English rye whisky isn't something you come across every day, and that's exactly what makes the London Distillery Company Yesteryear 6 Year Old such an interesting bottle. At 52.3% ABV and with six years of maturation behind it, this is a spirit that's asking to be taken seriously — and at £64.95, it's priced in that sweet spot where you expect quality without feeling like you're gambling your rent money.
Let me back up for a second. Rye whisky from England is still a relatively young category. We're not talking about the deep-rooted traditions of Kentucky rye or the resurgence happening in Canadian distilling. The London Distillery Company is part of a new wave of English producers carving out their own identity, and the Yesteryear expression is a statement of intent. Six years isn't old by Scotch standards, but for an English rye it represents genuine commitment to letting the spirit develop rather than rushing it out the door.
What I find compelling about this bottle is the combination of grain and proof. Rye as a grain brings a natural spiciness and dryness that sets it apart from barley-based whiskies, and at cask strength — or near enough at 52.3% — you're getting the full, uncompromised character of that grain. There's no dilution softening the edges here. This is a whisky that wants you to pay attention.
Tasting Notes
I'd encourage you to approach this one with an open mind and no preconceptions borrowed from American rye. English rye whisky has its own personality — shaped by different climate, different water, and different wood management. At this strength, a few drops of water will open things up considerably, and I'd recommend experimenting with it neat, then with water, before making up your mind. Give it time in the glass. Whiskies at this proof reward patience.
The Verdict
The Yesteryear 6 Year Old scores a 7.7 out of 10 from me, and here's why: it's doing something genuinely different in a market flooded with safe choices. A six-year-old English rye at cask strength is a bottle with real character and real ambition. It's not flawless — at this age and proof, there's an inherent rawness that won't suit everyone — but for whisky drinkers who value distinctiveness over polish, this delivers. The price point is fair for a craft release at this strength, and it's the kind of bottle that sparks actual conversation rather than polite nods. I respect what the London Distillery Company is building, and this expression is solid evidence they're heading in the right direction.
Best Served
Pour it neat first — always — with a splash of water to taste. But honestly, a rye this bold is practically begging to anchor a Manhattan. Use a 2:1 ratio with a quality sweet vermouth like Cocchi di Torino, a couple of dashes of Angostura, and stir it properly over ice until it's properly chilled. The natural spice and dryness of the rye will cut through the vermouth's sweetness beautifully, and at 52.3% it's got the backbone to hold its own in the mix without disappearing. That's the mark of a well-made rye — it works just as hard in a cocktail glass as it does in a Glencairn.
