When you think of Morris Whisky, you probably picture rich fortified flavours — decadent muscat sweetness, layers of fruit, and that unmistakable Australian warmth. But what happens when you strip away the fortified influence and let the spirit itself take centre stage?
That’s what this latest release, the Morris French Oak Single Barrel, sets out to explore — and it might just be the most honest expression of Morris single malt yet.
A Limited Celebration of a Long Legacy
This single-barrel release celebrates the 165th anniversary of the Morris of Rutherglen winery — a family with roots stretching back to 1859, known for crafting award-winning fortified wines before turning their hand to whisky.
In 2016, the distillery refurbished its historic copper pot hybrid still to begin producing single malt spirit, typically matured in their own fortified wine casks. The result has been a range of distinctly Australian whiskies that bridge the gap between winery and distillery.
This release, however, takes a different approach. Filled in October 2019 and bottled in February 2025, the French Oak Single Barrel spent just over five years ageing before being hand-bottled at 54.8% ABV. Only 339 bottles exist, marking this as a true collector’s release.
Virgin Oak or Not? (A Quick Correction)
In my video review, I described this whisky as most likely matured in virgin French oak. After checking with the distillery, I’ve since learned that’s not the case.
The barrel previously held red wine, but due to shaving, toasting, and re-charring, very little of that wine character carried through. The result is a whisky that drinks like a virgin oak maturation — showing bold oak influence and clear spirit character, without any obvious wine notes.
So while it’s not a virgin cask, it remains an ideal showcase for the Morris single malt spirit itself.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: The colour sits in a deep amber-brown tone, more likely from the oak than any residual wine. Swirling it around the glass reveals thick, oily legs, a Morris hallmark that speaks to the richness of their spirit.
Nose: Straight away, the oak takes centre stage. It’s aromatic and grounding, like stepping into a barrel house full of ageing casks. Beneath that lies a honeyed sweetness and a touch of burnt toffee. There’s a noticeable absence of vanilla, something you’d normally expect from American oak, reinforcing that distinctive French oak character — refined, savoury, and complex. As well as a bread-like aroma, similar to sourdough.
Palate: That first sip hits with intensity — this is cask strength, after all — but it quickly softens into a smooth, buttery richness. I found notes of burnt butter, shortbread biscuit, and toffee, carried by a creamy mouthfeel that coats the palate beautifully. The oak runs consistently through every layer, adding gentle spice and warmth.
This whisky showcases more of the malted barley character than most Morris releases — that shortbread-like foundation that reminds you of the spirit’s core ingredients. For me it was the rawest glimpse yet of what Morris spirit truly tastes like.
Finish: The finish is long and warming, with toasted oak lingering alongside soft sweetness. That buttery richness gradually fades into a dry, elegant oak spice — a reflection of both the French oak’s tight grain and the balance of the spirit itself.
How It Compares to Other Morris Whiskies
The last single-barrel release, the Durif Barrel, was rich with dark chocolate and dessert sweetness, softening its high ABV and emphasising Morris’s wine heritage.
By contrast, the French Oak Single Barrel feels more honest and elemental. It strips away the layers of fortified influence, leaving the malt spirit to shine in its purest form. You can taste the distillation, the barrel craft, and the quality of the spirit without interference — a rare treat for fans of Australian whisky.
Final Thoughts
The Morris French Oak Single Barrel isn’t just another limited release — it’s a statement of identity.
By minimising the influence of fortified wine, this whisky allows the Morris whisky itself to step into the spotlight.
It’s elegant, refined, and confident — proof that Morris can craft whisky that’s just as compelling without leaning on its winery roots.
If you’re a fan of Australian single malt whisky or just want to experience Morris in its most authentic form, this bottle is well worth seeking out — though with only a few hundred in existence, you’ll need to move quickly.