The Family Private Stock Scotch JG Thomson Vaults Blended Scotch 1960s

The Family Private Stock Scotch JG Thomson Vaults Blended Scotch 1960s

In 1709 Andrew Thomson inherited the business of his father-in-law, Mr Brown, who was a brewer and vintner in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland. About 20 years later the business was moved to “The Vaults”, Leith, Scotland, which were bought by the company on 29 July 1782. The firm of J G Thomson & Co was founded by James Gibson Thomas in 1785 at the Vaults to supply goods like whisky, brandy and wines. James Gibson Thomson jnr, the son of the company’s founder, was associated with the company from 1820 to 1876.

In its early years the major part of the business was in the import and distribution of wines from the continent. Later it extended to cover wines and spirits of all descriptions (imported or home produced). The company’s wholesale business was carried out under the name of J G Thomson & Co whereas the private trade was carried out under the name of Thomson Lauder & Co.

In 1875 James Gibson Thomson jnr acquired as partners James Anderson, Sir John Usher, Baronet, and Andrew Usher D.L. and in 1876, when J G Thomson retired, James Anderson became the senior partner. The company then concentrated on the wholesale business and discouraged the private trade with the result that the business under the name of Thomson Lauder & Co faded out in the 1890s. In 1890 the company took over the Leith firm of Scott & Allan who owned two clippers, which brought into Leith cargoes of wines and brandies and were also cork cutters. In 1905 the company became a limited liability company.