Overview: Leading independent Scotch whisky bottler Clydebuilt has unveiled a new visual identity, refreshed packaging, and updated range of Single Malts on October 6, 2026. The collection features three expressions bottled without chill filtration or artificial colouring, emphasizing sustainability through lightweight bottles and FSC-certified materials.
The Full Story
Ardgowan Distillery Company Ltd has introduced a new visual identity for the Clydebuilt brand, marking a significant evolution since the range launched in 2019. The name honors the River Clyde’s famous shipbuilding heritage, where the ‘Clydebuilt’ classification once marked a vessel as a benchmark of quality and craftsmanship. While Ardgowan Single Malt continues to slumber for many years, Whisky Maker Laura Davies applies the same meticulous approach to Clydebuilt. This is about a unique range of thoughtfully selected and matured Scotch whiskies that honour the spirit of the Clyde.
The brand was named in honour of the River Clyde’s famous shipbuilding heritage, where the ‘Clydebuilt’ classification once marked a vessel as a benchmark of quality and craftsmanship. Ardgowan Distillery began distilling its own spirit in June 2025, six years after the company first launched the Clydebuilt range in 2019. The refreshed branding gives Clydebuilt the premium presentation its whisky has long deserved, according to Sales & Marketing Director David Keir. Ardgowan has continued to back the Clydebuilt brand through a challenging period for the wider industry, investing £5m in mature malt whisky stocks in 2025 and committing a further £4m this year.
Production & Profile
The refreshed Clydebuilt range launches with an ongoing core range of two heavily Sherried Single Malt Scotch whiskies, plus one limited release American oak matured bottling. The Sherry Cask Matured expression is a Speyside Single Malt, aged in a combination of traditional Sherry butts and European oak Pedro Ximénez (PX) and Oloroso hogsheads from the José y Miguel Martín bodega.
The range includes three expressions: Clydebuilt 10 Years Old Sherry Cask Matured (46% ABV; UK RRSP £45.99), Clydebuilt 10 Years Old 100 Proof Sherry Cask Matured (57.1% ABV; UK RRSP £63.99), and Clydebuilt 10 Years Old Candlebrae (48% ABV; UK RRSP £55). Each whisky is bottled without undergoing chill filtration or adding artificial colouring, preserving its natural character and texture. The 100 Proof was laid down in the same combination of casks before being bottled at 57.1% ABV in line with the historic British definition of 100 proof.
Clydebuilt 10 Years Old Sherry Cask Matured presents a rich amber colour with notes of dried fruits, toasted almonds and oak shavings on the nose. The palate offers heather honey, raisins, cinnamon and cloves, finishing with lingering tones of marzipan and sweet spice. The 100 Proof version displays a deep bronze colour, featuring cinnamon apple pie, cocoa powder and raisins on the nose, followed by dark chocolate, cherries and grated nutmeg on the palate.
Clydebuilt 10 Years Old Candlebrae is a Highland Single Malt matured for a decade in quality American oak casks. It features a rich golden colour with a nose of baked apples, waxy citrus peel and freshly cut grass. The palate includes honey glazed apricots, whipped cream and spiced oak, finishing with enduring tones of pear drops and spiced candle wax. Whisky Maker Laura Davies oversaw the selection of every cask used and developed all three expressions.
Brand & Industry History
The Clydebuilt brand was inspired by the exceptional legacy of the River Clyde, where some of the greatest ships in the world were built. Over time, the word ‘Clydebuilt’ came to stand for craftsmanship, integrity and pride. The brand home is Ardgowan Distillery, situated on the Firth of Clyde near Inverkip. While Ardgowan Single Malt continues to slumber for many years, Whisky Maker Laura Davies applies the same meticulous approach to Clydebuilt. This is about a unique range of thoughtfully selected and matured Scotch whiskies that honour the spirit of the Clyde, emulating and upholding the attention to detail and the pride in quality of those that came before.
What This Means
The refreshed branding gives Clydebuilt the premium presentation its whisky has long deserved. The eye catching design brings greater clarity and confidence to the range, while the map of the Clyde links every bottle to the place it was created. Sustainability shaped the project throughout, from a lightweight bottle to FSC-certified materials. Additionally, the gift boxes were produced by McLaren Packaging, a local firm based in Inverclyde, and all labels were printed in Scotland’s central belt. Ardgowan’s Sales & Marketing Director, David Keir, noted that they believe this refined offering will resonate with drinkers well beyond Scotland and the wider UK.
Consumer Takeaway
The refreshed Clydebuilt range will begin rolling out through the specialist retail channel from today, with prices starting at £45.99. The new design features a sleek bottle etched with a map of the River Clyde and its surrounding area, paired with foiled and embossed labelling, and a gift box carrying the same map alongside a range of premium finishes. Whiskies are bottled without chill filtration or artificial colouring, preserving its natural character and texture.
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