Ardgowan Distillery has announced the appointment of Laura Davies as its new Distillery Manager, reinforcing its commitment to producing high-quality single malts that balance tradition and innovation.
Laura brings over a decade of experience in the whisky industry, with recognised expertise in distillery operations and business growth.
The appointment is significant for Ardgowan as the distillery prepares to begin operations in Spring 2025. This milestone follows the recent delivery of Ardgowan’s copper stills, crafted by McMillan Coppersmiths Ltd. in Prestonpans, Scotland.
Located in the Inverclyde region of Scotland, Ardgowan Distillery aims to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create distinctive whiskies.
Laura’s appointment is a critical step in the distillery’s plan to establish itself as a notable presence in the whisky industry, both locally and globally.
Before joining Ardgowan, Laura held a position at The Welsh Whisky Company (Penderyn). During her tenure there, she contributed to the company’s growth, overseeing an increase in turnover from £10 million to £23 million over seven years.
Her role included managing operations across three production sites and visitor centres, demonstrating her broad leadership capabilities.
Martin McAdam, CEO of Ardgowan Distillery, expressed his excitement about the appointment, stating:
“It is a pleasure to welcome Laura to the Ardgowan family.
“Her deep industry knowledge, spanning distillation processes to strategic business development, aligns perfectly with our mission to establish Ardgowan as both a cornerstone of our community and a respected name in the global whisky market.”
Laura’s career has been deeply influenced by her mentorship under the late Dr. Jim Swan, famously referred to as the “Einstein of Scotch Whisky.”
Under his guidance, Laura gained unparalleled expertise in whisky production and maturation techniques, skills that will prove invaluable as she leads Ardgowan’s production to new heights.
Speaking on her new role, Laura said: “Ardgowan is at such an exciting point in its journey. Joining at a moment when we are building the distillery and operational team from the ground up is something truly special.
“I look forward to applying all that I have learned to help Ardgowan craft an exceptional Single Malt that will resonate with whisky lovers worldwide.”
Laura’s contributions to the industry extend beyond distillation. Her comprehensive experience encompasses regulatory compliance, implementation of continuous improvement strategies, and new product development.
She has successfully overseen the commissioning of three major production sites and scaled operations from an annual output of 90,000 litres of pure alcohol (LPA) to over 1 million LPA.
Furthermore, she has played a key role in creating three award-winning flavoured gins, demonstrating her versatility and innovative approach. In addition to her industry experience, Laura brings a strong academic background to her leadership role.
She holds a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science with Criminology from the University of South Wales and an MSc in International Innovation Management.
This combination of scientific knowledge and business acumen gives Laura the necessary skills to guide Ardgowan Distillery’s future development.
As the distillery prepares for its official launch, Laura’s appointment marks the beginning of a new phase for Ardgowan.
This phase is expected to focus on innovation and excellence to produce high-quality whiskies that will contribute to the distillery’s long-term reputation in the industry.
