Inverclyde-based Ardgowan Distillery will launch two new expressions at its annual open day, which takes place on Saturday 7 September from 12 noon to 5pm.
The first new release is the Inverdarach ‘Ardgowan Open Day 2024,’ a 2013 vintage Highland Single Malt bottled at 10 years old (RSP £79.99). The expression is a marriage of four first fill sherry hogsheads that has yielded a whisky that is sherried without masking the original distillery character.
Bottled at 56%, the tasting notes describe the nose as “rich complex black cherries, heather honey, teak oil and roast hazelnuts” with the palate that is “full and intense with oat biscuits dipped in dark chocolate and notes of old bookshelves”. The finish is “long and lingering, light tannins, sweet black tea and cigar smoke”.
The second release is an Inverdarach Glenallachie 16-year-old Single Malt, a classic 100% sherry matured cask given a very subtle twist with ten months aging in an ex-Islay hogshead (RSP £160).
Bottled at 54.2% the tasting notes describe the nose as “spiced apple, baked plums, bitter chocolate and a suggestion of smoke,” a palate with “smouldering heather, pipe tobacco, ripe cherries and hint of salty breeze” and the finish that is “complex: more chocolate and dried fruit”.
Bottles of both new whiskies will be signed by Ardgowan’s master whisky maker Max McFarlane.
A limited quantity of the new releases will also be available from 7 September from the following specialist whisky retailers: Robbie’s Drams, The Whisky Room, Geraldo’s of Largs, Master of Malt and Aberdeen Whisky Shop.
The open day offers an afternoon of family-friendly activities with no entry fee or tickets required, and dogs are welcome.
Key highlights include the food village featuring local suppliers, an afternoon of live music, family entertainment activities, charity stalls, competitions, prize draws, and whisky tastings led by the Ardgowan team.
Visitors are encouraged to travel to the event using public transport options linking with the free shuttle bus services from Inverkip and Gourock train station (via McInroy’s Point). For those travelling by car, there will be a park and ride facility with ample space for the anticipated guests.
