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