We’re back already with the revived London Distillery, but this time not for a single malt. Following the recent Renascence release, London Distillery has already introduced something new: an English blended malt. The London Distillery ‘The Golden Union’ combines whiskies from both London Distillery and Adnams. Without further ado, let’s pour it into our glass and discover what it has to offer.
London Distillery The Golden Union: Release No. 1 – A Field In England (2025) Review
When GM Spirits acquired and relaunched London Distillery Co, with Matt McKay stepping in as CEO, they also took ownership of the cask stock accumulated during the distillery’s initial operating period (but their second era, as we discussed previously). However, the number of casks remains limited – around seventy, all filled between 2011 and 2020, and all distilled from heritage barley. Since two of those casks went into the Renascence release and the new make distilled since the revival still requires several years to mature into whisky – likely more than the minimum of three years – London Distillery Co must manage its remaining stock with great care and strategic foresight to avoid running out before the new whisky reaches maturity.
Matt McKay’s background as an independent bottler and whisky maker, notably through his involvement with The Dava Way, the indie branch of Dunphail known for its excellent bottlings, proved invaluable in navigating this challenge. He wisely chose to blend some of London Distillery’s limited stock with malt whiskies from other English distilleries to create a series of blended malts. This approach allows London Distillery Co to continue releasing new whiskies and maintain a presence in the minds of whisky enthusiasts without depleting their precious casks too rapidly. This strategy gave rise to the Golden Union series.
The inaugural release in the London Distillery’s The Golden Union series, Release No. 1, combines malt whiskies from Adnams Distillery and London Distillery Co, matured in a mix of hogsheads and barrels. Named ‘A Field in England’, this expression bottles at 50% ABV, without added colour or chill filtration. The release is limited to 973 bottles, priced at £49.95, and available on the distillery’s website.
Colour:
Pale gold with a grey hue.
Nose:
Neat: Apples appear first, soon giving way to yellow orchard fruits and buttery, slightly caramelised popcorn. The apples return, joined by notes of straw.
With water: White sugar emerges, along with peach-flavoured petit-suisse and lukewarm custard.
Palate:
Neat: The mouthfeel feels syrupy, with a spicy and fruity arrival. Apples dominate once more, accompanied by a generous pinch of pepper and slices of pickled ginger. Mustard notes surface, alongside some oak – suggesting the use of first-fill casks – while lemon and grapefruit add tartness, and grassy bitterness develops. Hints of salted liquorice also come through.
With water: Lemon becomes more pronounced, joined by pine needles, quince, extra spices, and subtle tropical fruit notes.
Finish:
The finish remains short, with lingering dry bitterness, pepper, and echoes of pickled ginger. A touch of astringency appears, followed by strong coffee accented with a few drops of pink grapefruit juice.
Comments:
London Distillery’s The Golden Union stands amongst the first English blended malts, alongside releases from Compass Box and Woven. This blend succeeds in delivering an easy-drinking, summery character, yet the whisky offers more than straightforward simplicity. Golden Union Field in England (this really is a lengthy name) reveals a pleasing medium complexity that sets it apart from ordinary blends. With its appealing profile and a price of £50 per bottle, this whisky presents excellent value and deserves a place on any shelf.
Rating: 7/10
Sample and lead picture provided by London Distillery. Want another opinion? My friend Brian @MaltMusings reviewed it a few days ago, as well as the chaps from Honest to a Malt (highly recommended whisky podcast): here on YouTube.