As Australian whiskies rise like sunlit titans, casting long shadows across the global stage, one might wonder: Can New Zealand carve out its own place in this fiercely competitive realm? The answer isn’t whispered in the wind—it’s bold, smoky, and bottled in the exceptional craftsmanship of Thomson Whisky. Like a sailor navigating uncharted waters, this boutique distillery is charting a daring course across the whisky world, turning the tides in its favor.
Born from the heart of a land known more for sheep than stills, Thomson Whisky began humbly, as an independent bottler with a thirst for something greater. Their first steps were modest, curating spirits from the revered Willowbank Distillery, but as they say, from small acorns grow mighty oaks. And in Thomson’s case, that oak has matured into whisky casks that hold something extraordinary.
Their philosophy is simple but powerful: let the spirit of the land, the purity of ingredients, and the craft of their hands tell the story. Much like an artist with a blank canvas, Thomson Whisky’s masterpiece begins with malted barley, pure water, and yeast—the humble ingredients of any whisky. But their secret lies in how they paint with these elements, using a hand-beaten copper pot still like a maestro conducting an orchestra of flavors.
Yet Thomson is more than just a distillery—it’s a storyteller, and each bottle is a new chapter. Their Manuka Smoke single malt is no ordinary whisky; it’s an invitation to a campfire under New Zealand’s endless sky.
Take a sip, and you're transported to a rugged wilderness, where the scent of Manuka wood smolders in the air, mingling with vanilla and bay leaf, like nature itself whispering ancient secrets into your glass. It’s whisky as storytelling—each note, a brushstroke in the vivid landscape of your senses.
And for those who seek the allure of mystery, their South Island Peat whisky offers an experience akin to uncovering hidden treasure. Here, the peat isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a time capsule, locking in the essence of New Zealand’s South Island. With each sip, layers of smoky iodine, sweet vanilla, and the unmistakable taste of adventure unfurl, like ancient maps revealing lost worlds. Matured in small casks, this is a whisky that proves youth can still carry wisdom—and a whole lot of character.
Then there’s the Two Tone, a whisky that dances between two worlds like a mythical creature—half rooted in the depths of European oak that once held New Zealand red wine, and half in the familiar embrace of American white oak reserved for whisky. It’s an alchemist’s blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, and it wears the symbol of infinity on its bottle like a promise of timeless pleasure. The result? A symphony of berries, roasted cashews, and soft spice, playing like a melody you didn’t know you needed but now can’t stop humming.
Thomson’s journey from modest beginnings to whisky royalty isn’t just about the liquid gold in their bottles. It’s about their fearless spirit—one that defies convention and pushes boundaries. And now, this spirit is sailing across the Tasman Sea, carried by the winds of their new partnership with The Whisky List, ready to conquer the Australian market. Like a daring explorer setting foot on new shores, Thomson Whisky is about to introduce its unique blend of New Zealand soul to a new audience.
As their Manuka Smoke single malt claimed the coveted New Zealand Innovation Trophy in 2024, it became clear that Thomson isn’t just riding the whisky wave—they’re creating it. With every bottle, they weave the spirit of New Zealand into the global whisky tapestry, reminding us that while Australia’s whiskies might shine bright, there’s a fierce and daring new star rising from across the sea.
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Words by AW.
Photo courtesy of Thomson Whisky.