The original Ardgowan distillery was founded in 1896 and located in Baker Street, Greenock.

[1] Before World War II the distillery was converted to make industrial alcohol that were used in fuel for RAF fighter planes.

[2][3] The distillery was rebuilt and continued to work until It finally ceased production in 1952.

[3] In March 2017, plans for a new £12 million distillery and visitor centre to be built on the Ardgowan Estate near Inverkip were approved by Inverclyde Council.

[4] In March 2023, Ardgowan spent £100m on Sherry casks to be used in the new distillery.