Whisky Focus - Clydebuilt Introduces New Look And Ongoing Core Range Of Heavily Sherried Scotch Malt Whiskies

Independent Scotch whisky bottler Clydebuilt introduces a new visual identity alongside three 10 Year Old single malt releases.

After years of development behind the scenes, independent Scotch whisky bottler Clydebuilt has unveiled a refreshed visual identity, new packaging and a streamlined portfolio of Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The rebrand marks a new chapter for Clydebuilt, with the updated range launching with three whiskies selected and developed by Whisky Maker Laura Davies. The collection combines two heavily Sherried Speyside single malts with a limited Highland expression matured in American oak.

The new Clydebuilt packaging puts the River Clyde at the heart of the brand. Each bottle features an etched map of the River Clyde and surrounding area, complemented by foiled and embossed labelling, while the accompanying giftbox carries the same cartographic design alongside premium finishing details.

Sustainability has also been considered throughout the packaging redesign. The bottles have been made lighter, while the giftboxes use FSC-certified materials. The boxes are produced by McLaren Packaging in Inverclyde, while the labels are printed in Scotland's central belt, keeping much of the packaging production close to Clydebuilt's Scottish roots.

The Clydebuilt name itself pays tribute to the River Clyde's famous shipbuilding heritage. Historically, the 'Clydebuilt' classification was associated with vessels constructed on the Clyde and became synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and engineering excellence.

Clydebuilt launches three 10 Year Old single malts

The refreshed Clydebuilt portfolio begins with two permanent Sherry-matured expressions and a limited-edition American oak-matured Highland single malt.

Clydebuilt 10 Years Old Sherry Cask Matured is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at 46% ABV and priced at £45.99. The whisky has been matured in a combination of traditional Sherry butts and European oak Pedro Ximénez (PX) and Oloroso hogsheads sourced from the José y Miguel Martín bodega.

Alongside it is the Clydebuilt 10 Years Old 100 Proof Sherry Cask Matured, bottled at a considerably higher 57.1% ABV and priced at £63.99. It uses the same combination of Sherry casks as the 46% ABV expression, but the higher bottling strength provides a more powerful interpretation of the Sherry-led whisky.

The 100 Proof designation refers to the historic British proof system, with 100 proof representing the minimum spirit strength at which gunpowder would ignite.

Completing the launch range is Clydebuilt 10 Years Old Candlebrae, a limited Highland Single Malt bottled at 48% ABV and priced at £55. The whisky takes its name from the waxy character the expression is intended to evoke and has spent a decade maturing in American oak casks, developing a softer and naturally sweet profile.

All three whiskies have been selected and developed by Clydebuilt Whisky Maker Laura Davies, whose career in the whisky industry spans more than 14 years. Davies oversaw the selection of the individual casks used for each expression.

The whiskies are bottled without chill filtration or added artificial colouring, allowing their natural colour, texture and character to remain intact.

Commenting on the launch, Davies said: "Clydebuilt gives me the freedom to select casks from across Scotland with real character and individuality. These three expressions each offer something unique, from the depth of the Sherry maturation and the elevated strength of 100 proof whisky to the softer, waxy sweetness of Candlebrae. Bottling them without colour or chill filtration lets that character come through honestly. We have more exciting plans already underway, but for now, we’re very proud of these three whiskies and the direction in which we’re taking Clydebuilt."

Ardgowan Distillery and the Clydebuilt brand

Clydebuilt's new identity comes as its brand home, Ardgowan Distillery, enters a new phase of its own development. Ardgowan began distilling its own spirit in June 2025, six years after Clydebuilt first launched its whisky range in 2019.

The distillery's continued backing of the Clydebuilt brand has included significant investment in mature Scotch malt whisky stocks. Ardgowan invested £5 million in mature malt whisky during 2025 and has committed a further £4 million in 2026.

David Keir, Sales & Marketing Director at Ardgowan, said: "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. We believe this refined offering will resonate with drinkers well beyond Scotland and the wider UK. It's a brand we're proud to be building, and one we see growing further internationally in the years ahead."

The new portfolio gives Clydebuilt a more defined identity while retaining the brand's focus on independently selected Scotch single malts, with the River Clyde's heritage providing a clear link between the whisky, its Scottish origins and its new visual direction.

The refreshed Clydebuilt Scotch whisky range begins rolling out through specialist retailers from tomorrow, 8 October 2026, with prices starting at £45.9 and you will find it available from specialist online whisky shops such as Master of Malt
 

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