ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES CEO APPOINTMENT

Distil plc (AIM:DIS), owner of premium drinks brands Blackwoods Gin and Vodka, RedLeg Spiced Rum and Blavod Black Vodka, is pleased to note that Ardgowan Distillery Company Limited (“Ardgowan”) has announced the appointment of Roland Grain as Chief Executive Officer.   

A major shareholder of Distil plc, Roland Grain is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate whisky enthusiast and has been a key figure in the distillery’s development from the outset.  

The management change is part of a planned transition as the distillery moves from construction and into production. This next phase will focus firmly on sustainability, innovation, and the creation of Ardgowan as world class whisky.  

“This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with Ardgowan Distillery,” said Grain. “I’m honoured to lead the team as we build on Scotland’s whisky legacy. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to experience our craft first-hand when we officially open this June.” 

Martin McAdam, outgoing CEO and founder, added: “Getting the project to this point has been an odyssey. We have a fantastic team in place. I’d like to thank all the shareholders who have supported us through this remarkable journey. I wish Roland Grain every success in his new role as CEO. This is just the beginning of something truly special at Ardgowan as we commence production of our own Single Malt.” 

Whisky production will commence imminently, with the milestone being marked on Friday 20 June 2025 at Ardgowan’s Official Opening Day. A celebration of the culmination of years of hard work, guests will be invited to visit the brand-new distillery, meet the people behind the whisky production, enjoy live music and street food, and secure exclusive open day whiskies.   

Guests will also have the opportunity to explore Blackwoods Brand Home, tasting the core range alongside a menu of cocktails.  

Don Goulding, Executive Chairman, Distil, commented: “This transition marks a significant moment in Ardgowan’s story. We wish Roland well in his new role, and the whole Ardgowan team every success as they move into the next chapter. 

I also take the opportunity to extend our thanks to Martin for the incredible commitment and work that he has dedicated to the project to date, in particular his support shown to Distil to throughout the construction of the Blackwoods Brand Home.” 

As shareholders will be aware Distil invested £3m into the Ardgowan Distillery project in 2021 in the form of a convertible loan (convertible into Ardgowan equity at a fixed pre- conversion valuation of £30m representing 9.09% of Ardgowan’s fully diluted share capital) to support the development of the new Malt Whisky distillery.