Showing posts sorted by relevance for query ardgowan. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query ardgowan. Sort by date Show all posts

Thursday, March 23, 2017

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY LAUNCHES £17M FUNDING DRIVE

The owners of the new proposed Ardgowan Distillery in the Lowlands, have announced the launch of a £17m funding drive.

The Ardgowan Distillery, located 30 miles west of Glasgow, secured planning permission from Inverclyde Council earlier this month and is now seeking investors to bring their ambitious vision to life.

Ardgowan Distillery's first proposed release; Ciad Ghin 7 Year Old Single Malt

The project has raised over £500,000 seed capital to date, and the new distillers are now advancing their proposals to build a world-class lowland malt whisky distillery and visitor attraction on the historic Ardgowan Estate.

Construction is scheduled to start later this year, with plans to be operational in 2019. Ardgowan distillery owners are being advised by the Campbell Dallas Corporate Finance team, led by Harro Leusink.

Commenting on the news, Willie Phillips, Ardgowan Distillery Chairman, said: “Ardgowan Distillery is a terrific commercial proposition and Campbell Dallas is the right firm to assist us with this fundraising – they have a strong track record of advising on funding as well as an excellent understanding of the brewing and distilling sector. We are planning to build an outstanding distillery of significant scale to make a lowland single malt that will have a distinctive taste and flavour given its proximity to the sea. Our flagship will be a premium seven year old single malt, which I anticipate will establish Ardgowan as a single malt of great character.”

He went on to say: “We already have a senior management team in place with proven experience in project delivery, and have brought on board former Bruichladdich and Diageo veterans Gordon Wright and Michael Egan in commercial and product engineering advisory roles. Initial production will be around 200,000 litres of pure alcohol (LPA) and this will rise to over 800,000 LPA at full production. The distillery will be scalable with the option to expand production to 1.6m LPA with limited additional investment.”

The new distillery will resurrect the name of the Ardgowan Distillery, which was founded in 1896 and located in Baker Street, Greenock. After a few years of whisky production, the distillery was used to make grain spirt and industrial alcohol until it was destroyed in the May Blitz of 1941.

Posted by Steve Rush

Monday, January 22, 2024

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN

The Inverclyde-based Ardgowan Distillery, has today announced the appointment of Paul Currie as its new Chairman, ahead of its £20m distillery becoming operational at the end of 2024.

With 30 years’ experience founding successful independent distilleries including the Isle of Arran Distillers and The Lakes Distillery, Paul will bring an extensive understanding of the whisky industry to state of the art, net-zero designed Ardgowan distillery.

Paul Currie: New Chairman of Ardgowan Distillery

Paul's appointment comes in tandem with the recent appointment of Sales and Marketing Director, David Keir, a Founding Director of The GlenAllachie Distillers Company with over 25 years industry experience.

Commenting on the news, Paul Currie, said: “There has been great change in the malt whisky industry over the last 30 years, as many new independent distilleries have opened. I have been fortunate to have been involved as co-founder of two of these, Isle of Arran and The Lakes, both of which continue to grow and prosper. A new wave of distilleries are now opening both in Scotland and in the rest of the world and Ardgowan Distillery is set to be at the forefront of these, with a terrific location, innovative ideas and an outstanding team.”

He went onto say: “From the cutting-edge technologies helping the distillery reach its sustainability goals to the commitment to quality made through Ardgowan’s investment in its unique Infinity casks, everything to date has been planned to the highest standard.”

Paul concluded by saying: “With construction now underway on site, it is a pivotal time to be joining the team. I am particularly looking forward to supporting the development of the Clan Ardgowan programme which allows whisky lovers from all over the world to become part of Ardgowan Distillery’s journey. I am also enthusiastic about bringing my knowledge and experience to the team to help Ardgowan to become a leading single malt brand.”

Paul Currie joins a team of notable industry names currently backing the distillery including ex-Macallan Master of Wood, Stuart Macpherson and Master Whisky Maker, Max McFarlane, previous Lead Whisky Maker at Edrington with over 40 years industry experience.


Posted by Steve Rush

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY SIGNS £100M UNIQUE CASK DEAL

The Inverclyde based Ardgowan Distillery, has today announced that it has signed a £100 million deal, with one of Spain’s oldest Sherry cask producers - to secure a decades long supply of “infinity casks”.

Marking what is believed to be the first unique cask design for the Scottish whisky industry in more than 100 years, Ardgowan has commissioned Bodegas Miguel MartĂ­n to construct sustainably sourced European oak casks, at a cost of 30 to 40 times more than standard whisky casks.

Ardgowan Distillery signs £100m unique cask deal

The first batch of Ardgowan Infinity casks, which will be used to fully mature their whisky, have already been manufactured and are now being seasoned for at least two years in Bodegas in SanlĂșcar de Barrameda.

Commenting on the news, Martin McAdam, CEO of Ardgowan Distillery, said: “The Ardgowan Infinity cask is specifically designed for us and is the first unique cask design for the Scottish whisky industry in over a century. The casks are specifically designed for long-maturation and will be seasoned with organic sherry for 27 months – far longer than the industry standard of 12-18 months. While others hurry to take their whisky to market Ardgowan has made a conscious decision to delay the introduction of our single malt to market to make sure we’re getting the most out of these special casks.”

As construction on their new £20m zero-carbon distillery nears completion, Ardgowan has also appointed a new Master of Wood, Stuart MacPherson - who has 43 years of experience in the industry, including more than a decade as Master of Wood at The Macallan.


Posted by Steve Rush

Monday, October 15, 2018

ARDGOWAN REVEALS NEW DESIGN FOR ITS NEW £12M DISTILLERY

Ardgowan Distillery, has today revealed ambitious designs for their new £12 million distillery, which is being built on the Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip, 30 miles west of Glasgow.
 
The new design, by Michael Laird Architects, brings a number of improvements on the original proposal and will sit alongside the distillery’s visitor centre which will be housed in existing buildings on the Bankfoot site.

Ardgowan reveals new design for its new £12M distillery

The first phase of the distillery incorporates two copper stills and six timber-clad washbacks, with a planned output of 1 million litres per annum. Future output can be doubled via the addition of two further stills plus washbacks in an already-approved second phase.
 
Last month the distillery released its first whisky, a 600-bottle run of Ardgowan Expedition 20 Year Old, a premium blend of malts containing whisky which has been to the South Pole. Ardgowan plans to follow this with a series of limited-edition malts, priced at around the £50 mark, next year.
 
Commenting on the news, Martin McAdam, Chief Executive at the Ardgowan Distillery, said: “This is a state-of-the-art, modern distillery which not only looks fantastic, but will reduce our environmental impact wherever possible. Our architects have worked closely with civil engineers Blyth & Blyth and process designers Briggs of Burton to create a striking distillery which fits well in the landscape and uses heat recovery and closed loop cooling to reduce energy use and water consumption, whilst the extensive use of glass means visitors will get a clear view of the bright airy interior.”

The new distillery which will resurrect the name of the Ardgowan Distillery, which was originally founded in 1896, was granted full planning permission in March last year.

Posted by Steve Rush

Monday, February 06, 2017

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY APPOINTS FORMER MACALLAN MANAGING DIRECTOR AS CHAIRMAN

The owners of the new proposed Ardgowan Distillery in the Lowlands, have today announced the appointment of former Macallan Managing Director Willie Phillips as its new Chairman.

Last year the Ardgowan Distillery submitted plans to Inverclyde Council to build a malt whisky distillery and visitor centre on the Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip, 25 miles west of Glasgow. A planning decision is expected shortly and if the green light is given, the new distillery is expected to be in operation by 2019.

Ardgowan Distillery Chairman - Willie Phillips

Willie, held the role of Managing Director at The Macallan, from 1978 until the company was bought by Highland Distillers in 1996. During this period he helped establish The Macallan single malt as an international brand.

Commenting on his new role at Ardgowan Distillery, Willie Phillips, said: “I’m really interested in the idea of creating a new lowland malt whisky in this part of Scotland, which is close to Irvine, where I spent much of my youth. The Ardgowan team is looking to bring on board one of the most experienced ‘noses’ in the businesses – someone who will help them craft a new spirit of great quality – and I am sure we will together create a really outstanding new lowland single malt whisky.”

If approved, the distillery owners plan to resurrect the name of the Ardgowan Distillery, which was founded in 1896 and located in Baker Street, Greenock. After a few years of whisky production, the distillery was used to make grain spirt and industrial alcohol until it was destroyed in the May Blitz of 1941.

Posted by Steve Rush

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

ARDGOWAN SECURES £1 MILLION INVESTMENT TO BUILD NEW DISTILLERY

The Ardgowan Distillery Company, has today announced that is has secured just under £1M in investment, for its new distillery and visitors centre from the Scottish Government.

The distillery, which in total will cost £12M, will commence construction next year, with ambitious plans for the completion of a world-leading lowland malt whisky distillery by 2020.

The site of the new Ardgowan Distillery

The Ardgowan Distillery, which plans to build the flagship project on the Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip, 30 miles west of Glasgow, secured £982,000 from the government’s Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation grant scheme, providing vital capital towards construction costs.

The new distillery will resurrect the name of the Ardgowan Distillery, which was founded in 1896 and located in Baker Street, Greenock. After a few years of whisky production, the distillery was used to make grain spirt and industrial alcohol until it was destroyed in the May Blitz of 1941.

Commenting on the news, Martin McAdam, Chief Executive Officer of The Ardgowan Distillery Company, said: “The Scotch whisky industry supports over 40,000 jobs in Scotland, and is a vital component of Scotland’s ambitious food and drink growth strategy. This £12 million project will move Inverclyde up the rankings for food and drink production in Scotland. During construction the project will support 35 jobs and contribute over £2 million to the local economy.”

Once up and running, the distillery will create six new full-time jobs, with up to 15 additional jobs in the visitor centre and retail operations, with around 47 further jobs created in the wider economy during the first five years.

Posted by Steve Rush

Monday, June 14, 2021

CONSTRUCTION TO COMMENCE ON ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY FOLLOWING NEW INVESTMENT

Ardgowan Distillery, has today confirmed £8.4 million of new investment, which will allow the company to start construction on their single malt Scotch whisky distillery and visitor centre, later this year.

The first phase of the distillery will incorporate two copper stills and six washbacks, with a planned output of one million litres per annum. Future output can be doubled via the addition of two further stills plus washbacks in an already-approved second phase.

Construction to commence on Ardgowan Distillery following new investment

The new distillery, which will start producing spirit in 2023, will resurrect the name of the Ardgowan Distillery, which was founded in 1896 and located in Baker Street, Greenock. After a few years of whisky production, the distillery was used to make grain spirt and industrial alcohol until it was destroyed in the May Blitz of 1941.

Commenting on the news, Martin McAdam, Ardgowan Distillery CEO, said: “This is terrific news for the project and for Inverclyde. We have put a lot of the uncertainty of Brexit behind us and we hope that Covid will also soon be a distant memory. Over the past few years, we have used the time well to build up our team and craft some fantastic, blended malt whiskies, sourcing some of the finest casks from across Scotland. We are hugely proud of our Expedition and Clydebuilt whiskies which have won industry recognition and continue to gather a growing fanbase of customers.”

The new distillery and visitor centre, which is located on the Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip, 30 miles west of Glasgow, will create up to 30 new jobs in its first five years.


Posted by Steve Rush

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY APPOINTS FORMER EDRINGTON WHISKY MAKER TO ITS DISTILLERY TEAM

The Ardgowan Distillery, has announced that former Edrington whisky maker Max McFarlane, will be joining its distillery team.

For over twenty-five years Max was responsible for the quality and consistency of some of the industry’s most iconic brands, including The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, Bunnahabhain, Tamdhu and Highland Park.

Max McFarlane

Max will now be helping the Inverkip – Renfrewshire based distillery, to develop and deliver a series of new whiskies this autumn, with the long-term mission of making a ‘coastal lowland malt of real character’.

Commenting on the news, Martin McAdam, CEO of Ardgowan, said: “Max is just a lovely guy. He is totally unassuming, and we are delighted he has chosen to work with us. Max knows so much about the industry. He is an expert in assessing new-make spirit and he is also working with the team at Ardgowan on our wood policy and production schedule. He has astonishing talent and is someone we can learn a lot from.”

He went onto say: “By bringing Max on board now, and whilst we wait for our own product, we can showcase some really great-tasting, quality whiskies to establish the Ardgowan brand and give a sense of the kind of spirit the distillery will produce in the years ahead. Max will be a fantastic asset to our team.”

The Ardgowan Distillery has already received planning permission for their 1 million litre facility and will commence construction this year. They plan to start distilling their own spirit in 2020, and aim to produce a flagship 7 Year Old expression, alongside a range of younger single malts.

Posted by Steve Rush

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW £20M ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY

The Inverclyde based Ardgowan Distillery, has announced that it has broken ground on the first phase of its £20 million “cathedral of whisky”.

The first build phase on the new zero-carbon whisky distillery, which will be carried out by the Inverkeithing based Muir construction – and expected to last 12 months, will see the completion of the distillery’s main production elements, including core groundworks, steelwork and distillation equipment.

Construction begins on new £20M Ardgowan Distillery

The innovative distillery design uses low environmental impact composite cladding, timber and steel materials to create a modern Nordic long hall, symbolising resurrection and rising from the ashes of the former Ardgowan Distillery in Greenock, which was bombed during the 1941 Blitz.

The distillery has partnered with Heriot-Watt University and engineers Briggs of Burton to develop technology to capture all of the CO2 in its fermentation process and transform it into green biomethane - a technique which has never been used in a Scotch whisky distillery before.

This first build phase represents the culmination of almost 7 years’ careful planning for the distillery founders, marking a huge milestone in the ergonomic, energy efficient distillery and visitor experience, which will create up to 47 local jobs and produce up to 1m litres of whisky per year.

Commenting on the news, Martin McAdam, Ardgowan CEO, said: “It’s been almost seven years in the planning, spanning Brexit, a global pandemic, and five Prime Ministers. But now, finally, we have started construction. Muir have been integral in constructing some of the finest Scotch Whisky distilleries open today and are at the forefront of several pioneering Scottish sustainability projects. We welcome their expertise as we embark on the first major phase of our state-of-the-art distillery.”

Having released a selection of its own bottlings, including its award-winning Clydebuilt range, Ardgowan is due to start production on its own whisky at the new distillery in 2024.


Posted by Steve Rush

Thursday, June 15, 2023

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY LAUNCHES ITS LATEST CLYDEBUILT BOTTLING

The Inverclyde based Ardgowan Distillery, has today announced the launch of their fourth Clydebuilt bottling, dedicated to the crucial work carried out by riveters in the shipbuilding yards of the Clyde.

Clydebuilt Riveter (50% ABV) is a single grain Scotch whisky from an undisclosed Lowland distillery, which was matured in ex-Bourbon barrels.

Clydebuilt Riveter

Riveter is said to serve as a triumphant tribute to the masterful artistry and unwavering dedication of the Clyde Shipyards' workers, whose unparalleled skill and unrivalled efficiency birthed the renowned term "Clydebuilt," a synonymous expression for well-built ships.

While waiting for the construction of its own distillery, Ardgowan has created an independent bottling business and launched the award winning Clydebuilt series of whiskies, inspired by the rich maritime history of the Clyde shipyards. This latest release signals a move away from previous blended expressions, becoming the first single grain whisky in the collection.

Commenting on the launch, Max McFarlane, Ardgowan's Master Whisky Maker, said: “Clydebuilt Riveter has allowed me to further explore the depth of flavour found in Lowland distilleries resulting in a liquid that treats the senses to new delights and is sure to be another winner for Clydebuilt.”

Max went onto say: “Riveter pours like liquid gold, with a nose that opens on dark fruit compote before moving into furniture polish, lemon curd, figs, leather and old books. The palate is dry and moreish, with butterscotch, five spice, mint choc chip and brown sugar. A lingering, lovely, and very smooth finish follows, drying down slowly.”

Clydebuilt Riveter, is now available from the Ardgowan website and selected specialist retailers, for a RRP of £52.50.


Posted by Steve Rush

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO WHISKY INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHTS

The owners of the new proposed Ardgowan Distillery in the Lowlands, have today announced the appointment of two leading industry figures to their team.

The former Bruichladdich and Springbank Director Gordon Wright has joined the Ardgowan team as Advisor on Commercial Development and Sales, whilst global distilling expert Professor Michael Egan has been hired to review the new plant’s process engineering design.

Gordon Wright and Professor Michael Egan

Whilst at Springbank, Gordon Wright helped bring the family-owned malt whisky to a global audience, creating export sales of £1.4m in just four years. He joined Bruichladdich in 2000 and helped raise the equity to purchase the company from JBB. Gordon has subsequently created the Alchemist brand, focusing on creating unique spirits and delivering them to 15 international markets.

Professor Michael Egan began his career in Canada with the Hiram Walker Group, famous for their Canadian Club Whisky brand, and cut his teeth working at distilleries in Illinois and Ontario. He later went on to work as Director of Brewery Redevelopment for Guinness, and then onto Irish Distillers as their Process Engineer for the design of their new distillery in Midleton.

Commenting on the news, company chairman Willie Phillips, Chairman of Ardgowan Distillery, said: “I have known both Gordon and Michael for some time and together we share a passion for single malt whisky. This passion, allied to their intimate knowledge and experience of the design, manufacture and marketing of top-drawer spirits gives me confidence we will create a new lowland malt of great character.”

The new distillery and visitor centre, which will be located on the historic Ardgowan Estate, is currently in planning, with a decision expected by Inverclyde Council in the coming weeks.

Today’s news follows the recent appointment of former Macallan Managing Director, Willie Phillips as company chairman.

Posted by Steve Rush

Friday, September 20, 2019

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY LAUNCHES THE FIRST EXPRESSION IN NEW CLYDEBUILT WHISKY SERIES

The Ardgowan Distillery, has today announced the launch of the first expression, from a new series of limited-edition whiskies.

Coppersmith (48% ABV) which is the first of six releases in the new Clydebuilt series, is a blended malt comprised of whiskies from Speyside and Highland distilleries, which were exclusively matured in first fill Oloroso sherry casks.
Coppersmith

This latest release, was made by Master Whisky Maker, Max McFarlane, who for over forty years worked for Edrington, where he ensured the quality and consistency of some of the industry’s most iconic brands, including Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, Bunnahabhain, Tamdhu and Highland Park.

Coppersmith, follows on from the distillery’s Expedition blended malt, which won the gold medal in this year’s Scottish Whisky Awards for the best blended malt aged over 12 Years Old.

Commenting on the launch, Max McFarlane, said: “Coppersmith is the first in the Clydebuilt series of whiskies which Ardgowan Distillery will release in the years ahead. Each bottle in the series will celebrate the pride shown by generations of workers on the Clyde, who together built some of the world’s most illustrious ships. In our first release I wanted to produce a top-drawer blended malt and I believe that is what we have achieved.”

Coppersmith, will be available next month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £49.99.

Posted by Steve Rush

Thursday, August 25, 2022

ARDGOWAN LAUNCHES NEW CLYDEBUILT BOTTLING

The Inverclyde based Ardgowan Distillery, has today announced the launch of a new Clydebuilt collection bottling, which has been inspired by the rich heritage of Scottish shipbuilding.

Clydebuilt Sailmaker (48% ABV) is a blend of six whiskies from Highland, Lowland and Speyside distilleries, which have been matured in first fill Oloroso sherry casks.

Clydebuilt Sailmaker

Drawing parallels with the engineering precision of Glasgow’s shipbuilding era, this latest release which follows on from their Clydebuilt Coppersmith and Clydebuilt Shipwright bottlings, was created by Ardgowan’s Whisky Maker Max McFarlane.

Clydebuilt Sailmaker, is said to deliver notes of pepper, dried spices, stone fruits, fresh nectarines, chocolate truffles and Seville orange marmalade on the nose. Followed by notes of butterscotch, marzipan, mangoes and a hint of vanilla essence on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Max McFarlane said: “Previous blended malts in The Clydebuilt Collection were of Highland and Speyside origin. Sailmaker gave us the opportunity to incorporate Lowland whiskies to the Highland/Speyside mix - something I had wanted to do for many years. The addition of Lowland malts, adds significant depth and richness to the flavour profile, making for a sumptuous dram."

Clydebuilt Sailmaker, is now available from the distillery’s online shop and specialist retailers, for a RRP of £52.50.


Posted by Steve Rush

Monday, December 07, 2020

THE WHISKY CELLAR LAUNCHES TWO NEW PRIVATE CELLARS SELECTION BOTTLINGS

The Edinburgh based independent Scotch whisky bottler The Whisky Cellar, has announced the launch of two new bottlings from its Private Cellars Selection range.

The Whisky Cellar Private Cellars Selection Ardbeg 2005 (51.9% ABV) is a 14 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, which has been matured in a single ex-bourbon hogshead. The Whisky Cellar Private Cellars Selection Dalmore 2003 (50.3% ABV) is a 17 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, which has been finished in a single Pedro Ximinez Octave Cask.

The Whisky Cellar launches two new Private Cellars Selection bottlings

The Whisky Cellar Private Cellars Selection Ardbeg 2005, which is limited to just 25 bottles, will be available exclusively via Whisky Auctioneer, for The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society (The Ben) Whisky Auction, later this month.

The Whisky Cellar Private Cellars Selection Dalmore 2003, which is limited to 49 bottles, was selected for bottling by company founder Keith Bonnington and industry legend and current Whisky Maker at Ardgowan Distillery, Max McFarlane.

These latest two releases, follow on from the brands first batch of 10 inaugural Private Cellars Selection bottlings, which launched back in September.

Commenting on the Ardbeg 2005 bottling, Keith Bonnington, said: “We have been sitting on the bottles waiting for the right moment to offer them to consumers and what could be better than doing our own small bit for a hospitality industry reeling at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's an industry which served me well early in my career and remains very close to my heart.”

The Whisky Cellar Private Cellars Selection Dalmore 2003, will be available later this month from specialist retailers. For more information on The Whisky Cellar Private Cellars Selection Ardbeg 2005, which will be featured in The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society Whisky Auction, visit whiskyauctioneer.com


Posted by Steve Rush