Last updated: 21/10/26

About Ardgowan Distillery

Where is the distillery located?

Ardgowan Distillery is situated on the historic Ardgowan Estate, just north of Inverkip in the Inverclyde region of Scotland, on the Firth of Clyde. Our address is Ardgowan Distillery, Bankfoot Farm, Inverkip, PA16 0DT, SCOTLAND.

The land beneath our distillery carries centuries of history: from Viking raids to royal battles, and even links to Robert the Bruce and King Robert III.

When was it founded?

Ardgowan Distillery Company was established in 2017. The distillery was completed in 2025, with the first cask being filled on the 17^th of June that year. The site officially opened to the public on the 20^th of June 2025, making Ardgowan the first new distillery in Inverclyde in over a century.

Who owns it?

Ardgowan is a proudly independent Scotch whisky company. Our majority shareholder and CEO is Austrian whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain.

What makes Ardgowan different?

Ardgowan Distillery Company is an independent Scotch whisky producer with two brands under one vision: Ardgowan, a new Single Malt distillery opened in June 2025, and Clydebuilt, an award-winning range of independently bottled Scotch whiskies.

• A new distillery with deep roots. As well as being the third distillery to carry the proud name, Ardgowan is set within the historic Ardgowan Estate, steeped in centuries of history and connected to Scottish kings of the past.
• Home of the Infinity Cask. Created in partnership with José y Miguel Martín, one of Spain’s most respected Sherry bodegas, the Infinity Cask is Ardgowan’s own bespoke cask design. Built from European oak, it is engineered for long, slow maturation, reflecting the distillery’s patient, long-term approach to making whisky.
• The Cathedral of Whisky. Inspired by Scandinavian longhouse architecture, the distillery has been affectionately nicknamed the Cathedral of Whisky. Its striking roof is made from 97% recycled aluminium, one of many considered choices made in the building’s design.
• Efficiency by design. Ardgowan was built with innovation and energy efficiency at the forefront. Thermal Vapour Recompression (TVR) captures steam from distillation and reuses it elsewhere in production, while self-contained cooling and boiling systems keep energy use tightly controlled.
• Shaped for flavour. Fermentation runs for 144 hours, more than twice the typical 60 to 70 hours, a choice made for depth of character rather than speed. On the wash still, the lye pipe (the arm carrying vapour from the still to the condenser) slopes downwards, allowing richer, fuller flavours to pass through, while on the spirit still, it angles upwards, so more vapour falls back into the still for a lighter, cleaner spirit. Together, they create the balance of body and fruitiness at the heart of Ardgowan’s character.
• Expertise at the heart of the spirit. Our Distillery Manager and Whisky Maker, Laura Davies, has been producing whisky since 2012. She trained under the late Dr Jim Swan, one of the most influential figures in modern whisky making, during her time in the Welsh whisky industry.
• Two brands, one approach. Clydebuilt, the company’s acclaimed independent bottling range, offers Ardgowan-crafted whiskies to enjoy while the distillery’s own Single Malt matures. Each whisky is selected and bottled by Whisky Maker Laura Davies.

What style is Ardgowan Single Malt?

Ardgowan Single Malt is a full-bodied Scotch whisky with a clean, fruity character, matured predominantly in Sherry casks made of European oak. It is still maturing and has not yet been released.

Ardgowan Distillery sits at the nexus of the Highland, Island and Lowland regions. Our spirit is full-bodied with a clean, fruity character that stands up well to maturation in European oak Sherry casks: the predominant cask type in our wood policy.

We are primarily distilling unpeated spirit; however, in the summer of 2026, we introduced an annual peated distillation to diversify our future Single Malt offering.

Can I buy a cask?

Yes. Ardgowan Distillery offers a limited number of Private Casks, giving you the chance to own a cask of Ardgowan new make spirit, filled and matured at the distillery in a traditional dunnage warehouse. Casks are priced at £8,304, including ten year’ storage and insurance. To find out more and to secure a cask, visit our Private Cask page.

Planning Your Visit

Can I visit the distillery on a cruise stop at Greenock?

Absolutely. We’re located just 6 miles south west of the Greenock Cruise Terminal, around a 15-minute drive. We offer plenty of flexible options to make the most out of your visit, even if you have limited time ashore. Feel free to contact us to discuss this further at [email protected].

What is the nearest airport?

The distillery is located 20 miles west of Glasgow International Airport, which takes around 35 minutes to drive.

Is the distillery close to any ferry terminals?

Yes. We are just 3.5 miles north of Wemyss Bay (ferries to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute), 3.5 miles south west of Gourock (ferries to Dunoon and Kilcreggan), and 10 miles north of Largs (ferries to Great Cumbrae). A distillery visit can be a very convenient stop before or after your adventure.

How can I get there by car?

If you’re travelling from the north or east, take the M8 motorway, then the A8, and then the A78. If you’re coming from the south, follow the A78 north.

Can I visit without a car?

Yes, although due to the distillery’s relatively rural location, public transport options are limited.

Inverkip railway station is 1.5 miles south of the distillery, a walk of approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

There are also various bus options, including McGill’s ClydeFlyer, which stops at Daff Avenue in Inverkip. This will require a walk of around 20 to 25 minutes.

If you plan to get a taxi, local firm Inverclyde Taxis operate out of Greenock 24 hours a day. You can book a taxi with them on +44 (0) 1475 734 563.

Driving or getting a taxi is currently the most convenient way to reach us.

Where can I park?

We have ample free on-site parking, including accessible parking spaces. We also have electric vehicle charging points (Type 2) which can be used through the Tap EV app.

What are your opening hours?

• April to September: open 7 days a week. Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00; Sunday, 11:30 to 17:00.
• October to March: open 7 days a week, same hours. No tours on Mondays.
• Please note: our Visitor Centre closes over Christmas and New Year.

Are short visits possible?

Yes, you can stay as long or as short as you wish. We have a distillery shop where you can drop in for a short visit. If you have 90 minutes to spare, you can join us on a distillery tour. Please check the schedule and availability for the day you plan to visit us.

Do I need to book in advance? Are walk‑ins accepted? What if I’m late? Cancellation rules?

Booking is not essential, but we’d highly recommend securing your place(s) on a distillery tour in advance to avoid disappointment, as numbers on each tour are limited. That said, we’re very happy to accept walk-ins if there is availability.

What is your cancellation policy?

Tours cancelled with more than 24 hours’ notice will receive a full refund. Tours cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged in full.

Is there an on‑site café?

We do not currently have a café on-site, and hot and cold food is not available to buy, but there are a number of places to eat close by. Feel free to ask our team for recommendations.

Tours & Experiences

Do you offer distillery tours?

Yes, we offer 90-minute tours. The experience includes a guided journey through our impressive production area and an on-site dunnage warehouse. You’ll learn about the creative innovations that set us apart, plus our unique wood policy and the story of the Infinity Cask. To round off the experience, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of three distinctive expressions from the Clydebuilt whisky range, each revealing its own character and craftsmanship.

How much does the tour cost?

The distillery tour costs £19.50 for adults (18+) and £6 for children (17 and under).

When do the tours run?

Tours are available 7 days a week from April to September, and 6 days a week (Tuesday to Sunday) from October to March. There are typically three time slots each day: 10:30, 13:00 and 15:00 (Monday to Saturday) and 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00 (Sunday).

How do I book a tour?

Tours can be booked on our website or in person at the distillery shop. Walk-ins are welcome when spaces are available, but we recommend booking ahead as numbers are limited.

When should I arrive for my tour?

We kindly ask visitors to arrive 10 minutes before the start of the tour and check in at the shop. Latecomers are not guaranteed their tour space(s) and will not be refunded.

Are children welcome on tours?

Yes. Children (aged 17 and under) are welcome to join tours for £6 each but must be accompanied by an adult (18+) at all times. Please be sure to book their space(s) as part of your overall booking. No soft drink alternative is provided during the whisky tasting element of the tour.

I’m the designated driver. How does the tasting work for me?

If you’re not drinking on the day, we’ll provide you with a ‘driver’s pack’ containing the full set of whiskies from the tasting, ideal for savouring at home.

Do you offer group bookings and private tours?

Yes, we do. Please contact us at [email protected] with your requirements and we’ll reply as soon as possible.

Do you offer tour gift vouchers?

Yes, we do. These can be created for between 1 and 10 people and can be purchased either in person at the on-site distillery shop or over the phone on +44 (0) 7957 538 231.

I have accessibility needs. Can I visit the distillery?

Yes. On arrival, there is a ramp from the car park taking you directly to our shop’s entrance. The shop entrance has one step; however, wheelchair users can enter through the courtyard doors located at the back, via a slight ramp. Please note that the courtyard leading into the back of the shop is cobbled.

Our tour route is currently not fully accessible, but we can offer access to our shop and a visit to our accessible areas (lower distillery and warehouse). If you would like to discuss this further, please email us at [email protected].

Our full Accessibility Statement is available on our website.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs (except assistance dogs) are not permitted in the distillery or on any tours. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in our shop.

Still have a question? Please feel free to contact us at [email protected].