A New Spirits Journey With J & G Thomson & Co.
Looking for something new as you continue your spirits journey? Then J & G Thomson & Co., innovative Scottish master blenders, could have the answer. This new kid on the block has a range of whiskies, rum and gin to cater for almost any taste. The recently launched range has already started picking up top awards in UK spirits competitions, so their pedigree is strong.
Gin, Rum And Whisky
The core range features a gin, a rum and three blended malt Scotch whiskies – a blended malt is a whisky that consists of different single malts from different distilleries. All are created in small batches and bottled at 46% ABV. The branding keeps it simple to break down the often-confusing barriers encountered on many spirits labels.
The three blended whiskies are a prime example of this. Smoky, Sweet and Rich point consumers in their preferred flavour direction with a predominance of peat, bourbon barrel and sherry cask characteristics respectively. The Citrus Dry Gin and Bold Jamaican Rum also indicate exactly the style of the spirits to expect.
Occasional Limited Editions
1972 Blended Grain Scotch Whisky
In addition to the core range, J & G Thomson & Co. will also release occasional limited editions. This programme kicked off with two special Scotch whiskies: a 23-year-old blended malt featuring only single malts from Speyside distilleries, and a 1972 blended grain whisky. Much like a blended malt, a blended grain is made up of different single grain whiskies from different distilleries. In this case, all were distilled in 1972.
A Rich History
J.G. Thomson was originally a wine & spirits merchant with its roots dating back to the 1700s and occupied the Vaults in Leith
J & G Thomson & Co. are named after and inspired by merchant J. G. Thomson. He operated out of Leith near Edinburgh in the 18th century, trading and bottling imported wines and spirits that arrived at Leith docks to discerning drinkers in Scotland’s capital and beyond. The port of Leith has a strong spirits heritage, and the company offices are in the exact building previously owned by Thomson in the 1700s.
J & G Thomson & Co. was founded by The Artisanal Spirits Company, who also own the world-renowned Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Their focus is on bringing characterful spirits from high quality casks to a wider audience. They are one of the world’s leading curators and providers of single cask and small batch scotch whiskies and spirits.
Let’s Get Tasting
But what do they taste like? Here we take a quick sip of the gin and rum, plus one of the whiskies.
Citrus Dry Gin
This is full of delicious zesty citrus – aromas of orange peel and pink grapefruit leap out of the glass, along with juniper and coriander. This continues when you taste and is laden with citrus peel, pith and heavy orange oils. Plenty of earthy spices give a lovely warmth and depth.
Bold Jamaican Rum
A robust rum that exhibits aromas of golden syrup, tropical fruits (especially lychee and caramelised pineapple) and spices on the nose. Heavy and oily in the mouth, this rum coats the tastebuds with sumptuous notes of treacle, toffee and molasses and a pinch of white pepper.
Smoky Blended Malt
A blast of vibrant peat smoke welcomes you to this whisky. Hot bonfire ash mingles with something more earthy and medicinal. This sings on the palate with savoury notes dominating – ashy peat smoke and heavy spices are supported by notes of honey and white chocolate.
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For more information and to buy the entire range visit jgthomson.com
A paid partnership – words and opinion Ape’s own.
