Independent Scotch whisky producer Ardgowan Distillery has filled its first cask of spirit at its new site in Inverclyde, officially launching production at the facility after eight years of development, planning and construction. It is the first new distillery to operate in Inverclyde in more than a century; the last, located in Greenock, was destroyed during the Blitz in May 1941.
The distillery’s first cask is part of Ardgowan’s signature ‘Infinity Casks’ programme – oak casks seasoned with Sherry for three years prior to production, designed to mature whisky for 18 years or more.
Located near Inverkip, the distillery was founded in 2017 and is led by whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain and Distillery Manager Laura Davies, who together head up a team with more than 70 years of combined industry experience.
Roland Grain said, “After a lengthy build, the team and I are thrilled to now be in full production and filling casks with our own distillate, including private casks for our Clan Ardgowan members. Ardgowan’s ultimate goal is to revive the golden age of Scotch whisky with long Sherry cask maturation in European oak.
“Our commitment to quality is demonstrated by investing millions of pounds in our signature Infinity Casks years before the distillery was built. These bespoke oak casks were created exclusively by renowned Bodegas Miguel Martín and Macallan’s former Master of Wood Stuart MacPherson. Producing whisky is all about time and patience, so, as we fill our first casks and open the site to the public, we look forward to steadily perfecting our Single Malt in the years to come.”
The Ardgowan visitor centre is expected to open later this summer.