In the heart of Scotland’s whisky country, where mist rolls in with the dawn and rivers wind through ancient valleys, the Morrison family has quietly cultivated a heritage steeped in both craft and character.
Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, led today by Jamie and Brian Morrison, represents a return to roots—a journey that started centuries ago when the family began as humble grocers, trading in spices and stories, before transforming into whisky brokers, blenders, and, finally, distillers. Their story is one not just of whisky but of resilience and reverence for the land that has always provided for them.
The latest chapter in their storied lineage comes to life in the Carǹ Mòr Strictly Limited Collection, a selection of whiskies that whisper tales of the past while nodding firmly toward the future. It’s a collection designed for those who seek something unique in every sip—something steeped in tradition yet vibrant with innovation.
And leading this lineup is a true Highland star: the Glen Elgin 2017, a whisky whose journey from cask to bottle captures the Morrison spirit in its full complexity.
Imagine, for a moment, the landscape of Scotland condensed into a single sip. The Glen Elgin 2017 is that sip—a veritable slice of the Highlands, bottled and ready to transport you to moss-covered forests and rugged hillsides.
Aged in a first-fill bourbon cask and presented at a bold 47.5% ABV, this six-year-old single malt is an ode to youth with a knowing nod to the wisdom of age. Its scent is like stepping into an autumn orchard: ripe pears and crisp green apples, swirled with just enough honey to recall a summer’s day. But it’s not just sweetness that you’ll find here; the nose is layered, floral yet earthy, a nod to the Morrison family’s meticulous attention to balance.
Then, the first sip. Orchard fruits explode on the palate, mingling with waves of sweet vanilla and a touch of malt. It’s not just whisky; it’s an entire landscape distilled—a tapestry of flavors that each tell a part of the Morrison story.
Imagine a blend of spiced apple compote, ripe cherries, and the faintest hint of leather, as if a well-loved book were woven into the mix. This is a whisky that doesn’t rush to make its mark; instead, it takes its time, unfolding like the pages of a cherished family album.
The finish is where the Glen Elgin 2017 truly shines. Here, cardamom and bay leaves linger like the final notes of a sonata, while a tannic edge gives way to hints of cacao nibs and a whisper of aged sherry. This final flourish brings a satisfying complexity, a reminder that the best things are worth savoring. And in this finish is a piece of Scotland itself—a rugged, unyielding spirit softened only by time and patience.
Each bottle in the Carǹ Mòr Strictly Limited Collection is not merely a drink but a promise—a testament to the Morrison family’s legacy of quality and dedication. This collection isn’t just whisky; it’s a window into a world where the past and present collide in every dram, honoring the values that have guided the Morrisons since their earliest days.
With the Carǹ Mòr series, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers invite us not merely to taste their whisky but to step into a tradition woven from intuition, patience, and passion. This is more than just a drink. It’s a connection to history, a bridge from the Morrison family’s beginnings to their future, and a celebration of everything that makes Scotland’s whisky industry both rich and resilient.
Raise a glass, and you’re not just sipping whisky; you’re toasting the very heart of Scotland.
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Words by AW.
Photo courtesy of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers.