Single malt distillery Ardgowan fills first cask
Single malt distillery Ardgowan fills first cask
23rd June 2025
Independent Scotch whisky business Ardgowan Distillery Company today announces the filling of its first cask since building concluded earlier this month.
Founded in 2017, the west coast firm is led by whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain and Distillery Manager Laura Davies, who together spearhead an expert team with a combined experience spanning over seven decades in the whisky industry.
Featuring an impressive Scandinavian longhouse design and visually striking 97% recycled aluminium roof, the distillery has its sights set on producing top quality whisky and striving for carbon neutrality.
The historic milestone saw Ardgowan’s first oak cask filled with new make spirit ready for maturation, and an official Opening Day held last Friday (20th June 2025).
Following eight years of development, planning and construction, it is the first new distillery to open in Inverclyde for over a century. Until now, the last distillery to operate in the region was destroyed in the Greenock Blitz on 7th May 1941.
Millions of pounds (GBP) have already been invested in Ardgowan’s signature ‘Infinity Casks’: oak casks which have hosted Sherry for three years prior to production commencing and are intended for maturation periods of 18 years or more.
Sustainability was a top consideration throughout construction, with green technologies, including Thermal Vapour Recompression (TVR), which recycles heat waste, being installed.
Commenting on this major landmark, Grain shares:
“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 Distillery’s visitor centre is planned to open later this summer with various experiences on offer, catering for whisky novices and connoisseurs alike.
Join Our Team: Visitor Centre Manager
Join Our Team: Distillery Visitor Centre & Shop Manager
Award-winning Independent Whisky
Bankfoot Farm, Inverkip, PA16 0DT
JOBSJoin us at Ardgowan Distillery as we open our first ever visitor centre and help shape the future of one of Scotland’s most exciting new whisky destinations.We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Visitor Centre and Shop Manager to lead day to day operations, deliver a world class guest experience and set the standard from day one. From cruise visitors to whisky collectors, this is a rare opportunity to be the face of a distillery with global ambition and local roots.
The Role: Visitor Centre Manager
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Visitor Centre and Shop Manager to lead the opening and daily operations of our new visitor centre at Ardgowan Distillery.
This is a hands on role that offers much more than simply running a shop. You’ll be the face of Ardgowan for many of our guests, from casual drop ins to organised groups from the nearby cruise terminal, and you’ll be responsible for shaping their first experience of who we are and what we stand for.
You’ll lead from the front, setting the standard for exceptional customer experience, managing a growing team, coordinating tours, and delivering strong retail performance- all while ensuring the warm and professional welcome we want Ardgowan Distillery to be known for.
As a new distillery with big ambitions, this is a chance to help define our public presence and make a real impact. There will also be opportunities to support activity across the UK, particularly out of season, as we continue to build the Ardgowan Distillery brand at home and internationally.
Please note: The role includes weekend work with occasional UK and overseas travel.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Operations
• Manage the full operation of the visitor centre including retail, tours, tastings and hospitality
• Oversee booking systems, including trade and VIP visits
• Ensure smooth daily operations and consistent high standards of service
• Lead our Private Cask owner experience
• Work flexibly, including weekends and occasional evenings
Team Management
• Recruit, train and lead the visitor centre team
• Develop rotas, carry out regular staff reviews and support professional development
• Ensure all staff are trained in alcohol sales in line with licensing laws
Financial Oversight
• Manage budgets, stock and all retail transactions
• Monitor performance and help drive profitability
Marketing and Promotion
• Work with the marketing team to attract local and international visitors
• Promote events, tastings and retail products through a variety of channels
Brand Representation
• Represent Ardgowan Distillery at events and in the media
• Support sales and marketing teams at trade shows and whisky festivals, especially outside peak visitor season
Collaboration
• Work with other departments to develop new experiences and offerings
• Contribute to broader operational and commercial strategy
Experience
• Strong background in visitor centre, hospitality or tourism management
• Experience opening or launching new facilities is a strong advantage
Skills and Attributes
• Natural leader with excellent team management abilities
• Comfortable delivering presentations and representing a brand
• Creative and commercially aware, with an understanding of digital marketing
• Proactive, adaptable and thrives in fast changing environments
• Genuine interest in whisky preferred and confident sharing that enthusiasm with others
Requirements
• Experience in hospitality, tourism or retail
• Strong background in customer service
• Experience in the spirits industry preferred
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team
• Willingness to work weekends and occasional evenings
• Full UK driving licence
Salary
• Dependent on experience
• Matched contribution of 5% to your Pension
• Paid holiday entitlement of 34 inclusive of public/bank holidays
• Private health cover scheme
• Discretionary Bonus
• An Employee Assistance Programme
To Apply: Applications now closed
Closing Date: Closed
Please Note: Applications will be reviewed w/c 9th June and all applicants will be notified by 20th June
Ardgowan Distillery and Sustainability
Ardgowan & Hydrogen Green Power - Distilling a Greener Future
Sustainability
Bankfoot Farm, Inverkip, PA16 0DT