Claiming that the Australian distilling scene is merely "interesting" would be like saying the Great Barrier Reef is just a nice swimming spot—an understatement of cosmic proportions. The truth is, the explosion of new distilleries down under is nothing short of a seismic shift in the whisky world, where the boundaries of what's possible are being not just pushed but pulverized.
So, when we caught wind of Morris of Rutherglen—a name steeped in the tradition of fortified wines—making a splash into the single malt whisky pool with their debut releases, the Signature and Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whiskies, our curiosity was piqued in the most vibrant shades.
And why wouldn’t it be?
Rumors were swirling like the fine mist of a distillery that Morris had roped in the expertise of former master distillers from the likes of Balvenie, Laphroaig, Springbank, and Kilchoman to fine-tune their approach. If you’re going to start making whisky, why not aim for the stars?
What really caught our eye, though, was the price tag—remarkably modest for the Australian market, where taxes and small-scale production usually mean you'd need to mortgage your house for a 500ml bottle. Here, Morris was breaking tradition in more ways than one, setting the stage for their debut to not just make a splash but send ripples through the whisky community.
With barley plucked from the local fields, water sourced from the pristine Snowy Mountains, and a maturation program that marries American and French oak barrels before a finishing flourish in their own premium fortified wine barrels, Morris was clearly aiming for a symphony of flavors. The Rutherglen region’s distinctive climate—hot days and cold nights—only heightened expectations for something big, bold, and complex.
Their Signature expression, aged for a minimum of three years and bottled at a classic 40% ABV, greets the senses with a deep golden hue. On the nose, it’s a fragrant dance of grainy, grassy notes intertwined with fruity hints of apple and blueberry. These are underscored by zesty citrus, marzipan, and just a whisper of leather and earthiness, all wrapped up in delicate cherry nuances.
Take a sip, and the magic of those fortified wine barrels unfurls across the palate in waves of honeyed dark chocolate, plums, burnt toffee, and dried cranberries. It's a light-bodied dram with a juicy, refreshing mouthfeel, leading into a finish that lingers with nougat, oak, and brown sugary caramel. In short, it's a beautifully composed, multi-layered whisky that's as sessionable as it is competitively priced—a debut that’s sure to send a few shockwaves through the whisky world.
But wait, there’s more.
Enter the Muscat Finish, the bold, brash sibling in the Morris family, swaggering in at a confident 46% ABV. This dram isn't just content with making an entrance—it’s here to steal the show. Aged in shaved and toasted ex-wine casks and then lavished with the rich indulgence of ex-Muscat casks, it greets you with a dark, molasses sweetness that’s so decadent, even a seasoned distiller might find themselves weak in the knees.
On the nose, it’s a heady mix of indulgent aromas that could easily be mistaken for dessert in a glass, with fig notes weaving through the air like a siren's call. It’s the kind of aroma that makes you want to dive right in, no questions asked.
The first sip is a revelation—honeyed sweetness dances across your palate, twirling with subtle hints of berries and that oh-so-tempting flavor of chocolate cookie dough. But just as you think you’ve got the measure of it, tannic, mouth-coating notes rise up like a plot twist in a good novel, keeping you on your toes.
The finale is nothing short of spectacular—a crescendo of cocoa and cinnamon spice that crashes into a long, full-bodied finish, where charred oak mingles with dried fruits, coffee, and nut chocolate, leaving you with a lingering warmth and the undeniable urge to pour yourself just one more glass.
Morris Whisky Tokay Barrel - a Gem with a Sweet Twist of Local Charm
This expression is a love letter to local craftsmanship, born from the rich, fertile land of Rutherglen. It’s like Mother Nature herself had a hand in this one, using only the finest local ingredients to create a masterpiece. Aged predominantly in French oak red wine casks, this whisky already whispers promises of greatness. But the true magic? It happens in the finish, where the whisky takes a luxurious dip in the Morris family's own fortified wine barrels—barrels that once cradled their 15-year-old Cellar Reserve Grand Topaque (or Tokay, for those in the know), the rich layers of butterscotch, ginger snap, and spicy characteristics of which are very much present in what is going to unfold.
The result?
A decadent layering of caramel, chocolate, and coffee that drapes over a fruity malt core, making this whisky downright irresistible.
Picture this: You pour a dram, and the first thing that catches your eye is its golden amber glow, as mesmerizing as an Outback sunset. You might just pause for a moment, tempted to admire it like a work of art. But don’t linger too long—the real treasure awaits. A
s you bring the glass to your nose, you're greeted by an aromatic symphony that could make even Willy Wonka jealous: sweet toffee, rich malt, and creamy butterscotch, all enveloped in a nutty hug that’s as cozy as your go-to wool jumper on a brisk evening.
Then comes the moment of truth—the sip. And oh, what a sip it is. It’s as if this whisky has been patiently waiting its entire existence just to meet your taste buds.
Delicate muscadelle pirouettes across your tongue, playfully teasing your senses before a warm wave of elegant sweetness sweeps in. It’s a rich, intense experience, akin to biting into a piece of caramel fudge that’s been kissed by oak, adding a layer of complexity that keeps you coming back for more.
But the journey doesn’t end there. The finish is the kind that lingers long after the glass is empty. Imagine a creamy malt wave gently crashing onto the shores of Luscious Fruit Island, leaving behind a velvety afterglow that has you wondering how you ever lived without this whisky in your life. It’s the kind of finish that makes you close your eyes, savoring every last drop as if it’s a secret you’re reluctant to share.
Pair this liquid gold with a goat’s cheese and vegetable frittata, and you’ll find a savory counterpart that elevates the whisky’s nutty notes. Or, if you’re leaning toward something sweeter, a slice of pecan pie will play off the caramel and toffee tones with a harmonious grace that’s nothing short of culinary heaven.
As the whisky unfolds, dried apples and apricots join the party, mingling with burnt brown sugar and candied pecans—a delightful dance of sweet and savory. Creamy custard and butterscotch notes add a comforting layer, while vibrant fruit and delicate, sweet spice keep things lively. And just when you think you’ve experienced it all, malted milk biscuits, cinder toffee, mocha, and soaked raisins step in, rounding out the experience in the most satisfying, “I’ll have another” kind of way.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Morris of Rutherglen.