Distil announces approval of Blavod for sale in the US, and new EU warehousing facility as Ardgowan invests £5m into whisky stocks.

Distil plc (AIM: DIS), owner of premium drinks brands including RedLeg Spiced Rum, Blackwoods Gin and Vodka, and Blavod Black Vodka, is pleased to announce approval of Blavod by US trade bureau, a new EU warehousing facility to better service export customers, and a new range of whiskies and further investment by Ardgowan into whisky stocks.

Blavod approved by US TTB

Distil is pleased to announce that Blavod Original Black Vodka has now received approval for sale in the US by the Alcohol and Tobacco Trade and Tax Bureau.

Distil announced in April 2025 that it had secured a new distribution partnership for Blavod in the US with Aiko Spirits, subject to government approvals. Following a lengthy process straddling the US government shutdown, the approval signifies that the brand can now be prepared to ship for sales in the US market.

Distil is working with Aiko, to ensure that the process of getting product landed is as smooth as possible, and that marketing plans are in place to ensure that the brand is supported.

Distil agrees partnership with new EU Warehousing facility

Distil has appointed CJ Hendriks as its new warehousing and logistics partner to service customers in the EU.

Following Brexit, Covid, and the war in Ukraine, import/export paperwork and logistics costs have significantly impacted small UK companies' abilities to make product available in the EU. By ensuring that a small volume of key lines in the Distil portfolio are stored in the EU, Distil will be able to provide a better, more cost-effective service to its European distribution partners, making it easier to access brands in market.

Based near Amsterdam, The Netherlands, CJ Hendriks group is a family-owned business with over 180 years of experience in warehousing and complex logistics. The company owns 60,000m² of warehousing in the Amsterdam port, and is located next to a container terminal. The company recently expanded its hazardous materials warehouse to 8,000m², which is also fitted with solar panels, supplying power to 700 households.

To promote the benefits of the new warehousing location, Distil will be offering preferential terms to its existing export customers for a short period, as well as investing into opening new EU markets.

Ardgowan releases four new Clydebuilt blends, invests £5m in Clydebuilt stocks

Ardgowan has announced four new releases in its Clydebuilt range, including three Single Cask bottlings.

Based at the new multi-million-pound distillery in Inverclyde, Ardgowan began distilling its own malt whisky in June, but has been laying down stocks of whisky purchased on the open market since the company was formed in 2016.

While its own whisky matures over the coming years, the Clydebuilt range offers the opportunity for Ardgowan to showcase its expertise in wood management and the art of blending.

As reported in the industry press (see here), the company has demonstrated its continued commitment to the distillery through the investment of £5 million in 2025 into maturing whisky stocks, with a further £4m planned in 2026.

In 2021 Distil invested £3m by way of a convertible loan note ("CLN") in Ardgowan to help fund the construction of the new whisky distillery located within the Ardgowan estate, 30 miles west of Glasgow on the banks of the River Clyde. The loan currently earns Distil an annual coupon of 6.5% and, on conversion, would give Distil a 10.5% equity ownership of the overall facility.

Further details of the Clydebuilt releases can be found on Ardgowan's website: ardgowandistillery.com.

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