A MILLION litres of whisky a year will flow from the Ardgowan Distillery as design improvements for the £12m project are unveiled.

Future output could be doubled via the addition of two further copper stills to the pair which form the first phase of the development — and this has already gained planning consent.

The distillery and visitor centre planned for the Ardgowan Estate has just received revised approval from Inverclyde Council following a number of design enhancements.

Chief executive Martin McAdam said: "This is a state-of-the-art, modern distillery which not only looks fantastic, but will reduce our environmental impact wherever possible.

"Our architects (Michael Laird Architects) have worked closely with civil engineers Blyth & Blyth and process designers Briggs of Burton to create a striking distillery which fits well in the landscape and uses heat recovery and closed loop cooling to reduce energy use and water consumption.

"The extensive use of glass means visitors will get a clear view of the bright airy interior."

Contract discussion with a yet-to-be-announced Scottish firm to supply the copper stills are underway, and the Telegraph understands that Ardgowan bosses are in advanced discussions with what has been described as a 'keystone investor'.

The new distillery resurrects the name of the Ardgowan Distillery, which was founded in 1896 and located in Baker Street, Greenock, until it was destroyed in the Blitz of 1941.

Last month the distillery released, to positive industry reviews, its first whisky — a 600-bottle run of Ardgowan Expedition 20-year-old, a premium blend of malts containing whisky which has been to the South Pole.

Mr McAdam said: "Ardgowan Expedition is a real collector's item. It has been blended by our chairman, Willie Phillips, and comprises single barrels from upper Speyside and the northern Highlands, married together in sherry casks.

"It is something quite special."

Ardgowan plans to follow this with a series of limited-edition malts — at around the £50 price mark — next year, showcasing premium single and blended malts in the seven to eight-year-old range and will offer lowland flavour profiles which will be 'indicative' of Ardgowan Distillery’s future output, Mr McAdam says.

Expedition comes in a 70cl bottle in a wooden presentation case and is bottled at 46 percent. It is available direct from Ardgowan or via exclusive whisky retailer Robert Graham 1874.