JG Thomson

Inspired by and named after an 18th Century wine and spirits merchants operating in the very same building as their offices, J.G. Thomson is a new brand from The Artisanal Spirits Company, who also own the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Launched in November 2021, the range initially features a selection of Blended Malt whiskies based on seperate flavour profiles, an aged Blended Malt, a vintage Blended Grain, a Jamaican rum and a gin.

All the grain whiskies within this marriage were distilled in 1972, but the brand has chosen to go with the vintage because I'm guessing if an age statement was used it would be showing a rather awkward 48 or 49. Initially the whiskies were all matured in ex-Bourbon casks, but Artisanal have blended the stocks together in ex-Sherry casks to add some fruitiness.

Grain whisky can a really bad reputation, but it ages brilliantly and aged grain whiskies can be absolutely superb - as is clearly evidenced here. There's a stunnning nose of toasted rye bread with a thick spread of heavily salted butter, along with hints of citrus peel and dried fruit. The palate is mouthwateringly juicy to start, before rye spice arrives halfway through to really make things interesting. And the finish continues for minutes after swallowing, with lingering notes of salted caramel, blackberries and dark chocolate. What an amazing whisky this is!