Ardgowan Distillery – the home of Clydebuilt – is where casks are curated in the distillery’s warehouses and carefully selected for bottling by distillery manager and whisky maker Laura Davies.

The range takes its inspiration from the River Clyde’s illustrious shipbuilding heritage, where the term “Clydebuilt” became a byword for craftsmanship and integrity.

In August 2025, an agreement was reached between Ardgowan Distillery Company and Kammer-Kirsch GmbH, a German importer of quality spirits since 1990.

The deal gives Kammer-Kirsch exclusive distribution rights for the Ardgowan product portfolio in Germany, identified as a key market for its whisky.

The Scottish firm hopes “a closeknit collaboration will lead to Germany becoming a ‘top three’ market for Clydebuilt and eventually Ardgowan Single Malt”.

Additional routes to market have been secured through distribution partners Roy + Co in Canada, Galatea AB in Sweden, and Single Malt Sdn Bhd, who cover Singapore and Malaysia.

The agreements were negotiated by Ardgowan’s Sales & Marketing Director, David Keir, whose experience spans over 25 years of building premium spirits brands across global markets.

Commenting on the news, Mr Keir shared: “These new partnerships mark a significant step in Ardgowan’s journey as we bring our boutique Clydebuilt brand and future Ardgowan Single Malt to discerning whisky drinkers in these important markets.

“Consumers in these countries hold a strong appreciation for Scotch whisky, and by working closely with our new partners, we can share our enthusiasm for quality, innovation and craftsmanship on a much wider scale.”

Managing director of Kammer-Kirsch GmbH, Gerald Erdrich, added: “We are delighted to introduce Ardgowan’s Clydebuilt range to Germany and, in due course, the first Ardgowan Single Malt.

“Ardgowan’s long-term vision and commitment to quality make them an ideal partner for us, and we look forward to growing the brand together in Germany.”

The distillery, which began producing Ardgowan spirit in June this year, is the first new distillery in Inverclyde for over a century and is built with sustainability at its core.

Three years prior to completion, the business invested millions of pounds in casks, including the development of a bespoke cask size: the Infinity Cask, specifically designed for long maturation periods of 18 years or more.

The company, which was founded in 2017 and is independently owned, places a firm emphasis on its wood policy, having partnered with renowned Bodega Miguel Martín to acquire the finest European oak ex-Sherry casks. 

The distribution update comes in quick succession of the introduction of a distillery shop and tours at the site in Inverkip. Experiences currently run twice a day from Tuesday to Saturday, with plans to expand this over time.