Australia is perhaps better known in the off-trade for its wine production, but now premium spirits distributor Mangrove has brought the Morris Australian Single Malt Signature Whisky and the Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whisky to the UK.
Both are available now in 70cl bottles (ABV 40%) with an RSP of £54.99.
Finished in vintage fortified and premium wine barrels, both have won several awards, including gold medals at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Morris Whisky is produced in the Rutherglen Distillery, based in a small town north east of Melbourne and named after the Scottish town of the same name.
At the heart of the distillery is an original 1930s hybrid copper pot and column still, which was meticulously restored and repurposed for the creation of single malt.
Since the start of production in 2016, Morris has engaged the services of whisky maker John McDougall, who has worked with Balvenie, Laphroaig and Springbank. He now consults exclusively to Morris in Australia as Master Distiller.
The ‘Einstein of whisky’, the late Dr Jim Swan was also a key member of the original Morris Whisky team.
Head Distiller Darren Peck (ex-Diageo) has worked under the tutelage of McDougall for the last five years to craft the whisky. The first barrels were laid down in 2017 and will each have at least three years maturation.
Mangrove boss Nick Gillett commented: “As the demand for new and interesting whiskies from non-traditional regions continues to explode, Mangrove looks to bring brands into the family which really encourage both the trade and consumers to explore the category.
“The effect of climate and territory in whisky continues to be something which adds to the whisky conversation alongside traditional variables of grain type, ageing and cask finishing; we think Morris is the perfect blend of the old and new world and look forward to enjoying a glass with our customers soon.”
