Scottish entrepreneurs launch groundbreaking whisky brand focused on accessibility, community, and innovation
Scottish-based spirits company Necropolis Spirits has unveiled its latest product, The Merchants' Select whisky, marking a bold new chapter in the whisky industry.
Article Source: Necropolis Spirits
Last Updated: 24 March 2025 13:25
Image Credit: Martin Shields
With a commitment to inclusivity, education, and cutting-edge technology, Necropolis Spirits aims to make whisky more approachable for everyone, regardless of experience or background.
Launched in 2020, Necropolis Spirits was born from the shared vision of Jason and Anton, who found inspiration during a rum-fueled brainstorming session. Jason, who had been commuting between Glasgow and London, and Anton, who worked in the mobile phone industry, decided to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and create a drinks brand that would resonate with modern consumers.
The name Necropolis Spirits is a tribute to Glasgow’s historic Necropolis, a cemetery overlooking the city where wealthy merchants from the past are buried. Their first product, Deid Merchant Spiced Rum, honoured the city’s rich mercantile heritage, and this connection to Glasgow remains central to the brand’s identity.
In 2023, Jason discovered a passion for whisky, leading to months of experimentation and discovery. Drawing inspiration from Speyside and Highland whiskies, known for their smooth, approachable character, the duo quickly identified a gap in the market: whisky was often perceived as an exclusive drink for “snobs” or “posh old folk.” Determined to break down these barriers, Necropolis Spirits set out to demystify whisky and create a product that anyone could enjoy.
With The Merchants’ Select, Necropolis Spirits is introducing an innovative approach to whisky, blending tradition with modern technology. Through the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) chips embedded in the bottle labels, customers will have access to exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes videos, educational resources, community events, and tasting sessions. This technology allows whisky enthusiasts to learn more about the distilling process, cask selection, and the craftsmanship behind each bottle, while also providing opportunities to connect with others through a community chatroom.
“We believe whisky should be inclusive,” said Jason. “Our mission with The Merchants’ Select is to show that whisky is for everyone—not just the connoisseurs or the export market. We want to make whisky more accessible, educational, and fun for a new generation of drinkers.”
To create The Merchants’ Select, Anton and Jason sourced three distinctive casks that reflect their evolving palate for whisky. By focusing on approachable flavors, they hope to attract whisky novices and offer a fresh perspective on the spirit. With fewer than 1,000 bottles available, each bottle is a limited-edition release, complete with a carefully crafted label that reflects both exclusivity and the modern appeal of whisky.
In addition to the innovative product, Necropolis Spirits is deeply committed to its local community. The founders plan to host a series of events throughout Glasgow that bring whisky enthusiasts together, including tastings, masterclasses, and whisky appreciation nights. These events will foster meaningful conversations, build relationships, and create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can feel welcome.
“Glasgow is at the heart of everything we do,” said Anton. “We want to create a community around great whisky and bring people together to share their passion and experiences.”
The Merchants’ Select whisky is available for purchase via Necropolis Spirits' website at www.necropolisspirits.com, with a recommended retail price (RRP) ranging from £70 to £100 for the three available variants. For those who prefer to sample before committing, the whisky is also available by the dram at select bars listed on the website’s “Stocked In” page.
As Necropolis Spirits continues to push the boundaries of innovation and community engagement, the founders invite whisky lovers to follow their journey on social media @necropolisspirits for updates on upcoming events and product releases.
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