J.G. 汤姆森

J.G. Thomson & Co. is a name with deep roots in Scotland’s spirits trade, a brand with a story that stretches back more than three centuries. Today, under the stewardship of The Artisanal Spirits Company – the owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society – it has been revived once more, blending history with a modern approach to whisky, gin and rum. Based in Leith, the company operates from the very same Vaults building that has housed its founder since the 18th century, a fitting link between past and present.

A history of trade and revival

The original J.G. Thomson business was established in 1709 as a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Edinburgh’s bustling port. From here, imported wines and casks of spirits were bottled and sold to discerning drinkers across Scotland and beyond. The company remained a fixture of the trade for generations before fading into history.

The name returned briefly in 1983, when Tennent Caledonian Breweries brought back J.G. Thomson. as a wholesaler in Glasgow. Its current revival began in 2017, led by The Artisanal Spirits Company, with the aim of creating characterful small batch spirits. This most recent chapter formally launched in 2021 with a fresh core range and a focus on imaginative blending.

The blending philosophy

Unlike distilleries tied to a single source, J.G. Thomson. works with whiskies drawn from multiple origins. Their focus is on blended malts – combinations of single malts from different distilleries – carefully selected and married together to highlight distinct styles. Each whisky is bottled at 46% ABV and produced in small batches, striking a balance between accessibility and complexity.

The brand’s approach is rooted in simplicity and clarity. Instead of obscure terminology or cryptic labels, their whiskies are named for flavour direction: Smoky, Sweet and Rich. The idea is straightforward – the name on the bottle reflects the dominant character in the glass.

Distinctive characteristics

The Smoky expression leans towards bold peat influence, conjuring maritime notes and an earthy depth. Sweet highlights the vanilla, honeyed tones and soft spice that develop through bourbon barrel maturation. Rich, meanwhile, carries the depth and dried fruit richness that comes from sherry cask ageing. This trio captures a wide spectrum of flavour without overwhelming drinkers with jargon.

Beyond whisky, J.G. Thomson also bottles a Citrus Dry Gin, distilled for vibrancy and freshness, and a Bold Jamaican Rum, known for its full-bodied tropical intensity. As with the whiskies, the names are chosen to reflect style rather than generate mystique.

Limited editions

In addition to the core line-up, the company occasionally issues special bottlings. The first of these included a 23-year-old blended malt composed entirely of Speyside single malts, and a 1972 blended grain – a rare whisky made from different single grains distilled in the same year. Both underline the brand’s willingness to explore unusual cask selections while maintaining a clear focus on quality.

J.G. Thomson today

While its heritage dates back to the 1700s, J.G. Thomson has been reshaped for the 21st century. Its philosophy combines adventurous blending with respect for tradition, always anchored by the idea of making flavour the guide. The Artisanal Spirits Company’s involvement ensures access to exceptional casks, and the small batch approach keeps individuality at the heart of every bottling.

For those looking to explore whiskies beyond the confines of single distilleries, J.G. Thomson offers an entry point that is both approachable and rewarding. Whether it is the peat smoke of Smoky, the elegance of Sweet, or the depth of Rich, each whisky is designed to point you in a flavour direction and invite you to explore further.

In a landscape where heritage and innovation often pull in different directions, J.G. Thomson shows how the two can be woven together – a historic name, reborn for today’s curious drinker.