The London Distillery Company Unveils Yesteryear, Reviving a Classic Past
The London Distillery Company (TLDC) proudly unveils its latest creation, Yesteryear, a six-year-old London single rye whisky designed to reimagine the LV-1767 Edition, first released by the distillery in 2018. The genesis of Yesteryear lies in the residual spirit from TLDC's landmark release – London's first newly distilled whisky in over a century. This batch of LV-1767 whisky, rediscovered and preserved in glass containers after the acquisition by Gleann Mòr Spirits, was later re-casked for an additional two years of maturation, evolving into a re-imagined, foundational classic.
Founded with the mission to reignite London's distilling heritage, TLDC has successfully revived whisky production in the capital by blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. Yesteryear continues this narrative, exploring what the distillery's inaugural release might have looked like if crafted today, while retaining the distinct rye character of the original LV-1767 spirit. The result is a whisky that is both familiar and groundbreaking, a perfect fusion of history and progress.
Beyond TLDC's heritage casks, the residual spirit from the LV-1767 Edition, found to be remarkably well-preserved in glass bottles, represents a forgotten milestone in London's whisky revival. This debut whisky, crafted from 100% Warminster Rye and matured in English oak, was entered into cask in October 2014 and bottled in 2018. It was named the LV-1767 Edition to commemorate Lea Valley Distillery, the last company to successfully produce whisky in London. Rather than treating this landmark release as a relic, the distillery's revival team brought the spirit back to wood for further maturation, allowing it to evolve into a truly contemporary expression. An eighteen-month finishing period in first-fill sherry octaves, followed by a six-month re-casking into refill sherry quarter casks, allowed for perfect integration of aroma and flavour. Ultimately, this six-year-old rye whisky embodies London's dual spirit of deep tradition and bold innovation.
Yesteryear is released in a limited run of just 188 bottles. It is bottled at 52.3% ABV. This whisky marks a poignant moment for The London Distillery Company, serving as both a tribute to the whisky that started the journey and a confident stride into the future. It stands as proof that craft is not static, but can be built upon with creativity and respect, allowing heritage to become the foundation for innovation. Yesteryear is a whisky born of the past, shaped by the present, and confidently pointing towards the future.
2025-11-14
Source: https://www.whiskyintelligence.com/2025/11/the-london-distillery-company-reimagines-its-past-with-the-launch-of-yesteryear-english-whisky-news/