The first new distillery in Inverclyde in a century opens - take a look inside Ardgowan

Scotsman

20-06-2025

Independent Scotch whisky distillery Ardgowan has been formally opened today (20 June) by Scotland's deputy first Minister Kate Forbes, as its first casks are filled since building concluded earlier this month.
Founded in 2017, the west coast firm is led by whisky entrepreneur Roland Grain and distillery manager Laura Davies who together spearhead an expert team with a combined experience spanning over seven decades in the whisky industry.
Featuring an impressive Scandinavian longhouse design and visually striking 97% recycled aluminium roof, the distillery has its sights set on producing top quality whisky and striving for carbon neutrality.
Following eight years of development, planning and construction, it is the first new distillery to open in Inverclyde for over a century. Until now, the last distillery to operate in the region was destroyed in the Greenock Blitz on 7th May 1941.
The opening was led by Ms Forbes, with press and industry colleagues attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches.
The site will then open to the public between 3-7pm with live music, local food vendors, a children's activity area, and exclusive whiskies on offer.
Commenting on this major landmark, Mr Grain said: "After a lengthy build, the team and I are thrilled to now be in full production and filling casks with our own distillate, including private casks for our Clan Ardgowan members.
"Ardgowan's ultimate goal is to revive the golden age of Scotch whisky with long Sherry cask maturation in European oak. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated by investing millions of pounds in our bespoke Infinity Casks years before the distillery was built.
"Producing whisky is all about time and patience, so, as we fill our first casks and the Deputy First Minister opens the site to the public, we look forward to steadily perfecting our Single Malt in the years to come.'
Scotland's deputy first minister Kate Forbes added: "This is a significant moment for the region's economy, with investment and job opportunities set to boost local communities.
'Scotland's whisky industry is a pivotal contributor to our positive global standing and provides great economic benefit, adding over £7 billion to the UK economy and generating £5.4 billion in exports alone.
'I congratulate the team at Ardgowan for the dedication they have shown on this journey and I wish them every success as they enter the next phase of their operations.'
The Ardgowan Distillery's visitor centre is planned to open later this summer with various experiences on offer, catering for whisky novices and connoisseurs alike.