Golden Union is the first release in a series of English blended malt whiskies from The London Distillery Company. This release follows behind Renascence which was the first whisky since the distillery’s revival earlier this year. The Golden Union: Release No.1 ‘A Field in England’ is a marriage of malt whiskies produced by both Adnams Distillery and The London Distillery Company. It is matured in both hogsheads and barrels of several different vintages.
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.
At The London Distillery Company, we’ve long believed in the potential of English whisky. And with The Golden Union, we’re proud to celebrate that belief by launching an ongoing series that puts English malt whisky – in all its diversity – centre stage.
Matt McKay | Managing Director & Whisky Maker The London Distillery Company
The Golden Union: Release No.1 – A Field in England is bottled at 50% ABV. This blended malt whisky is available from www.londondistillery.co.uk and select UK retailers for £49.95 per bottle.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is pale lemon yellow and the nose is vibrant, uplifting and bourbon-like. White chocolate, honey and a hint of dried coconut lead the way, which are quickly followed by a distinct biscuity malt, vanilla and plenty of woody oak. Fresh orange zest and a touch of candied lime add a citrus-like kick, while hints of cocktail cherry and buttered popcorn also come through. Some floral honeysuckle sits in the background.
On the palate this whisky is creamy, bright and honeyed. Runny honey and scented honeysuckle flowers pop first but are joined by some whipped vanilla cream and baked green apple topped with pinches of brown sugar and cinnamon. It feels creamy and luscious. Then comes confected sweetness in the form of icing sugar, marshmallow and white chocolate.
A robust maltiness, which is reminiscent of oat cookies, underpins everything. This is supported by an increasing oak influence – think of fresh saw dust or pencil shavings – and further baking spices such as clove and cassia bark. These, plus some white pepper, add warmth. A hint of raspberry jam appears right at the close.
The finish is quite gripping and becomes increasingly oaky and drying. The wood tannins take hold with warming baking spices and white pepper also developing, which accentuate the dryness and heat. This is especially true once the sweeter characteristics have gone.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a really interesting concept and we look forward to seeing which other English distilleries The London Distillery Company plan to work with. The whiskies could go in all sorts of different flavour and style directions as a result. This Release No.1 is bright and Summery, and a perfect warm weather whisky. The nose takes on a bourbon-like quality, while the palate is creamy and deliciously sweet. These are exciting times for English whisky and this whisky shows why.
