#18 THOMSON
A Kiwi bonfire on the beach, in a bottle.
Swap Scottish peat for New Zealand manuka smoke, and you have this: a single cask from Thomson Distillery that captures the wild, resinous character of smouldering manuka wood, layered with bright citrus and tropical fruit.
50.8% VOL / 50CL
Only 270 bottles available/ exist in the world (ever)!
Tax included
Shipping calculated at checkout
ABOUT THIS WHISKY
New Zealand Single Malt Whisky
Only 270 bottles created
Cask: Ex-Bourbon
Distilled: 07/08/2019
Bottled: 25/03/2025
Strength: 50.8%
Non-chill filtered and no caramel colouring (ever!)
TASTES LIKE
Thick, aromatic smoke rises first - charred wood, pine resin, and a balsamic note that drifts towards mesquite and sweet birch. Beneath, the fruit opens: pineapple chews, sherbet lemons, and a twist of citrus. On the palate, smoke rolls again, joined by barley sugar and a juicy hit of nectarine and overripe peach. The finish is long, layered, and balanced - sweetness entwined with lingering manuka wood smoke.
Key Takeouts
- Charred Wood
- Pineapple Chews
- Sherbet Lemons
- Barley Sugar
- Nectarines
MEET THE DISTILLERY
Thomson Distillery has firmly put New Zealand on the whisky map. Discover how Rachael and Mathew Thomson have made a whisky that tastes of home HERE
LABEL INSPIRATION
Naturally, as a manuka wood smoked whisky, we were inspired by the manuka flower for this label! Shown here in pink, it contrasts beautifully with the green background, and the map of New Zealand on the right hand side.
THIS MADE THE CUT BECAUSE
This is smoky whisky - but not as you know it. Instead of Scottish peat, Thomson uses native manuka wood (yes, the same tree better known for its honey) to smoke their malt, creating a flavour absolutely unique to New Zealand and a technique that Mat Thomson himself created! The result is oily, herbal, peppery, and deeply resinous, with layers of smoke that linger on. Just as smoke became one of Scotland’s hallmarks, manuka has become one of New Zealand’s - captured here in a single cask, giving us only 270 bottles. Ever.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
With its powerful, full-force wood-smoke-meets-tropical profile, this beer deserves something fresh to go alongside.
Give Brighton's Unbarred 'Day Tripper' - a collab with London's Mikkeller Brewpub - a try. A bright and breezy wheat beer bursting with zesty citrus, it's a delicious number to bounce back and forward with the whisky with. Cheers!
HEADING TO AUCKLAND?
Check out our tried and tested guide to our favourite bars, restaurants, coffee shops and other cool things to do whilst visiting Thomson Distillery or passing through Auckland. Enjoy!
