AN INTRODUCTION TO THOMSON WHISKY
Proudly Independent, Proudly New Zealand
Thomson Whisky is run by Mathew and Rachael Thomson. Founded in 2009, the distillery has become one of New Zealand’s most awarded — and remains 100% independent and New Zealand owned. Their mission is simple: to make whisky New Zealanders can be proud of, and to share it with the world.
The spark came years earlier when Mathew was experimenting with home distilling and smoking barley on the family BBQ. By 2005, manuka wood became his focus — a “what if” idea that led to a whisky style unique to New Zealand. Those early experiments shaped the distillery’s signature and set the path for everything that followed.
Rooted in Place
Home is Riverhead, north-west of Auckland - close enough to feel the city’s creative energy, yet surrounded by the rolling green hills of New Zealand’s North Island. Farmland, forest, and coast stretch out around the distillery, giving it both a sense of place and a connection to the land.
This balance of city and nature is central to the Thomson story. Their whiskies carry that same duality - bold and forward-looking, yet deeply rooted in the land they come from. Every drop carries the character of these landscapes, making it a true product of New Zealand’s land and life.
Three Essential Ingredients
Like whisky across the world, Thomson make their magic from just three essential ingredients:
- Water: Pure rainwater from clouds crossing the Tasman Sea, filtered through the Waitākere Ranges.
- Barley: 100% New Zealand barley grown in the fertile Canterbury plains, reflecting unique soils and climate.
- Yeast: Carefully selected strains that transform malt sugars into Thomson’s rich, flavourful spirit.
What Makes Thomson Unique
Where Thomson truly stands apart is in the flavours they champion.
- Manuka Smoke: Native manuka wood smoked barley creates resinous, herbal, and spiced flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
- Wine Heritage: Fresh New Zealand red wine barriques bring bold, juicy, expressive character to the spirit.
- Independent Spirit: Thomson champions flavour innovation while staying true to New Zealand provenance.
The result? A whisky that is modern, innovative, and unmistakably New Zealand.
Other Thomson expressions we enjoy
A whisky blending together two different cask types from the Thomson warehouses - refill American Oak and Fresh New Zealand Red Wine Barriques. A great one for lovers of fruity, floral whiskies - expect red berries, dried apricots, spice and a touch of sea air.
South Island Peat Single Malt Whisky
Made from 100% New Zealand grown malted barley, smoked using South Island Peat and aged in ex-bourbon casks. A great one for smoky whisky drinkers who want to explore different facets of smoke - and one that very much speaks to the place it's made.
