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Everything you need to know about Ardgowan Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Ardgowan Clydebuilt Lowland Whisky Shipwright 2nd Release£45.99 Inc VAT -
Ardgowan Clydebuilt Lowland Whisky Sailmaker 3rd Release£51.99 Inc VAT -
Ardgowan Clydebuilt Lowland Whisky Rivete 4th Release£50.99 Inc VAT -
Ardgowan Clydebuilt Lowland Whisky Draughtsman 6th Release£54.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Ardgowan, Speyside Region, Scotland. Founded in 1896
Grain to Glass by the Sea
Ardgowan is whisky with a story of revival, vision and sea‑air in its heart. Set near Inverkip, on the historic Ardgowan Estate overlooking the Firth of Clyde, the distillery is new—but it draws from Scotland’s long whisky tradition. While the original Ardgowan distillery in Greenock opened back in 1896, it ceased operations mid‑20th century. In recent years, whisky makers seized the opportunity to bring whisky back to this part of the west coast, with a modern distillery, bold architecture, and an ambitious whisky programme.
The current Ardgowan Distillery Company was founded in the late 2010s. After years of planning, investment, building, it filled its first oak casks in June 2025, marking the official return of Scotch whisky production to Inverclyde after more than eight decades. Their approach is both careful and creative: they’ve introduced “Infinity Casks” (custom sherry‑soaked oak barrels) and launched whisky ranges called Clydebuilt and Discovery even while their single malt spirit continues to mature. If you care about innovation plus heritage, Ardgowan is a distillery to watch.
Flavour Profile:
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 |
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| Oaky / Woody |
Fruity
|
Sweet |
Ardgowan is known for its thoughtful, upcoming single malts and selected cask releases. Key flavour characteristics include:
• Ripe orchard fruit—apple, pear—with soft vanilla and toffee sweetness
• Rich wood influence from their special oak casks that adds spice and depth
• Balanced sweetness and mature oak tannins, with honeyed malt undertones
• Long finishes that leave you tasting oak spice and warm wood
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Caramel / Toffee |
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Vanilla |
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Apple / Pear |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
Popular Bottles
Here are some of Ardgowan’s more visible and sought‑after whiskies:
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8‑Year‑Old Single Malt Series No. 4 – matured in sherry casks, rich oak and dried fruit tones
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Clydebuilt Official Opening Day Bottle – a commemorative expression marking production start in 2025
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Discovery Series No. 2 – 8‑year‑old Oloroso sherry hogshead, bold flavour profile
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Clydebuilt Blended Malts (Anchorsmith, Riveter, Shipwright etc.) – showcasing various wood finishes and blending styles
Ardgowan 8 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Discovery Series No.4
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The Distillery
Name: Ardgownan Distillery
Address: Bankfoot Farm, Inverkip, PA16 0DT, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 https://www.ardgowandistillery.com/ |
 +44 7957 538 231 |
Visiting Ardgowan Distillery:
Visitor Centre & Tours
Yes, Ardgowan offers a full visitor experience.
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Opening Times: Typically open 10am – 5pm, Monday to Saturday (subject to seasonal changes)
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Experiences Available:
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Guided distillery tours with tastings
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Private cask room visits
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Whisky shop and tasting bar
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Events and special releases onsite
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The visitor centre is modern and stylish, but still rooted in local character. Expect passionate guides, great drams, and a calm, welcoming setting not far from the coast.
Ownership & History
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The original Ardgowan Distillery was founded in 1896 in Greenock, but closed in 1952.
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The new Ardgowan Distillery project was launched in the 2010s by a group of investors and whisky enthusiasts.
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Major funding and development began in 2018, with construction starting soon after.
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The modern distillery officially filled its first cask in June 2025, marking its return to Scotch whisky production.
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The current team includes Roland Grain as CEO and Laura Davies heading production.
It remains a privately funded operation, with a clear focus on premium-quality Scotch whisky and long-term legacy building.
Distillery Facts
Basic Info & History
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Founded in 1836 by George Donald.
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Was purchased by Johnnie Walker & Sons in the 1890s.
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Closed in the early 20th century (around 1924) after ceasing production post‑World War I.
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The site was largely unused or repurposed until bought in 2007 by David Thomson and Teresa Church.
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After renovation and restoration, whisky production resumed in 2014.
Location & Region
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Located in Annan, Dumfries & Galloway in the Lowlands region of Scotland.
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Situated very close to the Scottish‑English border.
Production Details & Capacity
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Has one wash still and two spirit stills.
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Wash still holds about 12,000 litres; spirit stills about 4,000 litres each.
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Annual production capacity is around 250,000–260,000 litres (pure alcohol) per year.
Styles & Expressions
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Produces both unpeated single malt ("Man O’ Words") and peated single malt ("Man O’ Sword").
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The names draw on Scottish history: “Man O’ Words” refers to Robert Burns, “Man O’ Sword” refers to Robert the Bruce.
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Cask types include ex‑bourbon, sherry butts, and specially treated oak casks (e.g. STR: shaved, toasted, re‑charred).
Distinctive Features
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The distillery was restored with attention to heritage: original pink sandstone buildings, one of the few remaining original Charles Doig pagoda‑roof malt kilns.
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Twin spirit stills design helps remove undesirable sulphur compounds and improve purity of spirit.
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Long fermentation periods (approximately 66–96 hours) help develop fruitiness and complexity.
Recognition & Experience
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First single malt release was from spirit distilled in 2014, after the re‑opening, officially bottled in 2018.
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Offers tours, tastings, and visitor centre facilities.
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Known for single cask selections and limited edition releases, including “Founders’ Selection”.
Ardgowan Whisky to Buy
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