Taste Journey
Join the Morrison family as they take you on a taste journey across the famous whisky island, showcased through the range of Mac-Talla whiskies.
The taste of Islay whiskies is often referred to as strongly peated and extreme but this is not the case. The island is far from one dimensional. Instead, there is a wide variety of flavours that can be savoured if you travel across the island.
Islay whiskies gain much of their unique character from the environment.
The Atlantic imparts notes of sea salt and sharpness.
The peat (its earthy soil) is responsible for the smoky tones.
Loch Indaal creates floral, delicate hints to the distilleries in its midst.
One of Scotland's Oldest Whisky Families
Our connection with Islay has spanned across generations of whisky brokers, blenders, bottlers and of course, distillers. We are delighted to share with you not only our story but a selection of some of the finest Scotch whiskies and liqueurs which we are fortunate enough to be the caretakers of.
William Walker
Photo: (L) William Walker (R) William Walker’s portrait, featured in the 1934 Glasgow Islay Association Annual Gathering, of which he was Chairman.
One of the pre-eminent whisky brokers of his era, William’s connection with Islay began through his close work with various distilleries on the island, even advocating on behalf of the Islay whisky trade to American businesses on the repeal of US prohibition in 1933.
Walker grew very fond of Islay, where he eventually purchased a home, and played an integral part in developing transport, trade and marketing of the Island’s produce. His philanthropic nature was deeply appreciated by Islay residents – with the Glasgow Islay Association (of which he was a life member and chairman) noting in 1934 “In the Island itself, he has closely identified himself with every cause worthy of support”.
Historical Footnote:
William Walker was a passenger on the first commercial flight from Renfrew Airport to Islay on the 16th May 1933 aboard a De Havilland Rapide: a twin-winged, two-engined aircraft with a seating capacity for seven passengers and a crew of two.
Stanley P. Morrison
Photo: (L) Stanley P. Morrison (R) A ledger book from Stanley P. Morrison Ltd
Stanley P. Morrison joined the firm of T. William Walker & Co as a trainee whisky broker in the 1930’s, eventually marrying William Walker’s daughter, Elizabeth. The couple had 2 sons: Stanley (known as Tim) and W. Brian. In 1951 he founded Stanley P Morrison Ltd and as a trusted and intuitive broker he was party to many large brokerage transactions with the major blending houses in the 1950’s and 60’s until his death in 1971.
In 1963 a chance lunchtime encounter at a Glasgow restaurant led to the agreement of the purchase of Islay’s oldest distillery — Bowmore (established in 1779) — that evening.
A period of expansion with new stills, mash tun, washbacks and ancillary equipment restored the quality and reputation of Bowmore’s spirit within the blending trade.
W. Brian Morrison
Photo: (L) W. Brian Morrison (on right) with Suntory Chairman Keizo Saji (R) W. Brian Morrison presenting Princess Anne with a bottle of whisky on Islay, 1973”
W. Brian Morrison joined the family business in late 1964. Managing Director for many years, he oversaw the company’s increasing need to supply its blending and single malt business. The decades from the eighties onwards saw a transformation in the appreciation and demand for Islay Single Malts soar through domestic and international markets. Over this time, Morrison Bowmore emerged as a globally-recognised brand of quality Single Malt Scotch Whisky, producing a characterful spirit with some legendary bottlings. Morrison Bowmore Distillers was acquired by Suntory in 1994.
Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers
Photo: The team at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers
The latest chapter in the legacy, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, is solely owned and led by Jamie and Brian Morrison. In every whisky released, they are committed to continue to impart the knowledge that has been passed down from generations of family whisky makers. Through Mac-Talla, the family are able to take you on a journey across the island showcasing the great variety and depth in taste that Islay has to offer.