London Distillery Company - Embarque

The third release from the Renascence of the London Distillery Company, this time taking us on a journey!

A sherry finished dram - let's see what it's like!

Matt McKay describes this release as:

"Embarque – our new single malt whisky which honours London’s maritime past and the legacy of the sherry trade. Its name, meaning “to embark” or “to set sail,” evokes the journey of casks from Spanish bodegas to the storied London Docks, and the way those casks shaped both global commerce and the distinctive character of whiskies enjoyed today."

Another amazing design creation from John Watkinson  decorated the tube and bottle capturing the journey of the sherry casks. More info here!

Embarque is The London Distillery Company’s celebration of journeys – from the sun-drenched bodegas of Jerez to the historic docks of London. This single malt whisky captures the story of our capital’s maritime past and the historic sherry cask trade that shaped the whisky industry.

Distillery thoughts:

This release has been crafted from carefully selected TLDC single malts and finished in first-fill oloroso sherry casks from Bodegas Barbadillo. The result is a richly layered whisky, that stands as a testament not only to the transformative power of sherry cask maturation but also to the centuries-old trade that brought these casks into London’s historic docks, shaping both the future of whisky and the city itself.

Nose: Plump red berries and burnt orange segments give way to cinder toffee, and decadent chocolate, whilst spiced molasses join rose hips and a dusting of cinnamon powder.

Palate: A rich and textural mouthfeel with viscous hedgerow berries sitting alongside orange cordial, cocoa nibs and toasted oak. The development offers indulgent fruitcake tempered by the addition of baking spices.

Finish: A persistent finish of warming cinnamon and fading red and black berries.

My thoughts:

Appearance: Dark gold in the Glencairn, swirls leave thin lines which take an age to bead up and eventually fall as slow thin oily legs.

Nose: Hedgerow berries to start: raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants and some strawberries. There's some chocolate covered chewing nuts, gentle peppery spice and some leather hints. Orange zest and a little honey round things off.

Palate: Thick sweet arrival: the berries from the nose are here very jammy. We've added dried fruit, dates and figs, the Oloroso finish having had a real influence on the spirit. There's a hint of smoke or tobacco as the liquid disappears. Definitely a dram that begs another sip and you're rewarded with plum pudding, candied peel and a little balsamic vinegar note. There's a bite of cinnamon spice and a little milk chocolate.

 

Finish: Lingering cinnamon spice, berries, dried fruit and citrus zest.

Summary: I really enjoyed LDC's first release and this second one follows in it's footsteps - we're yet to see a 'plain' ex-bourbon release and I'd love to see one from the original cask with no tinkering from Matt to see how the liquid has matured over the years. Until that happens I'll happily drink this sherry finished version - perfect as the cold nights draw in.