Ardgowan Distillery
Inverclyde's first distillery in over a century, on the Ardgowan Estate at Inverkip on the Clyde coast. It filled its first cask on 20 June 2025, returning whisky production to the region for the first time in more than 80 years. Ardgowan's ambition is a rich, sherried Lowland malt — unusual for a region known for light, floral styles — built around European-oak 'Infinity Casks' seasoned with sherry before filling. The estate setting, with views across the Firth of Clyde, makes for a scenic visitor experience within easy reach of Glasgow.
Ardgowan is Inverclyde's first distillery in over a century, opened on the Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip. It filled its first cask on 20 June 2025, aiming for a rich, sherried Lowland malt rather than the region's usual light-and-floral style. With whisky only just laid down, there is nothing mature to buy yet — a visit is about the wooded estate setting above the Firth of Clyde and the story. Best for Glasgow day-trippers tracking Scotland's new-distillery wave.
Visiting Ardgowan Distillery
—
- Shop
- Café/Restaurant
- Parking
Core range
Not yet released
European-oak 'Infinity Casks', sherry-seasoned (planned)
First casks were filled on 20 June 2025, so the earliest legal whisky is around mid-2028. Tours have run since August 2025 — a visit is about the estate and the story, not a dram of Ardgowan.
Character & reputation
Inverclyde's first distillery in over a century, opened on the Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip in June 2025. The ambition is unusual for a Lowland: a rich, sherried style rather than the region's typical light-and-floral, built around European-oak 'Infinity Casks' seasoned with sherry before filling. The recipe is the work of Max McFarlane, long associated with Highland Park's sherried house style, which lends the young project real credibility. With whisky only just laid down, there's nothing mature to buy yet — a visit is about the wooded estate setting above the Firth of Clyde and the story, not a finished dram. Best for Glasgow day-trippers and anyone tracking Scotland's new-distillery wave.
Food pairings
| Whisky | Food | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ardgowan Gin | Clyde coast shellfish | The Inverclyde coastal setting suits local Clyde seafood. |
Getting there
Car. Inverkip, Inverclyde — 30 min from Glasgow via the A78 coast road.
Where to eat nearby
- Largs town centreArea
15 min south on the Ayrshire coast — good cafés and fish and chips.
Where to stay near Ardgowan Distillery
Ardgowan Distillery is near Inverkip on the Firth of Clyde in Inverclyde — a new distillery project on the Ardgowan Estate. Gourock (5 miles) and Greenock (6 miles) have hotels and ferry connections to Dunoon. Largs (8 miles south) has sea-front B&Bs and the Viking heritage centre. Glasgow (30 miles) is the city hub.
Local hotel in Inverkip village.
Broader range in Greenock, 10 min north.
Where to stay near Ardgowan Distillery
Hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering within easy reach of Ardgowan Distillery.
Booking links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Location
Frequently asked questions
+Is Ardgowan open to visitors?
Limited at current stage of development. Check their website for current status — whisky production and visitor facilities are still being established.
+Where is Ardgowan Distillery distillery?
Ardgowan Distillery is in the Lowlands.
+When was Ardgowan Distillery distillery founded?
Ardgowan Distillery was founded in 2024, making it roughly 2 years old.
Compare with similar distilleries
Similar new Lowland coastal positioning to Clydeside and Port of Leith. Watch development closely.
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