Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill, has released its oldest aged single malt yet: a 47-year-old from the Vanguards Collection.
This collection, launched last year, aims to release one special expression annually for four years, using the distillery’s precious reserves following its closure in 1994.
Distilled on October 4, 1976, this remarkable whisky was first aged in refill bourbon barrels and then transferred to refill American oak hogsheads in 1996.
It matured for another 27 years until Master Blender Michael Henry deemed it ready. The result is an extraordinary whisky with Littlemill’s signature notes of elderflower, honey, and nutmeg, complemented by a silky mouthfeel with flavors of apple, pear, and honeysuckle.
The Vanguards Collection honors Littlemill’s legacy and its pioneering figures. Chapter Two pays tribute to Jane Macgregor, an early female distillery manager who significantly increased production at Littlemill after the Excise Act of 1823.
Her legacy is celebrated through a partnership with glass artist Bethany Wood, who crafted 250 unique glass stoppers using traditional techniques.
These stoppers symbolize the glass ceilings Jane shattered in her career.Each stopper features metallic hues inspired by Littlemill’s copper stills and Scottish water.
They are housed in a luxurious wooden display cabinet alongside a Glencairn Crystal decanter, a branded miniature, and a hardback book detailing Littlemill’s history.
Founded in 1772 in West Dunbartonshire, Littlemill was innovative for its time but closed in 1994 and was destroyed by fire in 2004. Master Blender Michael Henry now oversees the remaining casks.
Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Group, owners of Littlemill, said: “Between Littlemill’s founding and its lamentable closure, a remarkable story of innovation took place. It is a story rarely told but one that touches the whole world of whisky.
“By far the most fascinating part is the stories of the people who we know were quietly overturning traditions, shaping the distillery for what it would become.
“A story of that measure requires a whisky of remarkable quality, so it is fitting that now is the time we release our oldest aged statement to date.
“I was inspired by my predecessors and their innovations which shaped Littlemill’s character. With them always in mind, we have crafted a dram full of classic Littlemill delicate, summer-like notes.”
Nick Bradley, Prestige Portfolio Manager at Loch Lomond Group, owners of Littlemill, added: “The unsung heroes of Littlemill passed into history long before the significance of their contributions could ever be applauded, which is why the Vanguards Collection raises a dram to them, their entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship which helped to shape the last precious drops of this incredible distillery.
“When considering the Collection, we wanted to celebrate and revive the past by bringing alive the spirit of Littlemill’s pioneers.
“Bethany Wood is a champion of craftsmanship with her own innovative style of art, making her the ideal collaboration to explore Jane’s legacy with us.”
Bethany Wood, owner of Blowfish Glass, added: “There are so many wonderful parallels between our two crafts. Steeped in tradition, I see glassmaking as a performance that has been very carefully planned – whisky has the same requirements in artistry, precision and patience.
“Both art forms rely on the craftsmanship of people, and I love that our creative interpretations are what make each output unique every time.
“Being a female in a traditional trade, I was inspired by Jane’s story and the ceilings she broke through for her era.
“This paired with a new affection for Scotland’s west coast and all its beauty provided me with the vision to craft these beautiful stoppers which will make a wonderful addition to this truly incredible whisky release. These stoppers are not just functional pieces but artistic representations of Jane’s journey.”
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Starts coastal and saline, before floral bursts of elderflower, early summer hedgerow and rose petals, with delicate honey sweetness and elegant oak spice of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Palate: Silk-like mouthfeel, mouthwatering fruits, crisp green apple and pears, fresh pineapple with grapefruit and lime citrus, honeysuckle and gentle nutmeg spice.
- Finish: Long with layers of fruit and spice. Green fruits continue into the finish with gooseberry and kiwi before waves of warming cinnamon spice.
Bottled at cask strength of 44.9% ABV and natural colour, only 250 individually numbered bottles are available worldwide, priced at £14,500.
Vanguard Chapter Two will be available for purchase via enquiry through the Littlemill website and other specialist retailers.
For further information visit www.littlemilldistillery.com.
