Necropolis Spirits was founded by Jason Haggerty and Anton Peters after a ‘rum-fuelled brainstorming session’ – and subsequently launched its own provocative rum brand named after all the ‘Deid Merchants’ buried in Glasgow’s famed Necropolis cemetery.
However, in a worrying sign of creeping maturity, the duo’s latest launch – The Merchants’ Select whisky – is more focussed on ‘inclusivity and education’ than in poking fun at the past.
Launched in 2020, Necropolis Spirits was created by Haggerty and Peters as a drinks brand with a distinctly Glaswegian identity that could ‘resonate with modern consumers’.
Since the release of its Deid Merchant Spiced Rum, Haggerty in particular has developed an enthusiasm for whisky, and identified a gap in the market – whisky was often perceived as an exclusive drink for ‘snobs’ or ‘posh old folk’.
Wit those perceived barriers in mind, Necropolis Spirits set out to ‘demystify whisky and create a product that anyone could enjoy’.
Drawing inspiration from the ‘smooth, approachable character’ of Speyside and Highland whiskies, the duo created The Merchants’ Select from three distinctive casks with the aim of attracting whisky novices and offering ‘a fresh perspective’ on the spirit.
The limited edition release, available in three variants, also leans into modern technology, embedding Near Field Communication (NFC) chips in the bottle labels, to give customers access to exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes videos, educational resources, community events, and tasting sessions.
“We believe whisky should be inclusive,” said Haggerty. “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.”
Necropolis Spirits also expressed its ‘deep commitment’ to its local community, with Haggerty and Peters planning to host a series of inclusive events across Glasgow, including tastings, masterclasses, and whisky appreciation nights.
“Glasgow is at the heart of everything we do,” said Peters. “We want to create a community around great whisky and bring people together to share their passion and experiences.”
