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A new maritime whisky, inspired by the rich heritage of Scottish shipbuilding, has been launched by Inverclyde-based Ardgowan Distillery.
Selected by master whisky maker Max McFarlane, Clydebuilt Sailmaker is the latest bottling of the distillery – joining previous releases, Clydebuilt Coppersmith and Clydebuilt Shipwright.
Drawing parallels with the engineering precision of Glasgow’s shipbuilding era, The Clydebuilt Collection has already received a number of industry accolades, with the second bottling, Shipwright, recently winning silver at the IWSC Spirits Awards 2022 and a Master Medal in the Blended Malt – Super Premium category at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2022
Sailmaker comprises a blend of six whiskies from Highland, Lowland and Speyside distilleries matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks.
Max McFarlane said: “Previous blended malts in The Clydebuilt Collection were of Highland and Speyside origin. Sailmaker gave us the opportunity to incorporate Lowland whiskies to the Highland/Speyside mix – something I had wanted to do for many years.
“The addition of Lowland malts, adds significant dept and richness added to the flavour profile, making for a sumptuous dram.”
The release of Sailmaker comes in tandem with construction beginning on Ardgowan’s new £15m eco-friendly single malt whisky distillery, gin distillery and visitor centre on the historic Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip, 30 miles west of Glasgow.
Ardgowan Distillery Limited has invested in world-class technologies to put sustainability at the heart of its plans, aiming to become carbon negative. The distillery will begin production in 2024 with capacity to produce up to 1 million litres of premium whisky per year, and the combined facilities will create up to 47 new local jobs.
Bottled at 48% ABV and retailing for £52.50.
