Aberargie Unveils Two New Single Malts Golden Promise and Laureate

Aberargie Distillery deepens its barley‑to‑bottle philosophy this coming September with the launch of Laureate and Golden Promise — two limited single malts that spotlight how grain variety shapes flavour. The inaugural duo opens a new series, Aberargie Expressions, inviting whisky drinkers to explore the character of barley in its purest form.

Aberargie Distillery, the Perthshire producer known for its barley‑to‑bottle philosophy, is preparing to build on the sell‑out success of its Inaugural single malt with the release of two new whiskies this September. Named Laureate and Golden Promise, the pair form the first chapter in a new limited series: Aberargie Expressions.

The series is designed to explore the individual elements that shape Aberargie’s whisky — beginning with barley, the raw material that underpins every dram yet is often overshadowed by cask type or age statement. For Aberargie, barley is a cornerstone of identity: both varieties used in the new releases are grown on the Morrison family’s farms, giving the distillery complete control from seed to spirit. While the Inaugural release was made from a mash bill of 52% Golden Promise and 48% Laureate, the new Expressions isolate each variety to highlight their distinct personalities.

Laureate Edition  

• Distilled from 100% Laureate barley — the modern, high‑yield strain widely used across the Scotch industry — and matured in 32% first‑fill Bourbon casks and 68% first‑fill Sherry casks.

Golden Promise Edition  

• Made entirely from Golden Promise, the heritage barley beloved by distillers in the 1960s and 70s for its rich, oily spirit. This edition flips the cask recipe, with 68% first‑fill Bourbon and 32% first‑fill Sherry.

  
  

Released side by side, the duo invites whisky drinkers to explore how barley variety shapes flavour. Laureate offers a light contemporary profile, while Golden Promise is defined by depth, and texture.

On a trip to taste the two expressions the Laureate grain paired perfectly with Belhaven Hot and Cold Smoked Salmon and various excellent sausage rolls and savouries from Mhor bread. The Golden Promise meanwhile was excellent with creamy cupcakes and Empire biscuits. The spread was enjoyed in a Golden Promise barley field.

Graeme Mackeddie, Head of Distilling at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, says the Expressions series is a natural evolution for the distillery:

“Barley is where every whisky begins, but the part it plays in creating flavour can sometimes be overlooked. Expressions allow us to demonstrate our interpretations of each barley variety and give whisky drinkers the opportunity to explore the differences for themselves.”

Aberargie is one of a small number of Scottish distilleries operating a true barley‑to‑bottle model. Golden Promise is grown in the fields directly in front of the distillery, while Laureate is cultivated on two other family‑owned farms. Golden Promise, despite its lower yield, remains central to Aberargie’s philosophy of heritage and traceability.

Release Details

Aberargie Expressions: Laureate Edition and Golden Promise Edition will be released in September 2026.

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