Renascence marks a new beginning for The London Distillery Company (TLDC) after a number of years closure. The name refers to the revival of something that has been dormant. This single malt whisky has been matured in a combination of re-fill barrels and first-fill sherry casks from stock that was produced by the distillery between 2011 and 2020. The spirit was created using hertiage barley varieties.
The London Distillery Company was established in 2011 as London’s first new whisky distillery for over a century. The distillery was housed in a renovated warehouse in Battersea, south London. It sat approximately 150 metres from the banks of the River Thames and was granted the first license to distil whisky in London for over 100 years. The most recent distillery prior to this (Lea Valley located in Stratford, east London) was closed in 1903.
However, the company entering administration in 2020 and was acquired by Gleann Mòr Spirits in 2023. Matt McKay was appointed as Managing Director & Whisky Maker to lead the revitalisation of TLDC in January 2025.
The London Distillery Company was a small batch distiller with just one malt spirit still named Matilda. It was part copper pot still, as used in traditional single malt production, and part column still, used more in the distillation of single grain whiskies. The distillery was also home to a smaller spirit still, named Christina, which produced gin. Malt spirit production only occurred on two days each week, resulting in two hogshead casks worth of new make spirit.
This London Distillery Company Renascence ‘revival release’ is bottled at 58% ABV. Only 410 bottles have been produced. They are available exclusively from Berry Bros. & Rudd for £89 per bottle.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright gold and the nose is expressive, bold and woody. Distinct aromas of freshly baked croissant and good buttery shortbread lead the way, These are backed up by sweet almond (this is almost marzipan-like), candied lime and vanilla paste. A lovely maltiness sits underneath, as does some fresh sappy oak. A pinch of white pepper and white chocolate round things off nicely.
On the palate this whisky feels robust, chocolatey and with plenty of peppery spice and drying oak. Golden syrup and floral heather honey are to the fore and are quickly joined by some milky chocolate, plus a hint of mocha. The buttery shortbread is again evident, as are hints of the sweet almond and candied lime. The robust bittersweet barley underpins everything and adds great weight and structure.
The second half of the palate is more spicy and dry. The oak woodiness really drives on and has a charred edge to it. This contributes pleasant tannins. A distinct warming and peppery spice develops. This is like white pepper with a hint of green chilli. There is also a suggestion of fragrant cinnamon bark and fresh gingerbread. A hint of eucalyptus and menthol comes through right at the close.
The malty chocolate nature really comes through on the decently long finish. This is reminsicent of milk chocolate covered digestives now. The oak grips the tastebuds and does not let go. This is complimented by the warming cinnamon, ginger and white peppery spice. A hint of clove oil and menthol sneaks in at the death.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a highly impressive rebirth whisky from the London Distillery Company. We did not ever try anything from the original ownership, so were intrigued by this new bottling. Having lived in London for over two decades we were also excited to taste something from our home city. The balance of malt, sweetness and oak spice is delightful.
Matt and the team have done a great job here and we cannot wait to see what comes next and what the future may hold. It is the latest in a series of excellent English whisky releases this year to date. If you like the sound of this – do not be shy and grab a bottle while Berry Brothers still have them. They will not last long, that is for sure.
