Aberargie Inaugural

Delicious nose. The bourbon and sherry casks provide support, but the distillate is still quite prominent. I like it very much. The youthfulness shines through on the palate and finish. But I see a lot of potential. 71-80 – Fine, like to drink by time

Perhaps not as surprising or attention-grabbing a debut as Ardnahoe, but it's a valuable argument for the distillery to follow. The casks seem to have created a slightly too tannic effect on the palate, but were saved at the last minute. I'm not entirely sure if the dilution was entirely friendly to this whisky. Despite this, its rich ester structure and subtle floral notes are enjoyable. A good debut. Price-performance ratio: Good, Medium-good Would I buy it again?: It's a bottle that might have collectible/historical value. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't buy a bottle just for pleasure.

A real statement and a promise also. Especially the baked apples are great

It is a nice sipper, but the youthfulness is noticeable.

Slightly salivating. Somewhat bitter, with minor off-notes.

I was in Peiting over the weekend, in what will be Germany's best whisky bar in 2025, with the world's best Monika Pummer. When asked what exactly we should drink, Moni pointed out that the Schlumberger delivery was still waiting to be unboxed, and that it contained the first bottling from the Aberargie distillery... Yeah.... In a selfless act of sacrifice, I offered to take on this strenuous job and bring a bottle of it over to the bar. Said and done. Of course, the first thing we did was inspect the packaging. Beautifully and simply designed in green and gold. On the sides of the box, you'll discover a barely perceptible embossing of the distillery's name: Aberargie Distillery (pronounced Aber-rar-jee). Very cool. On the front seat, of course, is the distillery name, the designation Single Malt Scotch Whisky, supplemented in gold letters with "Inaugural Release", 48.2% alcohol, unfiltered and uncolored. On the back, there is a slogan or even the distillery's motto: "All in good time, in our own way, under one roof. All for the love of Whisky." Marketing aside... What a brilliant statement. Sorry... I'm really not a fan of that sort of thing. Below that is a map of Scotland and a gold marker indicating the location of the Aberargie distillery - Perthshire. Then there's a text clarifying that the Aberargie distillery was founded in 2017 and follows a "barley-to-bottle" approach. This means that all the barley used comes from their own fields and is distilled, matured, and bottled on-site. So far, a truly successful presentation. Now, of course, we wanted to inspect the bottle more closely. Wow! Cool thing once it sees the light of day. What immediately catches the eye is the leather "drip catcher" around the bottle neck. That's one of our interpretations, though the distillery claims it's meant to be a keychain. The snap fastener holding it all together is embossed with a "1." In our opinion, the "1" represents the FIRST bottling. Be that as it may... It's a really cool little gadget that will still be a genuine surprise even in 2026, in the Xaver Bar, with its stock of over 3,000 bottles. The capsule itself is decorated with subtle lines inspired by the horizon on which the Aberargie Distillery is located. The name of the distillery is emblazoned in raised glass letters at the bottom of the bottle. The front label offers no information not already mentioned. However, the back label scores points with details about the cask composition (first-fill bourbon and sherry casks) as well as a precise indication of the barley used (52% Golden Promise and 48% Laureate). All in all, the packaging is gorgeous, and the bottle is even more beautiful. It was so much fun just exploring and discovering it, without even tasting a single sip. Now the final straw had to be poured into the glass. The aroma of whisky wafts through the room almost as soon as it's opened. The sherry casks clearly take the lead here. The nose reveals fresh, bright fruits such as apple and citrus fruits, followed by dried fruits like raisins, prunes, plum datschi (i.e., plum crumb cake), wood notes from the barrel, and certainly one or two other things as well. WTF!!! What an awesome nose... I was more than surprised to get such a good first impression from a debut work. The first sip is surprisingly dry. The wood dominates briefly, bringing with it a good dose of tannins. Another surprising impression. Then, the fresh fruit notes reappear, followed by the sherry aromas. A truly lovely malty sweetness develops, and the finish is anything but short. We were both more than pleasantly surprised by this dram. Unfortunately, you won't find an age statement on the bottle. But since the distillery has been producing since 2017 and this is their first bottling, you can safely assume the whisky is 7-8 years old. And that's exactly what it delivers. It's definitely not just 3 years old. What's particularly nice about this whisky is how easy it is to drink. The second glass performs even better than the first. I am very critical when it comes to whisky and I say quite frankly if I don't like something... But this dram, contrary to expectations, has impressed me in a very positive way. So much so that I HAD to take a bottle with me! Aberargie Distillery has really made a splash here. Bam! Here we are!!! You can only love us because we're damn easy. Applause and hats off from me for this inaugural release. The only thing I can criticize here is the lack of an age rating. Everything else is simply awesome! I'm looking forward to more and will definitely include the distillery in my route through Scotland next year.

Distinctive, creamy, well-rounded, with good spice – very pleasant for a first bottling. And all this after 8 years!

Nase: Süß, würzig, Kirsche, Eiche, etwas Vanille, etwas dunkle Trockenfrüchte, Gewürze | Geschmack: Süß, würzig, Eiche, Kirsche, Gewürze, etwas Vanille, etwas dunkle Trockenfrüchte | Abgang: Mittellang; süße Noten, Kirsche, Kirschenschale und etwas Eiche bleiben. | Fazit: Die Nase beginnt intensiv süß und würzig. Kirsche und Eiche kommen anfangs. Dazu gibt es etwas Vanille und etwas dunkle Trockenfrüchte. Gewürze sind ebenfalls wahrnehmbar. Der Geschmack beginnt auch intensiv. Süße und würzige Noten kommen zusammen mit Eiche. Direkt danach kommt eine satte dunkle Kirsche. Etwas dunkle Trockenfrüchte folgen dann noch. Ein Hauch Vanille schwingt mit. Für die erste reguläre Abfüllung aus der Destillerie ein gelungener Whisky. Intensiv aber nicht überladen, keine Fehlnoten und echt angenehm zu trinken. | 85 Punkte

In today's whisky market, new distilleries have no room for failure - it's make or break. Therefore, I'm glad to report that Aberargie is doing things right. Notes of canned peaches, apricot jam and lemon drops reach my nose, balanced off by ginger, white pepper and baked apple. Sweet and zesty in the arrival, the palate is led by oranges, grapefruit and gentle wood spices. Despite its youth, this malt is thoughtfully made and quite tasty. Dried fruits, menthol and lime fade in the medium finish. First impressions count, and this inaugural release is very promising. RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

A new distillery has entered the scene – Aberargie. Located on the border between the Lowlands and the Highlands, it prides itself on its own distinct style. Owned by Morrison Distillers, this farm distillery grows all of its own barley. It relies on Golden Promise and Laureate barley, both of which are used in this inaugural release (52% Golden Promise, 48% Laureate, both processed and distilled separately). The whisky carries no age statement, but since the distillery has been producing since 2017, it's no longer exactly young. It was matured in equal parts in first-fill bourbon and sherry casks. glen-efze.de

1293-ABERAGIE INAUGURAL SINGLE MALT 48.2% ...it's still a young whisky, but it already has a lot to offer. I consider it a successful debut, reflecting the characteristics and influence of the casks used. It's well-made and worth trying. There is a downside, though, and that downside is the price.

Blog online on 7 March 2026 on my website www.longpouramour.com This is my conclusion: "A dream debut for the Aberargie Distillery. Not only talk, but also delivering on the promise that this is a product of an agricultural process. Well done!"

A very exciting inaugural release. It definitely has its own unique character, and I would definitely try further bottlings.

A sample from Slàinte Mhath. This is a decent first release. Fresh fruity summer dram where the slightly elevated ABV give it a gentle punch. Maybe it is the youth, water doesn't seem to change anything, not on the nose, not on the palate and not on the finish.

The inaugural release from the Aberargie distillery impressively demonstrates what patience, meticulous work, and a clear style can achieve. Completed in 2017, and now, after eight years, launching their first single malt – that's a statement. Even the aroma of this whisky is incredibly inviting. Warm apple pie, honey, and delicate spices rise to the nose. These are complemented by dark dried fruits, plenty of plum, and red currants. There's also waffle batter and a subtle hint of vanilla. Everything feels soft, rounded, and sweet without being heavy. This impression is confirmed on the palate. The whisky is smooth, sweet, and very creamy. The spicy oak is pleasantly integrated and, together with dark fruits, prunes, and dates, brings a lovely depth. Caramel and a touch of pepper add excitement, along with a fine malt note. The 48.2% ABV is exactly right – strong enough for expression, but never harsh. The finish is long, warming, and spicy. The oak remains present, complemented by subtle herbal aromas, berry compote, and a gentle tingling sensation on the palate. Very harmonious and clean to the very end. Matured in first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, both clearly demonstrating their quality, this eight-year-old whisky is remarkably mature and balanced. It's evident that meticulous care has been taken from the vineyard to the bottle. Even the green bottle with its visually striking stopper fits the overall picture – simple yet elegant. This is an incredibly refined and well-balanced single malt. Highly aromatic, exceptionally smooth, and a real powerhouse for an eight-year-old. It's simply enjoyable from start to finish. A more than successful debut that definitely leaves you wanting more.

Aroma: fruity (lemon), spicy (pepper) – reminiscent of Valparaíso. Taste: slightly chocolatey, light, dry. Finish: dry, bitter, caramel-like.

Like many debut spirits, this one is also cask-driven, although the quality of the sherry casks isn't particularly good. Due to the short maturation time, the distillate itself plays only a minor role, and so far it doesn't appeal to me. You can find the full review here: https://keinehalbendrinks.de/2026/09/05/newcomer-f/

Nose: Freshly cut herbs. Floral notes follow, not perfumed, rather natural and understated. Vanilla introduces a soft sweetness early on, accompanied by fruit—nothing exotic, more apple and a hint of pear. With time in the glass, it becomes more rounded. Butter cookies, warm and slightly crumbly, with a mild, almost creamy sweetness. Everything is balanced, without any harshness. Taste: On the palate, it shows more structure. Spicy. A gentle pepper adds accents without being overpowering. The texture is creamy, almost oily. Vanilla remains present, now accompanied by fine oak. The barrel influence is noticeable but well integrated. The sweetness lingers. Conclusion: Delicious. And if this is just the beginning, then we can truly look forward to the coming years.

Fruity, sweet, medium long finish

Nose- Baked apple, nutmeg, malted barley- pastry note, butterscotch, vanilla, slightly hay/straw note Palate- apples, tasting both casks- from the sherry cask- baked apples, orange peel, from the bourbon cask- butterscotch, coconut, vanilla, ginger, From the barley- buttery pastry note Finish- oak & char stronger, astringent, burnt orange peel, roasted hazelnut,

Really pleasantly surprised. An inaugural release with less than 10 years of maturation can't be improved much. Very fruity nose, more tropical than dark fruit. The ex-BC casks seem to have been really good. The 48.2% alcohol by volume is a pleasant strength. Overall, a great first impression that makes you look forward to the upcoming releases.

Inaugurations are always exciting, and this Aberargie impresses with its clarity and a beautiful interplay of fruit and spice. The alcohol content is very well-balanced and brings the aromas to the forefront. - 20.03.2026

Golden color. Slightly oily texture.

well-balanced whisky, especially keeping in mind the young age. However, it is the profile is rather average, despite having even some hints of the farmy notes. It has been a good experience with the sample, but buying the whole bottles does not make any sense to me. Maybe we will see 20-30% discounts in the upcoming months.

Aroma: beautifully balanced, bright fruity, ripe apple, malty base, alcohol perfectly integrated, vanilla, powdered sugar, sweet pear Taste: again apple notes, sweet oak spice, cherry notes, alcohol very well integrated, orange zest, medium finish without any bitterness. Color: Mustard yellow, medium waterline, clear Conclusion: not highly complex, but superbly balanced and deliciously uncomplicated in the best sense, never profane or unpleasantly youthful: Hats off to such a premiere release!

First release, first bottle, first dram from Aberargie. Let's go. A truly successful inaugural release, very drinkable and well-balanced - I will keep an eye on the development of the open bottle (and the distillery!). I could easily empty the whole bottle on a good evening because it's so easy to drink. Update 29.3.26: Bottlekill confirms my impression of the Neck Pour - really very good quality and drinkability.

87.5

Aberargie is one of the new distilleries that emerged during the recent Scottish single malt boom. Founded in 2017 by the Morrison family (the same people behind Mac-Talla and Old Perth, two ranges from which I’ve never had anything I didn’t like), it began distilling that same year on the family’s 300-acre farm, right on the border between the Highlands and Lowlands, although it is officially classified as a Lowland distillery. Like Daftmill, Aberargie prides itself on producing its whisky according to a farm-to-bottle or, in their own words, barley-to-bottle philosophy: they grow their own barley on the farm, distil it, mature the whisky and finally bottle it all at the distillery. For this inaugural release, they use 52% Golden Promise and 48% Laureate, both varieties grown on the Morrison family’s farms. The distillery has gained instant notoriety for doing something rather unusual among new Scottish distilleries: instead of rushing to release a three-year-old single malt as soon as the law allowed them to, they waited almost nine years from the beginning of production before presenting their first whisky, the Aberargie Inaugural Release, in March this year. Although it is a NAS, the whisky comes from the first spirit produced in 2017 and is therefore approximately eight years old. It was matured in a 50/50 combination of first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry casks, the latter supposingly being Oloroso and PX, and bottled at a more-than-respectable 48.2% ABV, non-chill filtered and with no added colouring. All of this comes at a price, though, quite literally: €80. For a whisky that is, at most, eight years old, that is undoubtedly excessive. But considering that pretty much any other new distillery would have offered a 3–5-year-old NAS for this kind of money (see GlenWyvis, Lagg, Ardnahoe or Torabhaig), I suppose we can give them a pass. Anyway, let’s see what it has to offer. Nose: Complex, rich notes of malted barley give way to equally complex apple notes: fresh apples, baked apples with cinnamon, which evolve into strong and lovely mince pie vibes, with raisins, lemon peel, cloves, nutmeg, etc. Berries, peaches, sweet honey, toasted nuts, toffee, hay, barn. Some light dirty nuances, like petrichor, liquorice, dusty dunnage and farmyard, add further dimensions. The richness and depth that this farmy maltiness brings to what would otherwise be a fairly generic whisky is absolutely crazy. Amazing nose, with a great balance between the Christmas aromas and the cereal, rich malt. Palate: The oak begins to assert itself seriously, with Christmas spices accompanied by brown sugar and even more sweet baked red apples, but without eclipsing the richness of the distillate, which brings notes of honeyed, buttery pastries fresh from the oven, with earthy and farmy nuances, something along the lines of wholemeal bread or oatmeal. It develops into a balance between sweet notes such as chocolate, figs and raisins, counterbalancing the spicier notes of nutmeg, black pepper, peanuts and oak spice. Some ripe banana and mango. The rich maltiness covers everything. Nice texture too. Finish: The finish is fairly dominated by the casks. Peppery oak and ginger, but also apricot, marzipan, dried fruits, red fruit juice, toffee and tobacco; but everything is very lively and vibrant… and very dry. The cereal notes are subtle but cover the whole spectrum, from artificial breakfast-cereal territory (Lion bars) to farmy and slightly funky, with wild herbs and silage. Colour me impressed. A spicy, fruity, farmy, very rich, barley-forward dram. A decadent bottle dominated by notes of baked apple, orchard fruits, raisins, pastry, honey, vanilla, malt/cereals, baking spices, oak and dark chocolate. The sherry influence is powerful, but in my opinion it enhances the profile beautifully. This is an intense whisky; you don't have to go hunting for the notes. The distillate, whose quality has genuinely impressed me, adds layer upon layer of nuance to what could otherwise have been a somewhat generic sherry dram. The first thing worth highlighting is that Aberargie’s approach to farm-to-bottle does not seem to result in a light, grassy, herbal whisky that stays very close to the raw materials (almost Irish-style), as is arguably the case with Lochlea or Daftmill. Instead, I’d say it’s closer to an unpeated Benromach: we get a very rich, malty, moderately farmy whisky, with plenty of structure and intensity, which can easily withstand the rather aggressive influence of the casks used here… because this is a very woody whisky (and that is, in my opinion, the genuine Scotch approach: producing a recognisable distillate that can withstand years of wood influence without losing its identity) The style they are going for is every bit as traditional as the appearance of the bottle, and they absolutely nail it. Perhaps this isn't the most distinctive whisky, nor the one with the most obvious personality, but in a landscape characterised by an accelerating arms race towards endless experimentation, rushed innovations and gimmicks born in marketing departments, it is genuinely refreshing to encounter a bottle that wants to do the absolute basics in such an unapologetically boringly traditional way… and not merely competently, but exceptionally well. Like the bottle itself, it seems almost deliberately designed to fly under the radar, so that it can play the card of standing out exclusively through its implicit sheer quality in the background, something that can be only really apparent to the connoisseur (and to randoms like me). A very risky strategy, in my humble opinion, but one I greatly appreciate. It is also worth highlighting the confidence that the distillery seems to have with this bottling. The whisky feels almost self-contained; this isn't a stepping stone towards some vaguely visible promised land, but a solid foundation upon which the future reputation of the distillery can already be built. This bottle has a very low-key aura. I'm clearly not the only one who has found this bottling genuinely enjoyable (although, to be fair, opinions are all over the place). I predict a bright future for the distillery (this is not financial advice), and if they keep bottling liquid of this quality, they probably won't have much to worry about from the crisis that seems to be looming over the Scotch market, which threatens new distilleries in particular, as the most vulnerable ones. In short, a total success. A great whisky that I finished much sooner than I expected.

A promising first bottling. The whisky has a great alcohol strength and isn't overpowering. The cask maturation still allows the distillate to shine through.

From field to bottle!!! Expectations met - what else would you expect....

Sour cream, butter cookies, dark honey, stewed berries, belgian waffles, freshly milled grain, vanilla, buttery and lively on the palate, vanilla custard with warm red berry compote, raspberry soda, sweet malt beer, tending toward a medium/short finish with mild oak spice. Active casks in balance with a great distillate. The sherry influence leans toward PX. The alcohol is well integrated. A solid first release that doesn’t come across as too young.

Quite alright indeed.