Thomson Two Tone Release New Zealand Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 40%           Age: No Age Statement            Country: New Zealand

The Thomson Whisky Distillery is located in Riverhead, North West of Auckland. Founded in 2014  is started the same way you would start a band. The team got together and just started tinkering. It was never about taking over the world, or playing Wembley, but about giving it a go, creating the best spirit they could afford to and sharing their journey with anyone who liked whisky. They wanted to give New Zealanders a whisky they could be proud of, with a sharp brand on top. Their bottling’s reflect who they are, because they’re small enough to do it how they like it. As they grow these qualities remain. After a few years mucking about on a home still and learning as much as they could about whisky (mainly by thorough investigation of the flavour) they began the Thomson Whisky project as Independent Bottlers. They got hold of a few barrels of aged single malt from Willowbank Distillery, Dunedin, carefully selected to our personal tastes, to launch under the Thomson name. They figured if it didn’t sell they’d drink it themselves. They didn’t get that lucky. Two barrels, a unique bottle, a business card, and Thomson Whisky came to life. They started telling people about their whisky, and sharing a drink with friends, then bartenders, and shops and people traveling overseas…and the project started firing.

Two Tone refers to the two kinds of cask used for the maturation of this whisky; European oak which formerly held New Zealand red wine and American white oak used exclusively for whisky. In place of an age statement the infinity symbol marking this bottling is symbolic of the marriage of casks.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Roasted cashews, rather floral and hint of strawberries. Freshly cut Summer pudding with spun sugar and vanilla ice cream.

Palate: A malty dram. The nose leads to the palate nicely and there’s cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and boysenberries mixed with freshly made vanilla caramel. Hints of chocolate and a soft peppery spice, think strawberries in a brandy snap basket.

Finish: A little bit of citrus on the finish, very soft and easy drinking and a medium finish.

Awards

Silver New Zealand Whisky Awards 2018
Silver Outstanding medal winner IWSC UK 2017
Gold Medal winner San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2016