New Zealand Manuka-Smoked Single Malt Whisky Makes UK Debut

Speciality Brands continues to expand its premium world whisky collection with a significant new addition from the Southern Hemisphere. Thomson Whisky is New Zealand’s most awarded whisky producer and it will join Speciality Brands to launch in the UK from May 12, 2025.

Thomson Whisky And Speciality Brands

Thomson Whisky are a handcrafted, small-batch whisky producer from New Zealand and will join the likes of Nikka, Michter’s, Kavalan, and Starward in Speciality Brands’ lineup. This strategic partnership marks Thomson’s official entry into the competitive UK whisky market.

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Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Mathew and Rachael Thomson, the boutique distillery began as independent bottlers before establishing their own full-scale distillery operations in 2014. Thomson has pioneered distinctive New Zealand whisky-making techniques, most notably becoming the first producer to use native manuka wood for smoking barley.

“We’re excited to partner with Speciality Brands and share our whiskies with UK drinkers,” says Mathew Thomson, Co-founder and Head Distiller. “We bring ingredients, climate, and unique flavours from the South Pacific in our whisky, and this taste journey will now be available across the UK via Speciality Brands.”

Four Expressions Showcase New Zealand Terroir and Innovation

The partnership strengthens Speciality Brands’ position as a leading curator of world whiskies in the UK market. Chris Seale, Managing Director of Speciality Brands, highlights the significance of adding a New Zealand whisky to their collection: “The breadth of our world whisky portfolio is one of the most unique in the UK, and we are thrilled to be adding a whisky from New Zealand. Thomson has gained a great reputation over the last decade for the quality of its liquid and significant focus on sustainability and locality.”

Thomson Whisky has built its reputation on sustainability practices and locally-sourced ingredients. Their dedication to craftsmanship has earned them international recognition as New Zealand’s most decorated whisky producer.

Rachael Thomson, Co-founder of Thomson Whisky, describes the UK partnership as “a momentous and proud moment for our distillery,” noting that Speciality Brands “fully understood our strategic business goals and our approach to distilling unique New Zealand whisky.”

Whisky enthusiasts across Britain will have access to four Thomson expressions that showcase the distillery’s commitment to local ingredients and innovative production methods:

• Manuka Smoke Single Malt Whisky (46% ABV, $93.50 [£74.00])
• South Island Peat Single Malt Whisky (46% ABV, $80.80 [£64.00])
• Two Tone Whisky (40% ABV, $61.00 [£48.30])
• Full Noise Limited Edition Whisky (52% ABV, $113.50 [£90.00])

The three main expressions will be available across all distribution channels, while the premium Full Noise Limited Edition will have restricted availability due to its limited production.

This expansion gives UK whisky drinkers unprecedented access to the distinctive flavor profiles of New Zealand whisky, characterized by local ingredients and the unique influence of the South Pacific climate on maturation.