By Scott Wright

THE Edinburgh-based owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has formally launched a new brand under which it will create small-batch blended malt and grain whiskies, rums and gins.

The Artisanal Spirits Company said the spirits it will make for JG Thomson & Co will be designed to “appeal to discerning drinkers across the world who are looking for bold and innovative tastes”. The brand takes its name from a Leith-based wine and spirits merchant of the 1700s which was based in the building now home to The Vaults – head office of Artisanal and location of a Society members’ room.

Artisanal said the first collection to be released include the first batches of JG Thomson’s core range of three no-age statement blended malt whiskies, two limited-edition aged drams, a rum and a gin. David Ridley, managing director of Artisanal, said JG Thomson “will be constantly on the lookout for new spirits, influences, flavours and tastes to explore”.