Origin: Lowlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 48.2%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry first fill
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Morrison Distillers
Average price: € 75.00
Official website: aberargie.com
The Lowlands once again confirm themselves as a true artisanal “laboratory” of Scottish whisky, with the debut of another distillery that starts from locally grown raw materials.
Aberargie began distilling in 2017 at the farm of the same name in Perthshire, owned by the Morrison family, who have had a relationship with whisky for several generations, finally managing to add a distillery to their extensive portfolio of independent labels, including Càrn Mòr and Mac-Talla.
A traditional approach starting from one of the barley varieties used in distillation, which alternates the classic Laureate with the Golden Promise, a strain that is rarely used in the industry due to its low yield in fermentation. And in the new make, the difference is noticeable!
The unpeated new makes from the two strains (48% of the first and 52% of the second) for this first bottling were joined in first-fill ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks, blended in equal proportions with an unusual ageing of almost nine years until March 2026.
Tasting Notes
So much freshness on the nose, almost crunchy, a basket of tropical (pineapple, mango, ripe banana, lychee), white (Golden apple, peach, apricot) and red (raisin, ripe plum, currant) fruits, with a hint of citrus (pink grapefruit, mandarin). The structure is very classic, with pastry joining the chorus of custard, marzipan, orange marmalade, and sweet licorice, along with slight spicy touches (cinnamon, nutmeg) and a base of malt bread that adds warmth. A vegetal vein, of freshly cut grass, refreshes the aromas. Round and complete.
Sipping it, the first sensation is the warm notes of malt and bread, full and oily on the palate, with the right punch of spices (black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg) that tease the mouth. There is a greater presence of the red fruits, with plum and currant dominating, while citrus fruits lead the rest of the fruity profile, with the white ones being more evident in the background. Liquorice, vanilla, salted caramel, shortcrust pastry, and a vegetal note close it out in a lengthy finish, accompanied by a brief balsamic touch.
Finale quite long and persistent, where spices and herbaceous/balsamic notes take center stage, putting fruit and pastry in the background.
Review: One of those times when you find yourself in front of a whisky that tastes like whisky: classic, full, satisfying, without gimmicks or fireworks. A well-crafted roundness with enough youthful notes to make it lively and sparkling, awaiting the years to bring it to a very interesting maturity.
Vote: 87/100