Thompson Bros

Thompson Bros. is an independent bottler and distiller based in the Scottish Highlands, known for its eclectic selection of single cask whiskies, blends, and other fine spirits, all chosen and bottled with an eye for quality, character, and drinkability. Founded by brothers Phil and Simon Thompson, the business operates out of Dornoch Distillery, a small craft site they built within a converted fire station in the historic town of Dornoch.

The Thompson brothers began as whisky enthusiasts and collectors with deep ties to the industry through their family’s ownership of the celebrated Dornoch Castle Hotel, whose whisky bar has long been a destination for connoisseurs. Over years of sourcing rare and interesting bottles for the bar, the brothers developed relationships with distilleries, brokers, and fellow collectors, eventually leading to their own independent bottling label.

Their bottlings are often instantly recognisable thanks to their distinctive label art, quirky, humorous, and sometimes downright surreal, which stands in contrast to the understated presentation of many traditional whisky brands. But while the labels may be playful, the liquid inside is chosen with absolute seriousness, often reflecting the brothers’ personal taste for spirit-driven whiskies, minimal intervention, and transparency in production.

One of the hallmarks of Thompson Bros. releases is their honesty of presentation. Labels typically list distillation and bottling years, cask type, outturn, and strength, with many bottled at natural cask strength to preserve full flavour. Almost all are free from added colouring and chill filtration, keeping the whisky as close as possible to its natural state.

The Dornoch Distillery itself, while small, is another facet of their operation, producing their own whisky using traditional methods, long fermentations, and organic heritage barley varieties. Early releases from their distillery have already generated interest among enthusiasts for their depth of flavour and old-school production ethos.

Our Thompson Bros. selection includes both sought-after limited editions and more accessible everyday drams, each reflecting the brothers’ passion for distinctive, characterful spirits. Whether you’re a collector drawn to unique one-off bottlings or a drinker seeking something crafted with integrity and flair, Thompson Bros. offers a refreshingly personal take on independent bottling — where every release tells a story, both in the glass and on the label.