The workshop hums with activity, its production equipment – some pieces whisper tales from over 80 years ago – standing as proud sentinels to the timeless art of copper still creation. Though acquired by Briggs of Burton in 2020, the soul of McMillan’s endures, its copper-hued legacy shimmering brightly.

Record-Breaking Open Day

The highlight of the month was undoubtedly our Open Day, which drew an incredible crowd of over 3,000 visitors to the site. Guests had the opportunity to explore our building and get a firsthand look at the progress we’ve made. While this year’s event was spectacular, we’re already looking forward to next year when visitors will be able to experience something even more special – tours through our fully operational distillery.

Construction Milestones

September saw several crucial construction developments:

– Completion of the main roof cladding (with only the gable end flashing and ridge work remaining)

– Installation of lightning protection and conductors throughout the building

– Significant progress on our copper stills, with the McMillan Coppersmiths team making exceptional headway

Team Developments

We’re delighted to welcome Paula Gaffney to our growing team. Additionally, our search for a distillery manager is well underway – stay tuned for an exciting announcement on this front!

Looking ahead, these developments are bringing us ever closer to our goal of creating a world-class distillery. We’re grateful for the continued support and interest from our community as we progress on this exciting journey.

Major Equipment Installation

A major milestone was reached with the successful placement of all major vessels on site. The malt bins are now erected, and we’ve begun the intricate work of installing elevators, milling equipment, and the grist case. What began as technical drawings is now taking physical form before our eyes.

The Scale of Our Operation

The sheer scale of our installation work is impressive, with an extensive network of components being integrated:

– 4,138 meters of pipework

– 5,548 meters of cabling

– 517 valves

– 20 pumps

– 292 instruments

– 8 heat exchangers

– 2,081 fittings

– 1,164 flanges & clamps

Each of these components must be precisely installed and thoroughly tested before we can begin operations. It’s a testament to the complexity and precision required in modern distillery construction.

Team Effort

October saw our site bustling with activity, with over 60 contractors working simultaneously to bring the Ardgowan dream to life. The coordination and expertise required to manage this phase of the project cannot be understated.

Looking Ahead

While significant progress has been made, we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of our copper stills in early November – the heart of any distillery. This final major component will mark another exciting milestone in our journey.

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*Stay tuned for our November update, where we’ll showcase the arrival and installation of our copper stills!*

Our wash still features a hot condenser system designed to capture and recycle heat, converting it back into steam for the distillation process. This modern, low-carbon thermodynamic efficiency ensures we remain committed to sustainability while honouring centuries of Scotch whisky craftsmanship.

With the building phase now complete, the distillery’s interior is coming to life. Inside, 5km of process pipework weaves through the facility, and nearly 75% of our 6km of electrical cabling is in place. When operational, the distillery will boast 517 valves, 20 pumps, 292 temperature, pressure, and flow instruments, 8 heat exchangers, and 1,164 flanges—a testament to the engineering expertise behind this ambitious project.

Adding to the progress, our mash tun—delivered in two sections—has been meticulously welded together by skilled metalworkers. Now standing proudly, it’s ready to play its key role in the whisky-making process.

As we move ever closer to production, milestones like these highlight the dedication and craftsmanship shaping Ardgowan Distillery. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring our vision to life!

Mash Tun Installation

A major milestone has been achieved with the installation of our state-of-the-art mash tun. Delivered in two sections and meticulously welded on-site, this vessel is central to our production process. Opting for a full lauter mash tun design ensures superior extraction efficiency, delivering consistent quality wash to our fermenters.

Pipework and Insulation

Our team has completed the installation of over 4,200 meters of pipework throughout the facility. In line with our commitment to sustainability, each pipe is insulated to minimize heat loss and maximize energy recovery. Additionally, we’ve implemented trace heating on all external pipes to maintain operational efficiency, even during extreme weather conditions.

Electrical Infrastructure

The technological backbone of our distillery is taking shape with nearly 6 kilometers of cabling installed. This extensive network powers our state-of-the-art equipment and connects approximately 300 precision instruments to our central control system, enabling real-time monitoring of critical parameters such as levels, temperatures, pressures, and flow rates.

External Works

Beyond the distillery building, our team is focused on laying down the car park, completing landscaping, and installing external lighting. These enhancements are transforming the site from a construction zone into a fully operational distillery.

Commissioning Phase

With these critical infrastructure installations nearing completion, we are taking the first steps toward commissioning individual systems. This marks an exciting transition as we move closer to commencing distillery operations.

We remain committed to delivering a distillery that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, ensuring the production of exceptional whisky for years to come.

For more detailed updates and insights into our construction journey, please visit our Construction Updates page.

Technical Progress

• Over 90% of our instrumentation connections and calibrations have been completed

• Most of our pumps are now powered and successfully tested

• Pressure testing of the plant pipework is underway

• Our steam generator has been successfully commissioned—a major achievement enabling us to apply heat to the stills

Transition Phase

While we continue finalising water and power utilities, we are witnessing the gradual transition from construction to operational status. The building structure itself is complete, allowing our focus to shift toward both the external hard and soft landscaping.

Looking Forward

Our team is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for the global whisky community. The exterior spaces are being developed with the same attention to detail as our production facilities.

We appreciate your continued interest and support as we approach this exciting new chapter in our distillery’s story

For more detailed updates and insights into our construction journey, please visit our Construction Updates page.