Thomson Whisky

Thomson Whisky embodies the pioneering spirit of New Zealand: craft-distilled in Kumeu near Auckland, using 100% locally grown barley from the South Island and a distinctive smoky note from kilning over Manuka wood. Thomson Distillery is one of the leading craft distilleries in the Pacific region and was awarded best New Zealand Single Malt in 2019 for its Manuka Smoke.

Thomson Distillery – New Zealand's Whisky Pioneer

Founded by Matthew and Rachael Thomson, Thomson Distillery is located in Kumeu, north of Auckland. As one of New Zealand's first craft distilleries, Thomson consistently relies on local raw materials: The barley comes 100% from New Zealand farms on the South Island and is distilled in hand-hammered copper pot stills.

The Secret of Manuka Smoke

What sets Thomson apart from all other whiskies in the world is the use of Manuka wood for kilning the malt. Manuka is a tea tree native to New Zealand, whose wood releases essential oils when burned, giving the whisky a floral-earthy, almost herbaceous smoky note – completely different from classic peat smoke from Scotland. This technique makes Thomson a true unique in the world of single malts.

Awards & Quality

In 2019, Thomson Manuka Smoke was awarded best New Zealand Single Malt. All bottlings are brought to the bottle without chill-filtration and without added coloring, to fully preserve the original character of the distillate.