Morris Whisky, the latest high profile entrant to the Australian whisky segment, has made its debut in the UK, introducing two exceptional whiskies.
The Morris Australian Single Malt Signature Whisky and the Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whisky will be available this month, distributed by Mangrove UK. The two expressions have a unique flavour, as a result of being finished in vintage fortified and premium wine barrels.
Since launching in Australia in June 2021, both Morris Signature (70cl, ABV 40%, RRP £54.99) and Muscat Barrel (70cl, ABV 46%, RRP £79.99) have been recognised for their premium quality receiving accolades at several prestigious award shows, including gold medals at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Morris Whisky is the result of the union of two great leaders in the Australian wine industry, the Casella family and the Morris family. The new releases are the culmination of their long standing relationship, which spans five decades.
In 1859 the Morris Family began producing wine and six generations later the original still used for producing the now globally renowned fortified is back in use as a result of the new venture into the world of whisky. The wine heritage further endures with the use of the prized century old fortified wine barrels which are unique to the Morris family and impart exceptional flavour into the whisky.
John Casella bought Morris of Rutherglen with its unique hybrid copper pot still in 2016, realising his dream to craft an exceptional Australian single malt whisky. He founded Copper & Grain Distilling Co. and the Rutherglen Distillery, based in a small town north east of Melbourne and named after the Scottish town of Rutherglen, is now the proud home to Morris Whisky
At the heart of the distillery is the original 1930’s hybrid copper pot and column still which gives the whisky a uniqueness like no other. Named Aurora, after the princess in Sleeping Beauty as it laid dormant for many years, it was meticulously restored and repurposed for the creation of fine single malt.
Copper & Grain Distilling Co. has appointed Nick Gillett and his team at Mangrove UK to manage all aspects of distribution in the UK.
“We are really excited to partner with Mangrove to make our foray into the UK market with Morris Whisky,” Michael Sergeant, Head of Strategy, Cooper & Grain Distilling Co. said.
“We know Mangrove will be an excellent extension of our team due to their extensive experience in premium spirits coupled with an enviable distribution network. Together we look forward to bringing these two premium, but accessibly priced, Australian Single Malts to whisky drinkers.”
Nick Gillett, MD at Mangrove UK added: “As the demand for new and interesting whiskies from non-traditional regions continues to explode, Mangrove look 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.”
