an array of images and artefacts from several Scotch whisky producers and enthusiasts. Many items on display have been stored in archives and personal collections until their inclusion in this exhibition. The display also tracks landmark events in the last 100 years which have shaped the SWA and the industry.
It highlights Scotch whisky's position as an iconic Scottish product and demonstrating how vital Scotch is to the country's economy and society. Scotch whisky exports are worth around £4.3 billion a year and the industry directly employs more than 10,000 people across Scotland, many in and around Glasgow. More than 60% of Scotch whisky produced is bottled around the greater Glasgow area.
A full size white horse made of fibre glass is included in the ‘marketing’ section of the exhibition. White Horse, now owned by Diageo, is a well-known brand of blended Scotch whisky popular in many markets around the world. The firm Mackie & Co became White Horse Distillers Ltd in 1924 following the death of Peter Mackie who created White Horse blended Scotch whisky. White Horse was blended and bottled by them in the north of Glasgow.
Also on display are images of whisky barrels being unloaded at the Broomielaw on the River Clyde, classic advertising campaigns and bottles from the last 100 years.
Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass was created to mark the centenary of the SWA, the industry trade body, in 2012. The exhibition’s only previous outing was its display at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh for two months to the end of January this year.
SWA chief executive Gavin Hewitt, said: "We are delighted to bring the exhibition of images and artefacts from across the Scotch whisky industry to Glasgow. The spectacular main hall of the Mitchell Library, a building which has been part of life for Glaswegians for more than a century, is a perfect setting for this display. With more than 60% of Scotch whisky bottled in the greater Glasgow area, you could call the city one of the spiritual homes of Scotch whisky."
