Ardgowan Distillery has expanded its team by appointing The Lakes co-founder, Paul Currie, as their new Chairman.
In anticipation of its £20 million ‘cathedral of whisky’ becoming operational at the end of 2024, the Inverclyde-based distillery has chosen Paul to help aid their efforts into creating a state of the art, net-zero designed distillery - which includes implementing an extensive heat recovery and heat storage as part of the whisky-making process.
With 30 years’ experience founding successful independent distilleries, which includes the Isle of Arran Distillers as well as The Lakes, Paul brings his extensive understanding of the whisky industry to this ambitious project.
Our co-founder Paul Currie helped establish the Lakes Distillery in 2011.
Our creation story owes much to Paul's vision, who identified a disused, broken down dairy farm five miles of Keswick, and played a pivotal part in helping to rejuvenate a 160-year old derelict building into what now stands proudly as our award-winning visitor attraction and home of the World's Best Single Malt.
Speaking on his appointment, Paul said:
"There has been great change in the malt whisky industry over the last 30 years, as many new independent distilleries have opened. I have been fortunate to have been involved as co-founder of two of these, Isle of Arran and The Lakes, both of which continue to grow and prosper.
“From the cutting-edge technologies helping the distillery reach its sustainability goals to the commitment to quality made through Ardgowan’s investment in its unique Infinity casks, everything to date has been planned to the highest standard.
“With construction now underway on site, it is a pivotal time to be joining the team. I am particularly looking forward to supporting the development of the Clan Ardgowan programme which allows whisky lovers from all over the world to become part of Ardgowan Distillery’s journey. I am also enthusiastic about bringing my knowledge and experience to the team to help Ardgowan to become a leading single malt brand.”
Paul Currie (right) toasts with Ardgowan Distillery Chief Executive, Martin McAdam.
Ardgowan Distillery Chief Executive, Martin McAdam, added:
Whilst this appointment enables Paul to have a continued positive influence on the development of emerging new distilleries, as a co-founder, Paul will continue to be very much part of The Lakes family and play an important role in supporting the management team as we establish the brand globally.
Everybody here at The Lakes would like to wish Paul the best in his new role.
