When it comes to uniquely Australian single malts, few releases capture a true sense of place quite like the Morris Family Durif Single Barrel. This inaugural bottling brings together two Rutherglen icons — Morris’ award-winning single malt whisky and the region’s signature red wine grape, Durif — in an expression that’s rich, decadent, and unmistakably shaped by its home.
Morris Whisky‘s first single cask release, only 258 bottles exist, each individually numbered, hand-labelled, and signed by Head Distiller Darren Peck. At 58.5% ABV, it’s a robust dram, but one that delivers a balance of flavour that’s as rare as the release itself.
A Whisky with Deep Roots in Rutherglen’s History
The fertile floodplains of North-East Victoria have been home to Morris of Rutherglen since George Morris established the winery in 1859. Over six generations, the family has built a reputation for producing some of Australia’s most celebrated fortified wines — and for pioneering Durif in the region.
First planted in Rutherglen in 1920, and championed as a dry red table wine by Mick Morris in 1954, Durif has since become a cornerstone of the area’s viticultural identity. Known for its inky colour, bold tannins, and rich dark fruit flavours, it’s a grape that thrives in Rutherglen’s warm, continental climate and produces wines with exceptional structure and ageing potential.
By resting their single malt in a single Durif barrel — carefully chosen from the Morris family cellar — the distilling team has created a whisky that’s both a tribute to the region’s heritage and a celebration of its unique terroir.
Cask Selection and Craftsmanship
On Thursday 14 June 2018, a crisp winter’s day in Rutherglen, a freshly distilled Morris single malt was filled into a Durif barrel selected for its exceptional quality. Over the next several years, the whisky absorbed the bold character of the oak and the deep, complex flavours left behind by the fortified red.
The challenge with a barrel like this lies in balance — Durif’s boldness could easily overwhelm a spirit — but here, the whisky retains its integrity while gaining a rich depth from the wine-soaked oak. The result is a harmony that speaks to both careful cask preparation and the skill of the distillers.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Earthy dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans, with a gentle waft of fragrant old wood. For a whisky sitting at nearly 60% ABV, it’s surprisingly approachable on the nose.
Palate: This is where the magic happens. Rich, oily, and mouth-coating, the whisky delivers a biscuity chocolate note that coats the palate. The chocolate note is incredibly prevalent and comes across like a smooth, creamy dark chocolate rich in texture (think Cadbury Old Gold).
Finish: That chocolate oily coating lingers in the mouth, slowly fading into warm undertones of vanilla and dried fruits.
A Collector’s Release
With its extremely limited outturn and deep ties to the Morris family’s winemaking heritage, this Single Barrel release is destined to be a collector’s piece — but it’s also a dram that rewards drinking. Whether you’re drawn to it for its rarity, its connection to Rutherglen, or its layered, indulgent flavour profile, it’s an expression that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
At an RRP of $298 and available exclusively through Morris of Rutherglen online, it’s a bottle that invites you to experience the meeting point of bold Australian wine and award-winning single malt whisky — all through the lens of a single, extraordinary cask.
Final Thoughts
The Morris Family Durif Single Barrel is more than just a whisky aged in a wine cask — it’s a love letter to Rutherglen. From the vineyard history to the distillery’s modern craftsmanship, every sip tells the story of a region that thrives on bold flavours and uncompromising quality. If you have the chance to try it, take it. And if you manage to secure a bottle, treasure it — because there won’t be another one quite like it.
Update: This whisky sold out in under two weeks!