Strathearn Distillery is a small-batch single malt Scotch whisky producer located near Methven in Highland Perthshire, Scotland. Founded in 2013 by Tony Reeman-Clark and partners, the distillery operates within a historic 160-year-old stone farm steading, on the site of an earlier 18th-century distillery. Known as probably Scotland’s smallest distillery, Strathearn is distinguished by its artisanal approach, using Maris Otter Malt, small 50-litre casks (at least during the initial ownership) and a notably long fermentation time of up to 144 hours, which contributes to its uniquely fruity character. In 2019, the distillery was acquired by Douglas Laing & Co, a Glasgow-based independent bottler, which expanded its production capacity and launched new expressions such as “The Heart” in 2022. Strathearn manually handles every step from malt preparation to distillation, employing alembic-style stills imported from Portugal. We review the Strathearn Inaugural Bottling and Single Malt Batch No. 02.
Despite launching with an impressive Inaugural Release of 70,000 bottles, Ardnahoe, Islay’s newest distillery, has shown no signs of slowing down. Rather than resting on the success of its debut, the distillery has continued to build momentum and expand its presence in the whisky world. In addition to producing a handful of special bottlings for the annual Fèis Ìle festival, Ardnahoe has now introduced two permanent additions to its core range: Ardnahoe Infinite Loch and Bholsa.
Rosebank Distillery’s official founding was in 1840 by James Rankine, a local Falkirk wine merchant and tea blender. Situated on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal, the distillery thrived throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, earning a reputation for producing some of Scotland’s finest Lowland single malts. Rosebank distinguished itself through its traditional triple distillation process – a rarity in Scotch whisky production – which imparted a delicate, floral, and fruity character to its whisky, complemented by a thick palate texture thanks to its unique worm tub condensers.
After operating continuously for over 150 years, Rosebank closed in 1993 due to the prohibitive cost of upgrading its effluent treatment facilities and logistical challenges, despite the high regard for its whisky. The site remained dormant for three decades until Ian Macleod Distillers acquired the distillery and trademarks in 2017. Following an extensive restoration that faithfully replicated the original distillery’s layout and equipment, production resumed in 2023 and the distillery reopened to visitors in mid-2024. Obviously, the new spirit flowing from Rosebank stills is not whisky yet, so we’ll review a Rosebank 21-year-old ’Innocence’ bottled by Specialty Drinks (The Whisky Exchange).
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.
