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 Martín to construct sustainably sourced European
oak casks, at a cost of 30 to 40 times more than standard whisky casks.
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| 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 Sanlúcar 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