Morris Whisky released their limited-edition Smoked Sherry Barrel Single Malt just in time for Christmas — and it quickly became a favourite among Australian whisky fans. Taking the core range Sherry Barrel as a base, it’s finished in heavily charred casks, adding a smoky dimension to an already popular dram.
You can watch my video review below, or keep reading for the full tasting notes.
About Morris Whisky
Morris Whisky was founded by Morris Wines of Rutherglen, internationally recognised for their award-winning fortified wines. They’ve fast become one of my favourite Australian distilleries, consistently producing quality whiskies without the price tags getting out of hand.
The Smoked Sherry release begins with their Sherry Barrel Single Malt, aged in casks that once held Morris Wines’ 10-year-old Amber Apera. It’s then further matured in heavily charred oak, imparting a distinctive wood smoke character, and bottled at a bold 50% ABV.
The charring process is handled in-house at the Morris cooperage by head cooper Anton Remkes, who hand-toasts the barrels to achieve the desired smoky profile. The aim: to create “a marriage of impressive dried citrus sherry notes with a lingering smoky finish.” It’s a similar approach to their highly regarded Smoked Muscat Barrel.
This bottle was kindly sent to me by Morris Whisky for review, but as always, my tasting notes are completely my own.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Noticeably darker than the standard Sherry Barrel — deep amber with a subtle reddish hue. The thick, slow legs speak to the oily congeners distiller Darren Peck ensures are present for full-bodied flavour.
Nose: A fascinating balance of familiar sherry notes and smoky overlay. Zesty citrus from the sherry casks meets charred wood smoke, creating an aroma reminiscent of cooked citrus. The longer you nose, the more the two profiles harmonise.
Palate: The first hit is all charred smoke, which gradually gives way to warm-climate Apera notes — not just the cask influence, but flavours akin to the fortified wine itself. Signature Morris buttery biscuit notes follow, joined by mulled wine spices, nutmeg, and a hint of burnt butter.
Finish: Long and lingering. The smoke remains like the memory of a campfire the next morning, intertwined with citrus and grapefruit.
Final Thoughts
Morris consistently delivers, and the Smoked Sherry Barrel is no exception. It’s a great choice for single malt drinkers and for anyone curious about “peat-adjacent” whiskies — those that offer smoky complexity without the full Islay-style peat punch.
Originally a limited release that sold out quickly, this dram proved there’s a big appetite for Morris’ smoky experiments.
Update: In July 2025, Morris Whisky released a second batch of the Smoked Sherry Barrel, giving fans another chance to enjoy this distinctive Australian single malt.