Former Springbank Master Distiller with Scotch Industry legend, Dr. Jim Swan kick off a new chapter in Morris's 160 year history.
Founded in 1859 and best known for their award-winning fortified wines, Morris of Rutherglen are now making whisky. Given the company's access to high quality barrels, it makes sense. The family hasn't cut any corners since the inception of the project in 2016. Their dream team originally consisted of Master Distiller, John McDougall, a widely-respected whisky maker with experience at Balvenie, Laphroaig and Springbank. The late Dr Jim Swan, famous for his work with STR casks at Kavalan, Kilchoman et al, was also a key consultant and worked with McDougall on honing the barrel and toasting regimes. Currently, Darren Peck (ex-Diageo) is Head Distiller having worked under the tutelage of McDougall for the last five years.
At the heart of the process is a restored hybrid copper pot and column still - none other than the original installed at Morris's in the early 1930s used for producing base spirits for fortified wines. High quality barley is sourced locally. Add a private cooperage and a warm/cool day/night maturation environment combined with reasonable sell prices and Morris are setting the standard high.
The first releases include a 'Signature' label and a Muscat Barrel finished malt, initially matured in a combination of French and American oak x-wine barrels. Both entries were awarded gold medals at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (it should be noted that these were slightly higher abv variants for the US market). The recent SIP Awards in the US (May 2021) also recognised their quality, with the Signature being awarded Platinum, and the Muscat a Double Gold. For collectors, these first releases may carry some significance in years to come. For the Morris family, they mark a new chapter in a 160 year history. Tasting note: Morris' Signature bottling is matured in the winery's award winning fortified wine barrels. Deep gold. Delicately aromatic, in the tradition of lighter Scotch blends - muesli, grain store, sprinklings of pepper and subtle dried fruit notes. Good mouthfeel and body at this lower strength with sweet, toasted cereals followed by choc ripple biscuit and lively spices. The aftertaste offers hints of dried fruit and toasted oak. Elegant and well balanced. Tastes mature beyond its years. 40% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the producers... Colour: Medium Gold. Nose: Subtle aromas of grain combined with the complexity of caramel and marzipan. Palate: Extremely well rounded with a pleasantly delicate mouth feel. FINISH: Long finish and refreshing after taste that lingers on the palate. 40% Alc./Vol.