Water of Life - Morris Whisky Limited Edition Smoked Muscat
Given how immensely enjoyable I not only usually find the fortified wines, tawnies and matured muscats of Morris of Rutherglen, but specifically the first two releases of Morris Whisky’s core range, it goes without saying that I was coloured intrigued when word around the campfire had that Morris launched a new expression that was to rely heavily-charred oak.
After all, how could contributing a smoky accent to further accentuate the complex intensity of Morris’ fantastic muscat cask-finished single malt whisky, which we covered as part of this series when it was first released, not result in a banger?
Clocking in at a solid ABV of 48.3%, upon approach Morris’ dark red hued Smoked Muscat expression tickles the nostrils with smoky aromas that give way to cherry, winey, blueberry and apple nuances, which blend in with a musky, molassic fruitiness dancing against the backdrop of the complex Muscat characteristics.
What is promised on the nose is seamlessly transitioned to the palate where a malty, honey-like sweetness with subtle hints of berry, coca and vanilla is married with an incredibly seductive melange of smoky flavours, culminating in a cinnamon spicy crescendo that is counterpointed by dry notes reminiscent of crisp, tart apple skins and nashi pears.
The aforementioned exercise in complexity is further enhanced by an elegant, velvety mouthfeel, which leaves me smacking my lips.
The finish is where the soft wood-aged characters and the intricacies of heavily charred oak flavours shine: Polyphenolic cocoa gives way to a smooth mellow complex piquancy that slowly builds to an intense accumulation of heat at the back of the mouth.
Salivating yet? You bet.
Morris’ Smoked Muscat expression is an example par excellence for a masterful calibration of the best that fortified Muscat casks and heavily charred oak has to offer.
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image from company website
