Ardgowan Distillery: A Slice of the Spey on the River Kip?

"Eight years, six prime ministers, a pandemic, a cost of living crisis, and now a heart attack."No wonder two of the biggest names in the Scotch whisky industry told Martin McAdam, CEO of Ardgowan Distillery, "Just don't start!" when he first asked them for advice on building a new distillery.Nestling beneath a volcanic rock near Inverkip on the south bank of the Firth of Clyde on the west coast of Scotland, Martin says Ardgowan is "at the nexus of Highland, Lowland and Island whiskies". Its first mashing is scheduled for March 2025. So we'll have to wait seven or eight years at least before we'll know...But until then we can always try their award-winning Clydebuilt and Inverdaracht private bottlings, crafted by Ardgowan's Whisky Maker Max McFarlane, former Master Blender and Keeper of the Quaich at Edrington. Max has been shaping the whisky industry since 1974, contributing to iconic brands like The Famous Grouse, Highland Park, and The Glenrothes (producer Holmsey's particular favourite).Join John as he speaks to Martin and Max about building a new distillery and establishing a brand; their infinity cask and sloping roof; and how they plan to break into a global market."Get good product. Get it it out there. Win a few awards. And bang!" says Max."Get a new pair of shoes," says Martin; advice he got from The Macallan's legendary Willie Phillips.Simple really. So could the new, eco-friendly Ardgowan Distillery bring a slice of Speyside to Inverclyde?Listen to find out.Slàinte!-------Socials:@C2GWhisky@JohnRossBeattie Creator & producer: David HolmesArt work & design: Jess Robertson Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)Vocals: Andrea CunninghamGuitars: John BeattieBass: Alasdair VannDrums: Alan HamiltonBagpipes: Calum McCollAccordion: Gary InnesMusic & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John BeattieRecorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios,Glasgow, Scotland Special thanks: The Strathduie Bar, Black Friars Street, Glasgow, Scotland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 27, 2025

What this episode covers

"Eight years, six prime ministers, a pandemic, a cost of living crisis, and now a heart attack."No wonder two of the biggest names in the Scotch whisky industry told Martin McAdam, CEO of Ardgowan Distillery, "Just don't start!" when he first asked them for advice on building a new distillery.Nestling beneath a volcanic rock near Inverkip on the south bank of the Firth of Clyde on the west coast of Scotland, Martin says Ardgowan is "at the nexus of Highland, Lowland and Island whiskies". Its first mashing is scheduled for March 2025. So we'll have to wait seven or eight years at least before we'll know...But until then we can always try their award-winning Clydebuilt and Inverdaracht private bottlings, crafted by Ardgowan's Whisky Maker Max McFarlane, former Master Blender and Keeper of the Quaich at Edrington. Max has been shaping the whisky industry since 1974, contributing to iconic brands like The Famous Grouse, Highland Park, and The Glenrothes (producer Holmsey's particular favourite).Join John as he speaks to Martin and Max about building a new distillery and establishing a brand; their infinity cask and sloping roof; and how they plan to break into a global market."Get good product. Get it it out there. Win a few awards. And bang!" says Max."Get a new pair of shoes," says Martin; advice he got from The Macallan's legendary Willie Phillips.Simple really. So could the new, eco-friendly Ardgowan Distillery bring a slice of Speyside to Inverclyde?Listen to find out.Slàinte!-------Socials:@C2GWhisky@JohnRossBeattie Creator & producer: David HolmesArt work & design: Jess Robertson Music: Water of Life (Never Going Home)Vocals: Andrea CunninghamGuitars: John BeattieBass: Alasdair VannDrums: Alan HamiltonBagpipes: Calum McCollAccordion: Gary InnesMusic & Lyrics: Andrea Cunningham & John BeattieRecorded & mixed by Murray Collier at La Chunky Studios,Glasgow, Scotland Special thanks: The Strathduie Bar, Black Friars Street, Glasgow, Scotland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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