Arrival of Custom Copper Stills
Award-winning Independent Whisky
Bankfoot Farm, Inverkip, PA16 0DT
WELCOMEYesterday marked a momentous day for Ardgowan Distillery with the arrival of our custom-built copper stills. Nestled near the River Clyde in Inverkip, our new distillery is preparing to start production early in 2025, and these stunning copper stills represent the latest milestone in our journey towards that goal.
Crafted with care and precision by McMillan Coppersmiths in Prestonpans, these stills are more than just essential equipment—they are a blend of artistry and advanced technology. With traditional skills that are hundreds of years old, the coppersmiths at McMillan have carefully crafted each still to reflect the spirit of Scottish whisky-making. Thousands of hours and millions of hammer blows were required to shape these copper vessels to exact specifications, and their unique hammered finish showcases the enduring art of coppersmithing.
A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Each still features a distinctive design exclusive to Ardgowan Distillery. Standing tall at 6.4 metres and 5.4 metres, with capacities of 12,000 litres and 9,000 litres respectively, these stills have been built not only with character but also with sustainability in mind. They incorporate Thermal Vapour Recompression (TVR) technology, which reduces energy waste by compressing and reintroducing steam into the process. This feature is part of Ardgowan’s broader commitment to sustainable production, as we aim to achieve net-zero emissions within the next five years.
Alongside their technical efficiencies, the stills are also equipped with a precision-engineered condenser containing 315 tubes on the wash still, enhancing both spirit character and energy efficiency. These unique features support Ardgowan’s mission to blend heritage with innovation and produce whisky in a way that respects the environment.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Ardgowan Distillery is being constructed with sustainable practices at its core. We’ve integrated eco-conscious materials throughout the facility: our roof is made from 97% recycled aluminium, steel trusses contain 64% recycled steel, and insulation is made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastics. These efforts reflect our belief in a greener future for whisky production and a commitment to minimising our environmental impact.
Honouring Tradition, Embracing the Future
Martin McAdam, CEO of Ardgowan Distillery, expressed the significance of this development: “This occasion is critically important to our company; it measures how far we’ve progressed. The stills will be installed in the coming days, and with them, we’re one step closer to bringing Ardgowan Distillery to life. These beautiful stills embody not only the skills of McMillan’s coppersmiths but also the centuries-old Scottish whisky-making traditions that are woven into every curve and contour.”
With the expertise of Muir Group as our principal contractor and Briggs of Burton providing process equipment, we’re excited to be building a distillery that blends the best of traditional Scottish craftsmanship with sustainable, cutting-edge technology.
A Day to Remember
To mark the arrival of the stills, Ardgowan Distillery welcomed shareholders, journalists, whisky influencers, and local MPs to witness this landmark moment. The sense of anticipation was shared by everyone who joined us, as we look forward to our distillery becoming operational and beginning whisky production in 2025.
As we move into this exciting new phase, we’re grateful to everyone who has supported Ardgowan’s journey. These stills are a testament to what can be achieved when dedication, tradition, and innovation come together, and we’re thrilled to share this milestone with our community.
