Embarque London Single Malt Whisky: A Celebration of London's Sherry Trade
Sherry-Forward English Whisky | Heritage Plumage Archer barley | First-fill oloroso sherry finish | 57.7% ABV | Non-chill filtered
Key Product Information
- Distillery: The London Distillery Company
- Region: London, England
- Type: English Single Malt Whisky
- ABV: 57.7% (115.4 proof)
- Volume: 70cl (700ml)
- Maturation: Refill barrels, first-fill oloroso finish
- Barley: Heritage Plumage Archer variety
- Yeast: Whitbread B and Young's 1920s strains
- Filtration: Non-chill filtered
- Natural colour: Yes
Tasting Notes
Nose
Plump red berries and burnt orange segments give way to cinder toffee and decadent chocolate. Spiced molasses join rose hips and a dusting of cinnamon powder.
Palate
Rich and textural mouthfeel with viscous hedgerow berries sitting alongside orange cordial, cocoa nibs, and toasted oak. The development offers indulgent fruitcake tempered by baking spices.
Finish
Persistent finish of warming cinnamon and fading red and black berries. Medium to long length with satisfying depth.
What Makes Embarque Special
- Historic London Whisky: From The London Distillery Company, London's first whisky distillery since Lea Valley Distillery closed in 1903
- Heritage Barley: Made with Plumage Archer, the first commercially bred barley variety (developed 1905), which dominated British malting until the 1960s
- Traditional London Yeasts: Uses Whitbread B and Young's 1920s Distillers yeast strains, providing distinctive character and connecting to London's brewing heritage
- Maritime Trade Story: Celebrates the centuries-old sherry cask trade between Spain's bodegas and London's historic docks
- Exceptional Sherry Casks: Finished in first-fill oloroso casks from Bodegas Barbadillo in Jerez, Spain
- Revived Legacy: Crafted from casks filled between 2011 and 2020, now released under new stewardship by whisky maker Matt McKay
Understanding Plumage Archer Heritage Barley
Plumage Archer holds a unique place in whisky history as the world's first commercially produced crossbred barley variety. Developed in 1905 at Warminster Maltings by Dr Edwin Sloper Beavan, it represented a breakthrough in plant breeding. By 1940, Plumage Archer and Spratt Archer accounted for approximately 80% of the English malting barley crop.
The variety produces a spirit with distinctive fruity character, offering notes of apricot and orange with subtle sweetness and light fruitiness. This made it ideal for the lighter, fresher beer styles that became popular in the early 20th century. Plumage Archer is also a grandparent of Maris Otter, one of today's most celebrated malting barleys.
As newer, higher-yielding varieties emerged, Plumage Archer largely disappeared by the early 1960s. However, its recent revival by craft distillers and brewers reflects growing appreciation for characterful heritage grains that prioritise flavour over pure efficiency.
London's Whisky Distilling Legacy
The London Distillery Company's story spans three distinct chapters. The first began in 1807 when engineer Ralph Dodd established The London Distillery Company at Nine Elms, raising funds through what might be considered an early form of crowdfunding. However, facing opposition from established distillers and invoked under the 1720 Bubble Act, the venture was shut down before producing a single drop.
Nearly 200 years later, in 2011, Darren Rook and Nick Taylor revived the name, establishing London's first new whisky distillery since Lea Valley Distillery closed in 1903. Operating from Battersea and later Bermondsey, they pioneered the use of heritage grains and traditional London yeast strains in English whisky production. Despite innovative production methods, commercial challenges led to administration in 2020.
In January 2025, The London Distillery Company experienced its third revival under new ownership by Gleann Mor Spirits, with Matt McKay (formerly of Bimber and Dunphail distilleries) appointed as managing director and whisky maker. McKay is working with approximately 70 remaining casks filled between 2011 and 2020, releasing whiskies that showcase the distillery's heritage-focused approach.
London's Historic Sherry Cask Trade
Embarque takes its name from the Spanish word for "embark," celebrating the maritime trade routes that brought sherry casks from Spain's sun-drenched bodegas to London's historic docks. During the 19th century, the London Docks in Wapping became synonymous with luxury imports, with vast warehouse complexes and underground wine vaults capable of handling thousands of casks simultaneously.
By the 1850s, exports of sherry from Jerez had grown to more than 30,000 casks annually, requiring increasingly extensive warehousing in London. These well-travelled casks, originally used to transport sherry, were discovered by whisky merchants to have a transformative effect on maturing spirit. The wood, seasoned by years of sherry contact, imparted rich, complex flavours that became highly prized.
This discovery fundamentally shaped the whisky industry, establishing sherry cask maturation as a hallmark of quality. Embarque continues this tradition, finished in exceptional first-fill oloroso casks from Bodegas Barbadillo, one of Spain's most respected sherry producers.
Perfect For
Whisky Enthusiasts Who Enjoy:
- Sherry-forward single malts
- Heritage and historical whiskies
- English whisky exploration
- High-strength, flavour-intense spirits
- Rare and limited releases
Occasions:
- Special celebrations and milestones
- Gifts for serious whisky collectors
- London-themed events
- Comparative tastings with Spanish sherry
- After-dinner contemplation
How to Enjoy Embarque
Neat
Best served at room temperature in a Glencairn glass. Allow to breathe for 5-10 minutes to appreciate the full complexity of the sherry influence.
With Water
At 57.7% ABV, a few drops of spring water can help open up additional fruit and spice notes. Add water gradually to find your preferred strength.
Food Pairing
Excellent with dark chocolate, Spanish Manchego cheese, dried fruits and nuts, or rich fruit cake. Complements game dishes beautifully.
About The London Distillery Company Today
Under the stewardship of Gleann Mor Spirits and whisky maker Matt McKay, The London Distillery Company is experiencing a carefully considered revival. McKay, known for his work at Bimber and Dunphail distilleries, is working with the distillery's remaining legacy casks to craft expressions that honour the original vision while looking towards a new future.
The distillery's original production methods emphasised heritage ingredients and traditional techniques. Using a 650-litre copper pot still with a 4-plate distillation column (manufactured by Christian CARL in Germany), Plumage Archer barley, and distinctive London yeast strains, the distillery created a unique flavour profile that sets these whiskies apart from typical English single malts.
With plans for eventual new production, The London Distillery Company represents both a connection to London's distilling past and an exciting chapter in English whisky's future.
Understanding English Whisky
English whisky is one of the world's fastest-growing whisky categories, with over 50 active distilleries across England. Unlike Scotch whisky, English whisky isn't bound by centuries-old regional restrictions, allowing distillers to experiment with heritage grains, innovative production methods, and unique cask finishes.
The London Distillery Company's focus on heritage barley varieties and traditional London yeast strains represents the innovative spirit of English whisky while connecting to historical brewing and distilling practices. This approach creates distinctive flavour profiles that showcase what makes English whisky unique in the global whisky landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes London whisky different from Scotch or Irish whisky?
A: London whisky from TLDC uses heritage Plumage Archer barley and traditional London brewing yeast strains (Whitbread B and Young's 1920s), creating a fruity, ingredient-forward character. The use of Thames water and London's urban environment also contribute unique characteristics.
Q: Why is the ABV so high at 57.7%?
A: This higher strength preserves maximum flavour and allows you to dilute to your preferred strength with water. It also extends the whisky's shelf life once opened and provides excellent value as you can add water without losing character.
Q: What is heritage barley and why does it matter?
A: Heritage barleys like Plumage Archer are older varieties that prioritise flavour over yield efficiency. Plumage Archer, developed in 1905, produces spirits with distinctive fruity notes of apricot and orange. While more expensive to grow, it creates more characterful whisky.
Q: How should I store this whisky?
A: Store upright, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Once opened, the whisky will remain excellent for several years. The higher ABV means it's particularly stable once opened.
Q: Is The London Distillery Company currently distilling?
A: Not currently. The distillery is releasing whiskies from casks filled between 2011 and 2020. There are plans for new production in the future under the guidance of whisky maker Matt McKay.
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