Thompson Brothers - Bottlers+ Distillers
Nowadays, while many newly built malt distilleries are slowly maturing their malt whisky, it’s also common for them to be building up a side distilling program (Botanist Gin, Eden Mill Gin) to balance their cash flow. However, in the case of Thompson Brothers, they’ve made a few further advances which are particularly interesting.
Let's dig into what makes Thompson Brothers different and how they’re stirring up the market, producing the finest products for drinkers.
Who are Thompson Brothers?
Not the best pic, but a great combo.
Simon and Phil Thompson were born and bred in Scotland, growing up in the Northern Highlands, where since 2000 their parents managed the family business, Dornoch Castle Hotel.
Since then, they have built their collection of rare and vintage whiskies, creating a cosy hub for worldwide whisky travellers and drinkers. Working with up to 400+ bottles of delicious vintage whisky every day (the dream!), it’s no wonder they have developed a refined palate for drinking spirits!
Why build a distillery?
With the rise of technological advances like the internet, unfortunately, the price of vintage whisky has risen dramatically; to the point where they’re now struggling to source and serve a bottle with a decent markup. Because of this, the brothers decided to move on and start a different project.
In 2016, they proposed a crowdfunding initiative to kick-start their first distillery, to produce some old-style, flavour-forward malt whisky - Dornoch distillery. Dedicated to traditional methods, Dornoch distillery embraces using heritage types of barley, through wild and long-duration fermentation, using a directly heated pot-still and other old techniques. The crowdfunding project rewarded the fundraisers with a cask of malt whisky for supporting them from the beginning of this great project.
The campaign ended in great success and the brothers started production, filling their first cask in July 2017. In fact, by the time this article is released, the distillery will have launched the first cask in 2020 rewarding those same crowd funders and supporters. While it may be only a three year old whisky, it has already had some phenomenal feedback and reviews.
Side project?
Just like everything in life, time is a crucial component for creating a high-quality product. It takes an incredible amount of patience to produce the best expression of a single cask of whisky. So then, how do Thompson Brothers manage to continue funding their projects, beyond their initial crowdfunding effort?
Like many other distilleries, the brothers decided to create a gin product, starting with an experimental project with limited releases of around 10, such as cask-aged gin, Genever-style gin and malt spirit blends etc. Created with a unique house style, these special spirits now form Thompson Bros Highland Gin.
While 10% of the gin is used in Dornoch distillery's malt spirit blends, the other 90%, is distilled with juniper berry and twelve other botanicals. Not a typical light-style London dry, but rather a richer body and better-balanced gin. Oh, and it also goes exceptionally well with a grapefruit tonic :)
What make them special still?
While working behind the stick at the hotel, the brothers developed a great sense of taste, especially around high proof spirit products which has translated into the incredible products they make today.
These days they’re known for creating quality single cask spirits, with fruity, flavour-forward style and of course, an approachable price tag which they release and bottle themselves for market. Their bottling in particular, really stands out, including a unique virtual label design.
The brothers prefer to see their bottles opened and shared, rather than sitting on the shelf and stored as an investment. To this end they have also developed some unique anti-flipping measures, e.g. opening the seal to win a lucky draw for an extra bottle, or re-developing a ballot system for supporters instead of traders.
SHould you pay attention to them?
With great passion, top quality products and their exciting Dornoch Distillery's production, it's no surprise that Thompson Brothers has quickly grown to be one of the big up and comers in the malt whisky world. They’re definitely one to watch, so keep your eyes on Thompson Brothers' bright future!
And stay tuned for another independent bottler’s chat next time with DRINK with CHU!
“DORNOCH MODELLING COMPANY”
