The Heart Cut is exploring New Zealand with its new releases, sourced from Thomson Distillery. Credit: The Heart Cut
Independent bottler The Heart Cut marks its second birthday with an unprecedented move into New Zealand whisky, releasing two single cask bottlings from Thomson Distillery that showcase the country’s unique approach to whisky making.
The Heart Cut Pioneers Thomson Whisky Beyond New Zealand
The releases represent a milestone for New Zealand whisky. Thomson Distillery, located in Riverhead near Auckland, becomes the first New Zealand whisky producer to have its spirit released through an independent bottler outside the country. The Heart Cut selected two distinctive casks that highlight Thomson’s innovative techniques and New Zealand’s natural resources.
Release #18 features Thomson’s signature manuka wood smoking process. The distillery uses native manuka wood instead of traditional peat to smoke its malt. Official tasting notes describe the whisky as having charred wood, pineapple chews, sherbet lemons, barley sugar and nectarine flavors. The ex-bourbon cask matured spirit is bottled at 50.8% ABV with only 270 bottles available at £71.
Release #19 showcases New Zealand’s wine heritage through maturation in a fresh Pinot Noir cask from Westbrook Winery in Waimauku. The official tasting notes list spiced plum jam, wild strawberries, dried cherries, salted caramel and figs. This release comprises 412 bottles at 51.5% ABV, priced at £66.
Thomson Whisky Expands Global Reach Through The Heart Cut
“Working with The Heart Cut on these bottlings felt like a natural fit,” says Rachael Thomson, co-founder of Thomson Whisky. “From the very beginning, our goal has been to create a whisky that tastes of home – from manuka smoke to fresh New Zealand wine casks – and one with a quality that stands tall on the world’s stage.”
Thomson Distillery was founded in 2009 by Mathew Thomson and Rachael Thomson. The independent, family-owned operation has built its reputation on using local materials and innovative techniques. Mathew Thomson pioneered the use of manuka wood for smoking whisky, creating a distinctly New Zealand flavor profile.
The Heart Cut, founded by Fabrizio Leoni and Georgie Bell, won Independent Bottler of the Year at the Global Icons of Whisky Awards in both 2024 and 2025.
“Marking our 2nd birthday with these releases feels particularly special,” says Georgie Bell, co-founder of The Heart Cut. “In just two years, we’ve partnered with sixteen distilleries across ten countries, each collaboration giving us the chance to share a whisky that speaks of its landscape and people. Thomson embodies that spirit completely, and we’re proud to share their story with drinkers on this side of the world.”
Both releases are available exclusively through theheartcut.com for UK distribution only. The partnership signals growing international interest in New Zealand whisky and Thomson Distillery’s expanding influence in the global whisky market.
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