Local Gift Idea: J.M. Thomason Spices (and a giveaway!)

 Hot Chicken Seasoning Blend from J.M. Thomason
photo credit: Hannah Messinger

For several years I worked for a children’s book publisher down in Cool Springs. Often when I would step outside of our offices, I’d catch a whiff of something fantastic. Cumin. Allspice. Curry. Nutmeg. The list goes on. Different day, different time, different scent. It wasn’t long before I figured out that one of our neighboring buildings was producing spices. Not a bad neighbor to have!

Flash forward to present day. I just recently discovered these fantastic new J.M. Thomason spices with oh-so-cool packaging created by Anderson Design Group. With blends like Hot Chicken and Bourbon BBQ (made with Belle Meade Bourbon!), they make for an oh-so-Nashville gift!

So why did I have to tell you about the smells I encountered in Cool Springs way back when? Well, it’s because I just put two and two together when I learned more about J.M. Thomason.

Apparently the Doug Jeffords Company has been making seasonings for chain and local restaurants since 1961. The Doug Jeffords Company is located in Cool Springs, right next door to my old office.  John Mack McKinley bought the business from Doug Jeffords in 1983. JMM passed away in 2005, and his son, James McKinley Thomason, is now President of the company. JMT wanted to create a high-end gourmet seasoning line in honor of his dad, thus J.M. Thomason was born.

 J.M. Thomason spice blends
photo credit: Louisa Wells

As you can see, the packaging is awesome. I just love the look of the labels, and the fact that the spices are housed in these little metal tins. But what’s even more important is that this stuff tastes great! In addition to the Hot Chicken and Bourbon BBQ previously mentioned, there is also Chili Lime, Porterhouse Steak, Streamside Angler, and Tuscan Dipping Oil. Their website has some great looking recipes if you need inspiration on how to use them.

In addition to their online store, you can also purchase the seasonings locally at Porter Road Butchers, both Turnip Trucks, Batch Nashville and Whole Foods. For an full list of retailers, click here.

~Giveaway~

Contest Closed

The Winner is….

#48 Elena

Because I love you guys so much, I’ve got a set of these incredible spices to give away! You’ll get one of each of the 6 spice blends – a retail value of over $50.

To enter, all you have to do is this:

Mandatory

1. Leave a comment telling me which spice blend you’re most interested in trying, and what you’d do with it.

For up to 2 additional entries, you can do either or both of the following. Note: You must leave a separate comment for each optional entry.

2. Follow me on Twitter (@betheats) and tweet “Spice up your holidays! @betheats is giving away a very cool J.M. Thomason spice gift set. Enter here: http://bit.ly/1rY1BSH”, then leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.

3. Like JM Thomason on Facebook and come back and tell me you did so (or just tell me you already do if that’s the case!)

Contest ends on Sunday, December 7th at noon CST. Once the winner is chosen, I’ll make contact via email and post the name here on the blog. If they don’t respond within 48 hours, I’ll be forced to choose another, so be sure to check your email! Note: winner must provide an address to ship to within the contiguous United States.