The London Distillery Company - Renascence English Single Malt Review

TLDC - Renascence English Single Malt @58%

Barley - Plumage Archer

Refill barrels & FF-Sherry casks

NCF | NC | Outturn - 410

Sample courtesy: Matt Mckay

Colour: Golden syrup

Nose: Dusty old binding paper, dried herbal leaves and roots, jestimadh powder(Indian liquorice) and the earthiness of a dank dark cave is joined by an intensely grain forward rye-ish note. A very unusual and unexpected opening. As it sits, uncovered, berries emerge - blackberries, cranberries and some blackcurrants followed by orange and lime peels. Let’s add some water. Reduction is metamorphic bringing out all manner of citrus fruits, creamy vanilla and pushing back the sherry casks.

Palate: A burst of peppery spice, warm chilli oil, that dustiness from the nose, charred oak, old cinnamon bark, and herbal ginger-honey candy. With rest, mocha milk, almond flour cake and vanilla cream follow. Mouthfeel has a nice chewy texture but astringent grippy oak tannins quickly dominate the mid-palate. Let’s see if water does its magic. Boom! This baby now sings. It's a citrus fruit fest - lemon meringue pie, pineapple cream, jim-jams, malty, oily and complimented by just the perfect amount of rye like minty spiciness.

Finish: Neat, is a bit austere - grippy, dusty oak and grain forward but with water far more chirpy, fruity, biscuity with lingering warmth.

Overall: Renascence was the much anticipated single malt from TLDC’s second innings. Produced using 100% Plumage Archer heritage barley back in 2011-20 when the distillery was first operational. This release comprises six casks - refill barrels and first-fill sherry casks. I found this to be an odd one - two distinct personalities - neat and diluted. The former is dominantly sherry cask and the latter bourbon. Mind you it is not a lush sherry bomb but very oxidative. The other odd bit is the almost rye-like minty spicy profile, which I’m guessing is the Plumage Archer at play. Its only with dilution that the balance recalibrates wonderfully displaying the entire gamut of maturation in the vatting. I think this would have benefitted immensely by a slightly lower ABV. Not an easy number this one. Take your time.