The name ‘JG Thomson’ was inspired by an 18th-century wine and spirits merchant that operated in the same building in Leith, Edinburgh, that now houses The Artisanal Spirits Company’s, owners of SMWS.
“Back in the 1700s, trade ships were arriving in Leith and bringing with them new and exciting goods,” explained David Ridley, managing director at The Artisanal Spirits Company.
“Being nearby, the savvy Thomson family became renowned for selecting some of these new spirits being brought in and introducing them to their discerning customers in Edinburgh, and to the wider world.
“Inspired by that creative and adventurous spirit, we’ve revived the JG Thomson & Co brand.”
Three core no-age-statement blended malt whiskies promising something a bit special.
image courtesy of JG Thomson
Sweet Blend 46%abv
👃black cherries oranges quite grapey floral good cask input toasty
👅 honey vanilla nutmeg raisin and nuts complex and interesting golden syrup and honey gives the sweetness
Liquorice on the finish never tasted it so distinctly! Lovely
Another lovely dram thirst drams are blending at their best a very small batch feeling modern well constructed whisky
Smoky Blend 46% abv
👃 huge nose fruity pears apples peaches with floral hints almonds with a hefty waft of smoke
👅 spicy pepper cinnamon orchard fruits caramel hint of toast well integrated smokiness and classic sweet sour vegetal notes.
This dram just oozes good spirit well blended and excellent casks really lovely elegant complex and tasty perfect ABV quite unique smoky blend subtle smoke
Rich Blend 46%
👃 more restrained nose biscuity oak nutty chocolate real depth
👅 spicy ginger biscuit chilli then more toasty cask notes malt loaf richness with banana and dried fruits even walnuts well balanced enjoying this dram
Long finish on the palate keep squeezing out more flavour another top dram
These are top blended whiskies with much more on the finish than most.
All there of these are fabulous drams, with a certain modern house style that I loved. If forced to chose the smoky was my favourite as much because it was genuinely smoky but that it also had so many other, fruity and spicy aromas and flavours.
The Artisanal Spirits Company is also rolling out two limited edition aged whiskies under the JG Thomson brand:
23-year-old blended malt Scotch which comprises 100% Speyside malts,
1972 blended grain Scotch whisky featuring aromas of honey, wax and ginger.
“Just like the Thomsons did in the 1700s, we’re constantly on the lookout for new spirits, flavours and tastes to explore from around the world, whether that’s handpicking whisky in Scotland or rum in Jamaica,” said Ridley.
“By focusing on creating small batches and limited editions, we want to explore different tastes and take full advantage of the opportunity to experiment, innovate, marry, blend, discover and learn.”
i recommend all three of these. they sit at the quality end of the market more like a single malt in both flavour and quality. An interesting addition to the whisky shelf produced at the right abv. something different well worth a try.
