Whisky of the month April
Aberargie
Inaugural Release
There’s something about a first release that often feels a bit fragile.
A distillery showing itself to the world for the very first time.
No history to lean on. No reputation to hide behind.
Just a bottle and a statement, but the Aberargie Inaugural Release doesn’t feel fragile at all.
Aberargie is not a distillery that rushed to market.
Founded in 2017 in Perthshire, it quietly started laying the foundations: growing barley, distilling patiently, and, maybe most importantly, letting the spirit mature long enough to actually say something.
Because this isn’t a 3-year-old “we had to release something” whisky.
This inaugural release comes from spirit that has had around eight years in cask. That changes everything. It gives weight. Structure. Confidence.
And it starts at the source.
The mash bill is built on Golden Promise (52%) and Laureate (48%) barley, a combination that tells you exactly what Aberargie is about.
Respect for tradition, but with a modern backbone.
You can taste that.
For the first impression, Aberargie didn’t go extreme.
No heavy sherry dominance. No aggressive wood influence trying to mask youth.
Instead, they chose a 50:50 marriage of first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry casks.
And that word "marriage" matters here, because this whisky doesn’t feel like two styles competing.
It feels like something that has been brought together carefully, shaped rather than forced.
Bourbon casks bring lift: vanilla, orchard fruit, softness.
Sherry casks add depth: dried fruit, spice, structure.
Together, they perfectly align.
ABERARGIE
INAUGURAL RELEASE
Simply unfolds,
layer by layer,
sip by sip.
Tasting notes
When I open it:
Opens with baked apple and pear, quickly moving into pastry notes, think warm apple pie and light brioche.
Vanilla and honey follow, with sultanas and a hint of raisin adding depth from the sherry casks.
There’s a fresh edge too: a touch of citrus zest and faint maltiness that keeps it lively rather than sweet-heavy.
When I taste it:
Layered and composed. Orchard fruits remain central, now joined by gentle ginger spice and light oak.
The sweetness leans towards honey and raisin fudge, balanced by a subtle citrus lift.
There’s a pastry-like richness, almost buttery, but it never becomes heavy.
When I swallow it:
Medium length with warming oak spice, gentle dryness, and lingering notes of apple, light malt, and soft sherry sweetness.
Mouthfeel
Viscous and creamy, with a slightly oily texture that coats the palate nicely.
It carries flavours well, giving the whisky a rounded, almost buttery presence without losing its freshness
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Gin.whis notes
The Aberargie Inaugural Release doesn’t feel like a first attempt.
Many inaugural releases are about excitement and energy, sometimes even a bit of impatience.
This feels settled, ready
You taste a distillery that understood that the first bottle is not just a product.
It’s a foundation, something people will look back on.
This Aberargie simply unfolds, layer by layer, sip by sip.
And probably that’s what makes it fascinating.
Because this isn’t just a good whisky, it’s a first chapter that already feels complete.
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Producer: Aberargie Distillery
Style: Lowland/highland whisky
ABV: 48,2%
Age Statement: NAS (No Age Statement) but contains whisky 7-8 years old. (distilation 2017-2026)
Origin: Perthshire, Scotland