The Perthshire-based Aberargie Distillery has announced the launch of the first two releases in its new limited-edition Expressions series, created to explore the individual elements that shape the character of Aberargie’s whisky, beginning with the role played by different barley varieties.

Aberargie Laureate (48.2% ABV) is a single malt Scotch whisky, produced using 100% Laureate barley and matured in a combination of 32% first-fill Bourbon casks and 68% first-fill Sherry casks.

Aberargie Golden Promise (48.2% ABV) is a single malt Scotch whisky, produced using 100% Golden Promise barley and matured in 68% first-fill Bourbon casks and 32% first-fill Sherry casks.

These latest releases follow the distillery’s inaugural expression, launched in March, which was produced using a mash bill of 52% Golden Promise and 48% Laureate barley. The new whiskies allow drinkers to compare the flavours and characteristics associated with Laureate – a modern variety widely used throughout the Scotch whisky industry – and Golden Promise, the heritage barley once favoured by many of Scotland’s distillers, offering an old-versus-new comparison.

The Expressions series will explore two of the key pillars at the heart of Aberargie’s whisky-making philosophy: Laureate and Golden Promise. Each release will focus on a specific aspect of production and its influence on the character of the finished spirit.

Owned by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, Aberargie is one of a small number of Scottish distilleries operating a barley-to-bottle model. Both Golden Promise and Laureate are grown on the family’s own farms, with the family-run business overseeing every stage of production, from distillation and maturation through to bottling. This end-to-end approach enables complete traceability, from barley field to finished bottle.

Commenting on the launch, Graeme Mackeddie, Head of Distilling at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, said: “The response to our inaugural Aberargie release was incredibly encouraging. Its success demonstrated the level of interest in both the distillery and our approach to making whisky.”

“Barley is where every whisky begins, but the role it plays in creating flavour can sometimes be overlooked. Expressions allows us to showcase our interpretation of each barley variety and gives whisky drinkers the opportunity to explore the differences for themselves.”

“Laureate represents the barley we grow and work with today, while Golden Promise connects us to an important chapter in Scotch whisky’s heritage. Presenting the two whiskies side by side gives people a fascinating opportunity to compare their distinctive characteristics. It is the natural next step for Aberargie and the beginning of a series that will tell a much broader story about how our whisky is made.”

Aberargie Laureate and Aberargie Golden Promise will be available from September through selected specialist retailers. RRP’s (tbc).