Review | Morris Rutherglen Signature Single Malt

This Australian single malt whisky is part-matured in fortified wine barrels by Morris of Rutherglen. Initial maturation is in ex-Australian red wine casks. The Signature sits at the heart of the Morris whisky range, all of which are matured in fortified wine casks. This includes Muscat and Apera (the Australian version of sherry). These casks have all been used to age wines produced by Morris from their vineyards.

Established in 1859, the Morris family winery is one of the early fortified wine producers in Australia. The winery and distillery are located in Rutherglen, north-eastern Victoria. This is near the Murray River border with New South Wales. The area is so famous for its style of wine production that an association, Winemakers of Rutherglen, has been formed by 16 of the most prominent wineries in the area – including Morris. The wine style is rich and bold with plenty of fruit characteristics.

In 2016, the distillery was built around the original copper still built in the 1930s and installed at the Morris winery in 1941. Then in 2021, they launched in the Australian market with two core products: the Signature and Muscat Barrel. The unique character of Morris of Rutherglen whisky comes from their maturation exclusively in casks that previously contained their award-winning fortified wines.

Morris Rutherglen Signature is bottled at 40% ABV. It retails across Australia and in selected global markets for AU$98 / £50.

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Our Tasting Notes

This richly dark amber coloured whisky is boldly fruity and sweet on the nose. Aromas of red apple, raspberry jam and fresh orange peel lead the way. Further fruitiness comes in the form of raisin and orange marmalade. Sweet oak and vanilla also evolve alongside hints of pink marshmallow and butter tobacco leaf. Dusty clove spice and perfumed florals sit in the background.

On the palate this whisky has a moderate body and weight, but with sticky character. Initial notes of sugary sultanas and caramel give way to dark chocolate, prune, dates and dried figs. There is also a background suggestion of dried apricot. A further hint of walnuts with their skins on develops nicely too. The whisky feels intensely rich. It is very reminiscent of the boldness and intensity of the fortified wines that the winery create. A final hint of ginger cookies adds further interest and depth.

The finish is on the shortish side. However, it brings forth plenty of dusty spices and oak, which sit alongside an icing sugar-like sweetness. The bold fruity characteristics fade a little quickly, which is a shame.

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What’s The Verdict?

This whisky feels very Australian. Think of an Australian wine and you think of boldness, richness, fruitiness and sweetness. This whisky ticks all of the same boxes and is a decent example of what is being produced in the country right now. We love how Aussie distillers are tapping in to local resources and using wine casks from the famous wine regions for maturation. The Signature is deliciously flavoursome.