Ardgowan Distillery Company has filled the first cask following the completion of its new distillery at Inverkip earlier this month.
Founded in 2017, the company is led by whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain and distillery manager Laura Davies.
Following eight years of development, planning and construction, theirs is the first new distillery to open in Inverclyde for over a century. The last distillery to operate in the region was destroyed in the Greenock Blitz on 7th May 1941.
Using a Scandinavian longhouse design and a 97% recycled aluminium roof, Ardgowan has its sights set on producing top quality whisky while striving for carbon neutrality.
Millions of pounds have reportedly been invested in the distillery’s signature ‘Infinity Casks’ – oak casks which have hosted sherry for three years prior to production commencing and which are intended for maturation periods of 18 years or more.
Following an official opening day held last Friday (20th June 2025), the first Ardgowan cask has been filled with new make spirit ready for maturation.
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,” said Grain.
“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.”
