Exclusive Edinburgh tasting offers a preview of new single malts highlighting “barley-to-bottle” provenance and regional history.
Edinburgh whisky aficionados are set to gain an exclusive early insight into Aberargie Distillery’s ambitious new ‘Expressions’ series. A tasting event scheduled for Wednesday, 9th September 2026, at The Balmoral’s Scotch whisky bar, will precede the global launch of two distinct single malts on 15th September. This initiative by Aberargie, established in 2017 by the Morrison family, underscores a commitment to a “barley-to-bottle” philosophy, offering full control and traceability from cultivation to distillation.
The event will feature prominent whisky writers Dave Broom and Arthur Motley, co-founders of The Liquid Antiquarian research project, alongside Niel Hendrikz from Aberargie Distillery. Attendees will be among the first to sample Aberargie Expressions: Golden Promise and Aberargie Expressions: Laureate. Both whiskies are produced using barley grown on the Morrison family’s 300-acre Perthshire farm, marking a return to an integrated farming and distilling model.
Reinvigorating Perthshire’s Distilling Legacy
Beyond introducing new spirits, the tasting aims to shed light on Perthshire’s significant, yet often overlooked, whisky history and the historical links between agriculture and distilling in the region. Research by Broom and Motley through The Liquid Antiquarian delves into the decline of whisky production in Perthshire and the communities that once flourished around the industry. Their work highlights how Aberargie Distillery could mark a new chapter for an area historically rich in whisky production. Perth, for instance, was once celebrated as the “blending capital of the world,” a title now largely forgotten despite its historical importance as a hub for blenders like Peter Thomson of Old Perth, John Dewar, and Matthew Gloag of The Famous Grouse.
Dave Broom, an acclaimed spirits expert and author, emphasised the unique nature of Aberargie’s approach. He said: “Arthur and I have always been fascinated by the stories that lie beneath the surface of whisky history – the people, places and distilleries that have, in many cases, disappeared from view.
“When we began looking into Perthshire’s whisky history, it quickly became clear that the relationship between farming and distilling was an important part of that story. That is what made Aberargie such a natural place to begin. Here you have a distillery where the connection to the land is not simply part of the story; it is fundamental to how the whisky is made. The team are both farmers and distillers, growing the barley and following its journey through to the spirit. It provides a fascinating link between Perthshire’s distilling past and what could be its future.”
Arthur Motley, with over two decades of experience in the spirits industry, including his tenure as Managing Director of Royal Mile Whiskies, co-founded The Liquid Antiquarian to conduct extensive original research into the history and culture of alcohol.
Perthshire itself has a deep distilling heritage, with operating distilleries such as Glenturret, established in 1763 and claiming to be Scotland’s oldest working distillery, and Blair Athol, founded in 1798. Aberargie’s emergence in 2017, following the Morrison family’s five-generation involvement in Scotch whisky, including previous ownership of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, signifies a revitalisation of the region’s distilling landscape.
The ‘Expressions’ Series: A Deep Dive into Barley Varietals
The core objective of Aberargie’s ‘Expressions’ series is to demonstrate the profound influence of different barley varieties on a whisky’s flavour and character. The Edinburgh event will allow guests to directly compare Aberargie Golden Promise and Aberargie Laureate.
Golden Promise, a heritage barley variety introduced in the 1960s, was once a staple for many leading Scotch producers, including The Macallan, due to its ability to yield a full-bodied, oily, and creamy spirit. Despite its lower yield compared to modern strains, its flavour profile has made it a preferred choice for distilleries prioritising character over volume. Aberargie’s Golden Promise Edition, distilled from 100% Golden Promise barley, is matured in 68% first-fill Bourbon and 32% first-fill Sherry casks, and is described as offering notes of buttery pastry, stewed apples, brown sugar, and baking spices.
In contrast, Laureate is a contemporary, high-yielding barley variety widely used in the industry for its consistent quality and ability to produce a clean, bright, and often fruit-forward spirit. The Laureate Edition from Aberargie, also distilled from 100% Laureate barley, is matured in a different cask combination: 32% first-fill Bourbon and 68% first-fill Sherry casks, presenting a flavour profile of candied orange peel, dried fruit, crisp orchard fruit, and a honeyed finish. This careful selection and maturation highlight the distillery’s dedication to showcasing the impact of agricultural choices on the final spirit.
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Market Context: Provenance and Premiumisation
This “barley-to-bottle” approach, where the Morrison family oversees every stage from cultivation to bottling, offers an exceptional level of control, provenance, and traceability. Such an integrated model is increasingly valued in the global premium whisky market, which is experiencing significant growth. The Scotch whisky market was valued at USD 56.51 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 73.63 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.61%. This growth is driven by a strong consumer preference for premium and luxury spirits, with a shift towards quality, authenticity, and detailed brand storytelling. The demand for single malt Scotch whisky, in particular, is expanding at a projected 5.55% CAGR through 2031, as consumers seek clear provenance and distillery identity. The craft spirits market in the UK also reflects this trend, having generated USD 1,100.9 million in 2023 and expected to reach USD 4,773.3 million by 2030, with whisky being the largest revenue-generating product segment. The last decade has seen an unprecedented boom in new distilleries in Scotland, with nearly 50 established, many of which focus on extreme locality and farm-to-bottle practices.
The guided tasting will also include Old Perth 12 Year Old and two other whiskies from Perthshire. The Old Perth brand, resurrected by the Morrison family, pays homage to Perth’s historical role as a whisky blending capital.
Event Details
The event, “An Afternoon with Dave Broom, Arthur Motley and Aberargie Distillery,” is scheduled for Wednesday, 9th September 2026, from 4pm to 6pm, at SCOTCH, The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ. Tickets are priced at £25 and include a welcome highball, canapés, a Q&A session, and a guided tasting of five whiskies.
