Aberarige Single Malt Scotch Whisky Inaugural Release

The Morrison family — the dynasty behind Morrison Bowmore, former custodians of Bowmore, Auchentoshan, and Glen Garioch — filled their first casks at Aberargie in 2017 and didn't release a drop until 2026. Nine years. One shot at a first impression. They didn't rush it, and it shows.

The distillery sits on a 300-acre family farm in Perthshire, on the Highland-Lowland border. Everything is grown here: a mash bill of 52% Golden Promise — the heritage variety abandoned by most of the industry for its low yield but prized for its oily, full-bodied character — and 48% Laureate. Matured in equal parts first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry, both sourced whole and unrinsed. Baked apple, golden pastry, sultanas, prunes, and a long herbal finish. Creamy, poised, and already fully formed.

Whisky writer Dave Broom said it best at launch: "Not showing potential. Already fully formed." 48.2% ABV, non-chill filtered, natural colour. A debut worth the wait.