With unparalleled access to prize-winning fortified wine barrels, it was perhaps inevitable that Morris of Rutherglen, after more than 160 years, would foray into the rapidly growing market for Australian-made single malt whisky.
Bursting out of the gates after just 12 short months on shelves, Morris Whisky wasted no time making a splash in the Australian single malt scene. Novel and established whisky drinkers alike sat upright in their seats, praising Morris for a signature taste, approachable price point and – most importantly – its availability.
Despite such a short time in market, few would disagree that Morris Whisky is the most exciting evolution of Australian whisky in recent memory. Anyone with a casual interest in wine and spirits knows that you don’t clean up numerous local and international awards overnight. It’s a testament to the pedigree of the Morris family’s winemaking legacy that new ventures like the Smoked Muscat limited edition will soon be flying off the shelves with anticipation.
There are few names with more influence in the Rutherglen region of Victoria than Morris. This premier pocket of liquid gold was established as a world leader in sophisticated fortified wines way back in the mid-1800s, with Morris firmly planting its flag in local legend around 1859. Morris earned a masterful reputation throughout the Victorian Riverland which has evolved over six generations of superior craftsmanship. It’s for this reason that single malt whisky is such a colossal new direction for the name.
A recipe for success since day one
Whisky is one of the most natural – not to mention incredibly fortuitous – progressions for a winery. After all, how many Australian distilleries can claim to use their own plethora of family-owned wine casks for the maturation process? Whisky making was made even easier with the Morris family’s claim to a historic hybrid copper still named ‘Aurora’ that was built locally in the 1930s and has been reconditioned to power this ambitious play into the whisky market.
If you’ve already had the joy of trying their delectable staple – an impressive, flavoursome single malt – you’d agree that it’s perhaps the best value Aussie whisky at sub-$100. Better yet, by leveraging their proven capacity to produce wine, Morris bottle just enough volume of their entry-level dram so that anyone can walk right into their local Dan Murphy’s or favourite Independent Liquor retailer and regularly find it in stock. No extortionate price-points to be found here.
Throw in dual gold medals at the 2021 and 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and you could say the stakes have well and truly been raised.
Pedigree meets technicality
Without having to source casks elsewhere, Rutherglen’s operation is more or less self-sustained. Its vibrant terroir is also constantly fed by the flowing arteries of the mighty Snowy Mountains and Murray River. Combine this with the region’s climate of balmy summer days and crisp nights, you’ve got a recipe that perfectly lends itself to whisky production, helping these highly-sought fortified casks – some of which date back 100 years – build whisky that is rich, well-balanced and expressive.
Veteran distiller John McDougall, formerly of Balvenie, Laphroaig, and Springbank, worked closely with Morris’ Head Distiller Darren Peck to help develop a unique barrel maturation program and toasting regime from the get-go. It was combined with a robust proprietary process for the optimum maturation of whisky helmed by the industry’s well respected cask treatment hero, the late, great, Dr. Jim Swan.
Onwards and upwards
Already, even with the label only landing on shelves last year, Morris Whisky has presented a range of Australian single malt whiskies that champion its fortified heritage and should firmly command the attention of its local and international competitors. And it just keeps going.
The label’s third release and limited edition, Morris Tokay Barrel, casually picked up a Double Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition just two months ago and has already sold out. It won’t be a surprise to see similar accolades thrown at Morris’ latest release, either, an ambitiously experimental Morris Smoked Muscat single malt that is a surprising left turn into a “smokey fortified” finish that demonstrates the potential range that can flow from Morris and its army of fortified barrels.
The Smoked Muscat expression brings together three unique elements; Single Malt Whisky, award-winning fortified Muscat barrels, and heavily-charred oak, to create a whisky with unrivalled complexity and unique depth of character. Morris claim it’s the perfect marriage of dry-biscuit maltiness, rich luscious raisin fruits, soft wood-aged characters and a lingering subtle smokiness.
Is Morris Whisky the most accessible Aussie distillery in the game right now? Its rivals are looking less clear by the day, but regardless of your answer, for both dedicated whisky enthusiasts and casual sippers, having a premium label that’s propped up by such a prestigious history is an incredibly exciting evolution for the Australian whisky scene. You can bet that everybody in the industry is taking note, and we reckon you should too.
You can pick up Morris’ Signature ($95) and Muscat Barrel ($140) single malts at morriswhisky.com, with pre-orders now open at the link below for the Morris Smoked Muscat limited edition at $189 per bottle.
P.S – We’re running a Morris Whisky giveaway right now until next Friday, August 19. Win one of three Morris Whisky packs valued at $499. Enter here.
This article is sponsored by Morris Whisky. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
