Independent Scotch whisky producer Ardgowan Distillery Company has announced the filling of its first cask of new make spirit—marking a historic milestone for the newly completed distillery in Inverkip, on Scotland’s west coast.
Established in 2017, the distillery is led by whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain and Distillery Manager Laura Davies, supported by a team with over 70 years of combined industry experience. The striking distillery building, designed in the style of a Scandinavian longhouse, features a 97% recycled aluminium roof and integrates a strong focus on sustainability, including the use of Thermal Vapour Recompression (TVR) technology to recycle waste heat.
The official Opening Day took place on Friday 20 June 2025, and saw the first oak cask filled with Ardgowan’s spirit, destined for long-term maturation. The moment follows eight years of development and construction, making Ardgowan the first new distillery in Inverclyde in over a century—the last having been lost during the Greenock Blitz in 1941.
A major investment has gone into the distillery’s signature Infinity Casks, which were seasoned with Sherry for three years before any whisky production began. These European oak casks, created in collaboration with Bodegas Miguel Martín and Stuart MacPherson, former Master of Wood at The Macallan, are intended to house spirit for maturation periods of 18 years or more.
Roland Grain, Chairman and founder, commented:
“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. Producing whisky is all about time and patience, so, as we 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, offering a range of experiences for both newcomers and seasoned whisky drinkers.
About Ardgowan Distillery
Located on the Ardgowan Estate in Inverkip, Ardgowan Distillery is focused on crafting robust and flavourful Single Malt Scotch whisky with quality and sustainability at its core. Led by Roland Grain, a long-time whisky enthusiast and entrepreneur, the distillery champions long Sherry cask maturation, innovative green technologies, and a commitment to craftsmanship through its Infinity Cask programme.
