Our Brands
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Formed in 1983, the SMWS believes in doing things differently. As unconventional whisky experts they seek out whisky in its purest form, prize flavour above everything else and give each bottling a curious name. SMWS is united and constant in its passion – to share the best whiskies, to bring them to life through memorable experiences, and to make members proud to belong to the world’s most entertaining whisky club.
J.G. Thomson & Co.
J.G. Thomson & Co. was Scotland’s oldest wine merchant and a leading independent whisky blender, whose origins date back to the 18th century. The firm of J.G. Thomson & Co. was originally founded by James Gibson Thomson, who in 1785 leased what is today the spiritual home of SMWS, The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh.
The Artisanal Spirits Company acquired the legal rights to the J.G. Thomson & Co. brand in 2017 with the vision of reviving its renowned blended whisky heritage. In addition to diversifying the Company’s operations into the fast-growing blended malt whisky segment, the Directors have reimagined the J.G. Thomson & Co. brand offering into other spirits categories such as rum and gin, further expanding the Group’s addressable market. Unlike SMWS, J.G. Thomson & Co. does not operate under a membership model and in addition to a D2C e-commerce offering, J.G. Thomson & Co. products are also available through traditional channels such as specialist retail outlets.
The launch of J.G. Thomson in November 2021 was supported by proceeds of the Company’s IPO in June 2021. It forms part of the Company’s long-term growth strategy to expand its addressable market by launching complementary but independent brands without compromising its core SMWS membership proposition.
As a 7 spirit collection, of small batch, limited edition whiskies, gin and rum – including a 1972 Grain – J.G. Thomson has already received industry recognition, having been awarded a Master’s Award, four gold medals and one silver medal at the 2021 Spirits Business’ Luxury Masters. We recommend that J.G. Thomson be served neat or muddled to explore and enjoy the taste of the full, award winning, collection.
