Everything you need to know about Morrison Distillers Distillery
Most popular bottles from the bottler
A brief History
Morrison & Mackay, Scotland. Founded in 1963
Heritage in a Bottle: Scotland’s Blending and Bottling Royalty
Before rebranding to Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, Morrison & MacKay was one of Scotland’s most respected names in the world of independent bottling and blending. Based near Perth, this family-run company brought together five generations of whisky heritage, a sharp nose for quality, and a knack for creating whiskies that whisky drinkers actually want to drink.
Their line-up wasn’t about chasing trends — it was about finding great casks, honouring regional character, and delivering blends and single casks with real soul. From the cult favourite Old Perth range to the quietly exceptional Càrn Mòr single cask series, Morrison & MacKay offered something rare: accessible but never boring, polished but always honest.
In 2020, the company rebranded to better reflect its next chapter: owning and operating its own distillery — Aberargie — just outside Perth. But the Morrison & MacKay legacy still resonates with whisky fans across the UK and beyond.
Taste Profile
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| Spicy |
Fruity
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Rich / Chocolatey |
There’s something deeply comforting about a Morrison & MacKay whisky. Whether it was a bold blended malt or a single cask Highland dram, you could expect richness, structure, and that mellow depth that comes from careful ageing — not just flashy casks.
Morrison & MacKay built a reputation for sherry-matured whiskies with real character. Their best bottlings often leaned toward full-bodied, sweetly spiced drams with rich mouthfeel and a soft oaky backbone. Key flavour characteristics included:
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Sticky raisins and spiced plum
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Clove, nutmeg, and toasted oak
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Melted chocolate and vanilla fudge
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A long, smooth finish with gentle tannins
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Dried Fruits (Raisins, Figs, Dates) |
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Cinnamon / Clove |
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Dark Chocolate / Cocoa |
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Vanilla |
They released hundreds of expressions, but here’s a snapshot of some standouts that captured their style:
| Whisky | ABV | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old Perth Sherry Cask Matured | 46.0% | Rich dried fruits, baking spice, soft chocolate and toasted oak |
| Càrn Mòr Glen Garioch 2012 (6 Year Old) | 47.5% | Green apple, ginger biscuit, light pepper, and nutty malt |
| Càrn Mòr Celebration – Mortlach 2007 | 54.9% | Bold stewed fruit, dark chocolate, spicy oak |
Mac-Talla Mara Islay Single Malt |
58.2% | Classic Islay peat, lemon peel, saline, and ash |
| Old Perth Vintage Blends (Various Years) | Varies | Deeply sherried, smooth sipping drams with a Speyside-heavy profile |
Each release was natural colour and non-chill filtered. Bottles came and went quickly — part of the charm, really.
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The Bottler
Morrison and Mackay Whisky
Address: Kincardine House, Aberargie, Perth PH2 9LX
Visitor Centre
Morrison & MacKay did not operate a traditional visitor centre at the time. However, since the transition to Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, their Aberargie Distillery may offer new opportunities for distillery visits and experiences in the future.
They were frequently seen at whisky events across the UK — whisky shows, tasting nights, and festivals where you could sip and chat with the team behind the bottle.
Ownership & Evolution
Founders:
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Originally established as John Murray & Co. in the early 1980s
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Renamed Morrison & MacKay in 2014
Key Figures:
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Kenny MacKay
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Jamie Morrison (of the Morrison family, ex-owners of Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch)
Rebrand:
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In 2020, became Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers
This move marked a full return to distillation, backed by serious family legacy and a forward-looking vision centred around the Aberargie Distillery.
Bottler Facts
Overview & History
Morrison & Mackay Ltd is a Scottish independent bottler with roots dating back to the early 20th century, originally founded in Perthshire.
The company is part of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, a family-owned group with long-standing ties to the Scotch whisky industry. It has evolved from whisky broking and blending into a modern independent bottler with its own distillery operations.
In recent years, the group expanded into production with the development of Aberargie Distillery, marking a move toward full vertical integration.
Production
- Primary Role: Independent bottler
- Sourcing: Scotch whisky from multiple distilleries
- Bottling Style: Single cask and small batch
- Presentation: Often natural colour and non-chill filtered
Through Aberargie Distillery:
- Spirit Type: Single malt Scotch whisky
- Approach: Modern distillation with traditional influences
The company combines cask selection expertise with in-house production capability.
Whisky Style
Morrison & Mackay does not have a single house style. Its releases typically emphasise:
- Distillery character
- Cask influence
- Variety across regions and styles
- Consistent quality across batches
The focus is on offering a wide selection rather than a fixed profile.
Key Expressions / Ranges
- Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited – Small batch, accessible releases
- Càrn Mòr Celebration of the Cask – Single cask, higher-end bottlings
- Various independent single cask releases
- Future Aberargie single malt releases
The Càrn Mòr range is the most widely recognised.
Significance
Morrison & Mackay represents the modern evolution of independent bottlers, combining traditional cask sourcing with distillery ownership.
Its structure reflects a broader industry trend where bottlers expand into production to gain greater control over supply and long-term whisky development.
Morrison and Mackay Whisky to Buy
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Mac-Talla Islay Whisky Amarone Finish Feis Ile 2025Special Price £74.98 Regular Price £78.99 Inc VATSaving £4.01
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