Ardgowan takes 3 gold medals in the 2022 Scottish Whisky Awards

At the 4th annual Scottish Whisky Awards, up against nearly 200 Scotch whiskies which were blind-tasted and involving whiskies from 61 Scottish distilleries and independent bottlers, Ardgowan won 3 Gold Awards – in the ‘Single Malt Under 12 Years Old’, ‘Single Cask 12 Years Old and Under’ and ‘Blended Malt’ categories.

The winning drams were selected and blended by the Ardgowan team led by our master whisky maker, Max McFarlane.

We are beyond excited to win 3 gold medals. Proof that dedication, passion and commitment to excellence paid off.

The first winner of the evening was Clydebuilt Sailmaker, winning Gold in the ‘Blended Malt’ category. Sailmaker follows and surpasses the successful footsteps of the other two Clydebuilt releases, Coppersmith and Shipwright, which previously won Silver in the same category. Sailmaker is a unique blended malt combining six distinctive whiskies from Highland, Lowland and Speyside Distilleries. Each of these whiskies has matured in first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks, personally selected by Max McFarlane.

When we released Sailmaker, Max McFarlane said: “I think Sailmaker is The Clydebuilt Collection’s best whisky yet. It’s the first time we have incorporated Lowland whisky alongside Speyside and Highland single malts, which adds significant depth and richness to the flavour profile.” Tonight’s Gold award proves he was 100% right!

NOSE: Peppery, with an intriguing balance of dried spices, stone fruits, fresh nectarines, chocolate truffles, and Seville orange marmalade.

PALATE: Relaxes slowly to reveal long-lasting butterscotch, marzipan, mangoes, and a hint of vanilla essence.

FINISH: Rich sherry pervades – raisins and spice.

Clydebuilt Sailmaker has been bottled at 48% ABV, without colouring or chill-filtering. It retails at £52.50 via the distillery’s online shop here.

The second winner was Discovery No.4, in the ‘Single Malt Under 12 Years Old’ category. This Highland single malt Scotch whisky has been maturing in first-fill sherry hogsheads for 8 years, waiting to be revealed and, most importantly, enjoyed. It has received great feedback from customers in our recent festivals and tastings, becoming a favourite from the start.

NOSE: A light sherried warmth, cinnamon sticks, sugar almonds, barbecued pineapples and delicate florals.

PALATE: Rich, waxy, sweet, butterscotch to the fore, sherry trifle, plump sultanas and treacle tart.

FINISH: A long, lingering finish on the tastebuds.

Discovery No. 4 has been bottled at 60% ABV, without colouring or chill-filtering. It retails at £69.99 via the distillery’s online shop here.

The third winner was Inverdarach Potstill Editions Aon, winning Gold in the ‘Single Cask 12 Years Old and Under’ category. Inverdarach Potstill Editions Aon is an 11-year-old Glentauchers (2010) matured in a sherry cask. A true gift for sherry bomb lovers.

NOSE: A rich nose of dark orange marmalade, Christmas cake, and candied pecans alongside a floral edge of spicy, aromatic tulips.

PALATE: Dried fruits, bramble jam, butterscotch fingers and clingy honey notes.

FINISH: Lingers beautifully and showcases the sherry wood in spectacular style.

Inverdarach Potstill Editions Aon has been bottled at 54.2% ABV, without colouring or chill-filtering. It retails at £124.99 via the distillery’s online shop here.