Scotland's oldest licensed distillery has today unveiled its oldest aged statement to date in what has been described as an 'extraordinarily rare window into the past'.
The Vanguards Collection was launched last year as a new annual series from Littlemill, which, following the distillery’s untimely closure in 1994, will draw on its most precious reserves to release a single expression each year for four years.
The second release, first distilled on October 4, 1976, was initially laid down in refill bourbon barrels, before being recasked into refill American oak hogsheads in 1996.
The result is said to complement Littlemill's signature style with bursts of elderflower, summer hedgerow, delicate honey, and nutmeg on the nose with a silk-like mouthfeel of crisp apple, pears, and honeysuckle, followed by long layers of fruit and spice.
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The Vanguards Collection was created to celebrate Littlemill’s legacy and the trailblazers who worked at its helm.
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.
"Today, the Vanguards Collection offers a fortunate few a rare glimpse into our legacy."
Under her leadership, the distillery witnessed a significant increase in production, and she unknowingly became one of the first of many women who are now shaping the world of whisky today.
Her legacy will be revived via a new partnership with glass artist, Bethany Wood, owner of Blowfish Glass, located at the heart of the UK glassmaking community on the Stourbridge Crystal Mile.
Wood has crafted 250 glass bottle stoppers using tools from MacGregor's era to create a 'powerful narrative of perseverance, innovation, and triumph over adversity'.
She said: “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."
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Founded in 1772 in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, Littlemill was at the 'forefront of innovation for its time'.
The distillery later closed in 1994 before it was lost to a fire in 2004.
Since then, master blender, Michael Henry, has held guardianship of the last remaining casks.
He 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.
"Like any whisky of this age, it takes time, patience, and careful monitoring to know when the moment has come to release it.
"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.”
Vanguard Chapter Two will be available for purchase via enquiry through the Littlemill website and other specialist retailers.
For more information, visit www.littlemilldistillery.com.
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