Fortified wine producer Morris of Rutherglen has partnered with Hotaling & Co to launch its Australian whisky portfolio in the US.
Morris Australian Single Malt Signature and Muscat Barrel will debut this month with Hotaling assuming importation responsibilities. The pair, retailing at US$59.99 and $89.99 per 750ml bottle, respectively, represent the third Australian whisky to launch in the US to date, according to the Rutherglen, Victoria-based distiller.
Kicking off in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Washington DC, the brand will extend to Arizona, Nevada and Missouri “in the coming months”.
Founded in 1859, Morris of Rutherglen pivoted to producing whisky six years ago. The family-owned company sourced barrels from wine producers in Australia’s Barossa and Coonawarra regions.
A report in the September issue of Global Drinks Intel magazine has noted that lesser-known whisky/whiskey-producing regions are “refusing to accept the status quo” and challenging Scotch brands at the higher-value end.
How spirits brand owners can tap into the sipping mindset – Consumer Intel
