Ardgowan Through the Ages: From Kings to Casks
Ardgowan Through the Ages: From Kings to Casks
4th February 2026
The Ardgowan name carries centuries of history. Both the former distilleries and the estate where our site now stands have been shaped by many years of conflict, craftsmanship, royalty and resilience. Learn more about the remarkable backdrop that shapes today’s modern Ardgowan Distillery.
The First Distilleries to Carry the Ardgowan Name
The original Ardgowan Distillery was founded in 1896 at 39 Baker Street in Greenock, producing grain whisky for a consortium of renowned blenders: John Walker, Robertson of Dundee, William Teacher, and Pattisons of Leith. It was an ambitious enterprise and one that would soon face extraordinary challenges.
In 1902, the distillery was acquired by The Distillers Company Ltd (DCL). Just a year later, disaster struck. A devastating fire raged for five days, claiming seven lives and leaving the local community deeply scarred.
By around 1914, Ardgowan was rebuilt and back in production, this time making yeast and grain whisky. After a three-year closure, it reopened in 1929 to produce industrial alcohol. During World War II, this alcohol played a vital role in refuelling RAF fighter planes: an unexpected but significant contribution to the war effort.
The Greenock Blitz
On the nights of the 6th and 7th of May 1941, Greenock endured two nights of relentless bombing. Although the shipyards were the intended targets, residential areas suffered the greatest damage.
Ardgowan Distillery was hit on the first night. By the second, its stores of highly flammable alcohol had turned it into an inferno of blue flames so bright it acted as a beacon for Luftwaffe bombers. Witnesses reported seeing the flames from across the town, and a stream of burning whisky was said to have flowed down Baker Street (Greenock Telegraph, 20/05/1941).
The distillery burned for two days and was almost entirely destroyed. Although the production plant was rebuilt within a month, the surrounding buildings remained in ruins for the rest of the war. Ultimately, production ceased in 1952.
The History of the Ardgowan Estate
The land that now hosts our distillery has a past equally as dramatic as the distilleries that once bore our name. From royal battles to Viking raids, the ground beneath us is incredibly rich in history.
A Fortress Against Invaders
Ardgowan Castle was constructed in the late 15th century, replacing an earlier wooden fort that served as a coastal watchtower. This original fort was built to guard against Viking invasions: an early sign of the strategic importance of this stretch of the River Clyde.
Royal Connections
Ardgowan’s story is intertwined with that of the iconic Robert the Bruce, who was King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329. He fought two battles on this very land: first on the side of the English during the taking of the castle, and later defending it as a Scot. His journey from these early conflicts to the historic victory at Bannockburn in 1314 is one of Scotland’s most enduring legends.
On the 5th of May 1404, King Robert III granted the lands of Ardgowan and Inverkip to his son, Sir John Stewart, as part of the Barony of Renfrew. The estate has remained connected to the Stewart family ever since.
Smugglers, Stills & the River Clyde
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, smuggling was woven into the fabric of life along the Firth of Clyde. Whisky, tobacco and tea were the most lucrative contraband goods, and the waters around Ardgowan were busy with merchants and smugglers alike. Illicit stills dotted the landscape, tying the estate to Scotland’s whisky story long before our “Cathedral of Whisky” took shape.
Our History So Far
The modern chapter of Ardgowan began in 2017, when Inverclyde Council approved our plans to build a new distillery and visitor centre on the historic grounds of Ardgowan Estate. It marked the start of an ambitious vision: to create a world‑class Single Malt distillery rooted in heritage yet built for the future.
Sales & Marketing Director David Keir was added to our team in 2023, bringing 30 years of commercial whisky experience honed at Bruichladdich, GlenDronach and GlenAllachie distilleries, among others.
In November 2023, construction officially began, as did filming for our short documentary, Building Ardgowan: A Distillery Reborn, available to watch now on YouTube.
Around the same time, we made a landmark £100 million investment in our bespoke Infinity Casks, created in partnership with celebrated Sherry Bodega, José y Miguel Martín. The unique European oak casks demonstrate an unprecedented commitment to quality and long-term maturation.
In April 2025, Austrian whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain was appointed CEO following his significant investment back in 2021.
A New Era of Expertise
In 2024, Laura Davies joined Ardgowan Distillery Company, bringing with her more than a decade of experience honed under the guidance of the late Dr Jim Swan, one of the most influential whisky minds of the modern era.
Laura’s hands-on approach and technical mastery have been instrumental in developing the diverse and acclaimed Clydebuilt Scotch Whisky range as well as finetuning the Ardgowan new make spirit, which has flowed from our copper stills since June 2025.
Our first cask was filled on the 17th of June, marking the rebirth of the Ardgowan name in the world of whisky. This made Ardgowan the first new distillery to operate in the Inverclyde region for over a century.
Just three days later, on the 20th of June 2025, we celebrated our distillery’s official Opening Day: a milestone eight years in the making.
Opening Our Doors
The momentum continued into August 2025, when we opened our distillery shop to the public and launched our immersive distillery tours. Led by our knowledgeable and charismatic tour guides, visitors can hear the story of Ardgowan while simultaneously exploring our pioneering site. Each experience concludes with a guided tasting of three Clydebuilt expressions, offering guests a flavour of what’s to come. To book a tour, click here.
Own a Piece of History
You can be a part of Ardgowan’s story. We are offering the chance to own a Private Cask filled with our precious Ardgowan new make spirit. For £8,304, you can acquire a first-fill Sherry hogshead from the same supplier as our Infinity Casks: José y Miguel Martín in Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Spain. Each cask holds approximately 250 litres and will be laid down in an on-site dunnage warehouse, fully insured, for ten years. To find out more and secure yours, click here.
New Clydebuilt whiskies unveiled as £5 million is invested in brand
New Clydebuilt whiskies unveiled as £5 million is invested in brand
4th December 2025
Distinguished Scotch whisky brand Clydebuilt today issues four new releases, including three Single Cask bottlings.
The boutique label, owned by independent whisky producer Ardgowan Distillery Company, has been laying down stocks since the company was formed in 2016.
Based in Inverclyde, Ardgowan Distillery began distilling its own malt whisky in June. While the spirit matures over the coming years, Clydebuilt “offers the opportunity for us to showcase our expertise in wood management and the art of blending”.
The award winning range is named to honour the River Clyde’s world renowned shipbuilding heritage, with the word ‘Clydebuilt’ ultimately becoming a byword for quality craftsmanship.
The firm demonstrated its continued commitment to the brand by way of a significant investment in mature malt whisky stocks to the tune of £5 million in 2025, with a further £4m planned in 2026.
CEO Roland Grain explained the rationale behind the investment: “Our bespoke Infinity Casks for Ardgowan spirit are designed for long maturation by their very nature. The stock we’ve already acquired, and this further investment, ensure Clydebuilt will have solid foundations for the decades ahead until Ardgowan Single Malt is truly ready. This is a key step in achieving our goal to double turnover annually until 2030.”
For this release, Ardgowan’s Whisky Maker and Distillery Manager Laura Davies oversaw and selected the casks, which were aged on site in the distillery’s traditional dunnage warehouses.
Comprising one Blended Malt and three Single Cask Single Malts, the latest tranche of releases from the independent bottling house includes:
27 year old 100% Sherry Matured Blended Malt – Speyside, Highland & Island (RRSP £95.00): a multifaceted expression bringing together Highland and Island whiskies, fully matured in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry hogshead, and 33 year old malt distilled at Benrinnes Distillery. A limited edition of 408 bottles.- 2009 Bourbon Hogshead, Fettercairn Distillery (RRSP £85.00): distilled in the Highlands, cask number 800292 was matured on site at Ardgowan Distillery. The cask’s Bourbon history has imparted notes of toffee apples and citrus zest on the 272 bottles of Single Malt available.
- 2012 Bourbon Hogshead, Royal Brackla Distillery (RRSP £75.00): previously hosting Bourbon, cask number 306449 subsequently aged Highland Single Malt from Royal Brackla Distillery. The resulting 290 bottles boast vibrant flavours of lemongrass, green apple and vanilla.
- 2014 Sherry Butt, Ben Nevis Distillery (RRSP £85.00): an amber Highland Single Malt matured in a single Spanish Sherry cask (#800040). Limited to 327 bottles, the nose brings cinnamon stewed pears while the palate offers butterscotch, nutmeg and brown sugar.
All four of the new Clydebuilt expressions are proudly bottled at their natural cask strength and without added colouring or undergoing chill filtration, preserving their full character and integrity.
Commenting on the news, Davies remarks:
“The Clydebuilt brand stands on craftsmanship and pride in quality, just like the Clyde’s former shipbuilders. With these new releases, we’ve drawn on exceptional whiskies and incredible, rich casks to create expressions full of character and individuality. These malts show just some of the scope we’re working with in our aged stocks. Having invested £5 million this year in securing stock to lay down for Clydebuilt, there’s a very bright future ahead for the brand.”
In September, Ardgowan announced a series of new distribution partnerships for Clydebuilt across key markets in Europe, North America and Asia, significantly expanding its global accessibility.
The new Clydebuilt bottlings will become increasingly available from specialist retailers from today – find a list of UK stockists and international distributors here.
Tasting Notes
Clydebuilt 27 year old Blended Malt – Speyside, Highland & Island, 41.8% ABV
- Colour: Dark auburn.
- Nose: Citrus zest, white pepper and marzipan.
- Taste: Dark cherries, toasted marshmallow, sticky raisins and ‘pear drop’ sweets.
Clydebuilt 2009 Bourbon Hogshead Single Cask – Fettercairn Distillery, 56.3% ABV
- Colour: Bright golden.
- Nose: Lemon sorbet and vanilla fudge.
- Taste: Silky toffee apples and more citrus zest.
Clydebuilt 2012 Bourbon Hogshead Single Cask – Royal Brackla Distillery, 52.9% ABV
- Colour: Bronze.
- Nose: Ripe peaches, nutmeg and subtle heather.
- Taste: Vibrant flavours of lemongrass, green apple and vanilla pods.
Clydebuilt 2014 Sherry Butt Single Cask – Ben Nevis Distillery, 60.0% ABV
- Colour: Rich amber.
- Nose: Cinnamon stewed pears and brown sugar.
- Taste: Butterscotch sauce and freshly grated nutmeg.
Local talent named as Ardgowan Distillery’s new Finance Director
Local talent named as Ardgowan Distillery's new Finance Director
12th November 2025
Independent Scotch whisky producer Ardgowan Distillery Company Ltd today announces the internal promotion of Paula Gaffney to Finance Director as the business gears up for its next phase of growth.
Paula, a Port Glasgow native, steps into the role following her successful tenure as Company Accountant at the firm.
Since then, she has played an integral part in shaping Ardgowan’s financial strategy, strengthening internal processes, and supporting the development of the company’s £25 million distillery in Inverkip.
A Chartered Accountant and graduate of Glasgow Caledonian University, Paula brings a proven record of financial leadership and over nine years of post-qualified experience.
Her new role will focus on long-term planning, forecasting and supporting ongoing investment as Ardgowan moves into steady production.
The distillery began operations in June this year following eight years of planning and construction, with casks being laid down for maturation and some available to the public for purchase.
Ardgowan recently secured distribution deals with import partners in Germany, Sweden, Singapore, Malaysia and Canada, substantially expanding global availability of its independent bottling brand, Clydebuilt.
Commenting on her appointment, Paula shares:
“I’m honoured to step into the role of Finance Director at such an exciting time for Ardgowan. We have ambitious plans, and I look forward to building on our strong foundations, supporting continued growth, and delivering long-term value. As a local, being part of this distillery, which is the first new distillery in Inverclyde for over a century, is particularly special.”
Ardgowan’s CEO Roland Grain adds:
“Paula has demonstrated exceptional capability and strategic insight, making her an invaluable asset to Ardgowan. Promoting local talent like Paula reinforces our commitment to strong leadership as we continue to grow and innovate.”
The distillery is now open to the public with an on-site shop and distillery tours currently available from Wednesday to Sunday. Tour gift vouchers are available to purchase, either in the shop or over the phone.
Q&A with Miguel Martín, our Sherry cask supplier
Q&A with Miguel Martín, our Sherry cask supplier
31st October 2025
At Ardgowan Distillery, our appreciation for Sherry cask maturation, and more specifically the rich character of European oak, is at the heart of our vision and philosophy. So much so that we began laying the groundwork years before our distillery was completed.
We chose to partner with José y Miguel Martín S.L. (JMM): a renowned, family-run Sherry bodega whose legacy of craftsmanship and tradition dates back over a century to 1917. Together, we began soaking casks with organic Sherry in the coastal warehouses of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Spain, no less than three years before we began distilling.
Our cask collaboration with JMM has also seen us invest millions of pounds to develop our own bespoke design: the Infinity Cask, a pioneering creation engineered for extended maturation of 18 years or more. Representing the first new cask size to be introduced in over a century, it stands as a symbol of our long term vision and commitment to quality, innovation and patience.
To explore the story behind our Sherry partnership, the art of cask maturation, and the creation of the Infinity Cask, we sat down with Miguel Martín himself – the man whose family name has become synonymous with excellence in Sherry wood.
As the company is family-owned, how important is that legacy in the creation of your casks?
Miguel: “For us, family is at the centre of what we do. Our casks are not just a product but a result of generations of knowledge, respect for tradition, and endless effort of trying to make them better every day. Out of respect for our customers and for what we have been doing for so long, we maintain the highest standards while staying true to our values.”
How involved were you in the company while growing up?
Miguel: “We have all been involved somehow in the company. All the members of the family have been working in the grape harvest for many years since we were very young; it has been a family tradition. Beyond that, growing up around the winery and the cooperage gave us a natural connection to the business.”
What part of your job makes you most fulfilled?
Miguel: “Seeing how our clients are satisfied with the result of their spirit maturing in our casks is incredibly fulfilling, and our goal. We constantly innovate and experiment with different types of oak/casks so we can offer our clients the best quality possible.”
What’s your favourite Sherry style to produce?
Miguel: “Each style has its charm, but our favourite is Amontillado. It is a very misunderstood wine but offers a very versatile style: the freshness of a biological ageing, but also the complexity of oxidative notes. It’s not so common in whisky maturation, but we find it fascinating because it brings balance, structure, and a wide aromatic spectrum.”
How does the choice of Sherry cask (Fino, Oloroso, PX, etc.) and level of toast/char influence the final flavour development of the whisky?
Miguel: “In the casks we produce, we do not apply a traditional toast or char. Instead, we heat the casks for approximately 50 minutes, gradually increasing the internal temperature until it reaches between 230°C and 250°C. The goal of this process is to open the grain of the oak, allowing for a greater interaction between the wood and the Sherry. This enhances the seasoning process and, later, results in a more intense and complex maturation of the spirit.
“The toast is a natural consequence of this extended heating, rather than an intentional separate step. We apply this method consistently across all Sherry styles used. Moreover, each Sherry style (Oloroso, PX, Amontillado, Palo Cortado...) imparts a distinct flavour and aroma profile to the same spirit during maturation, contributing to a unique and diverse range of whisky expressions.”
Is there a Sherry style that you really feel is underrated by Scotch whisky distilleries?
Miguel: “Amontillado and Palo Cortado are distinctive Sherries to use for very long maturations. Their balance of character and complexity allows the casks to bring depth and elegance to the spirit over time, making them especially suitable for extended ageing.
“Anyway, in my opinion, the one that gives the best results for what we consider a ‘Sherry style’ profile is mainly the Oloroso, followed also by PX.”
At Ardgowan, we will use European oak exclusively for our Sherry matured Single Malt. What kind of impact will that bring to our whisky?
Miguel: “The oak used is Spanish and French oak. This oak has a higher tannin content and a tighter grain than American oak. This leads to more structure, spicier notes, a deeper colour, and generally a more robust impact on the whisky. American oak tends to be sweeter, with more vanilla, while European oak is more intense and complex.”
Can you talk us through the process for creating the Infinity Cask?
Miguel: “These casks are made manually, as they exceed the normal size of standard butts, and the cooperage machines cannot adapt to them, which makes the production more time-consuming. For the seasoning process, we have built special racks to store them. As they are larger and contain less oak surface per litre, they are ideal for longer maturation. The influence of the oak on the spirit will be softer, resulting in a very smooth character during long-term ageing.”
Ardgowan commissioned you to start laying down the Infinity Casks years before the distillery was even built, exclusively using European oak. How does it feel to be involved with Ardgowan and part of this vision?
Miguel: “I am very proud that Ardgowan trusts us to make and prepare the casks for maturing their spirit. I feel a strong responsibility in preparing these casks, as they will shape the character of the whisky. In this way, I consider myself part of the distillery’s project, and I will do my utmost to help achieve the best possible maturation and for Ardgowan to be recognised as a top premium Scotch whisky.”
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Our partnership with Miguel Martín and his team is centred on a shared belief in the importance of quality wood in whisky making. As we patiently allow our whisky to mature in these expertly constructed Sherry casks, we take pride in knowing that the character of Ardgowan will be shaped by the same dedication and expertise that define JMM’s world-class bodega.
Thank you to Miguel Martín and María Martín Reche for their time and support in producing this blog. If you would like to visit the Home of the Infinity Cask, find out more and book a tour here. Our Private Casks are also created by JMM; discover more and secure yours here.