Littlemill 24 Years Old Scotland and Malts Cask 181014 51.3% 1992

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Littlemill 24 Years Old Scotland and Malts Cask 181014: A Captivating Blend of Bourbon and Sherry Casks

Littlemill distillery, renowned as Scotland's oldest licensed whisky distillery, holds a treasured place in the history of Scotch whisky. Although the distillery ceased operations in 1994 and was later dismantled, its legacy lives on through limited edition releases. One such exceptional expression is the Littlemill 24 Years Old Scotland and Malts Cask 181014, crafted by independent bottler Scotland and Malts for their esteemed Cask Collection series. This whisky, distilled in 1992 and bottled in 2016, showcases the distinctive influence of Bourbon casks and a captivating Sherry cask finish. Join us as we uncover the nuances of this remarkable Lowland single malt.

Historical Significance:
Littlemill distillery, located in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, was established on the border of the Lowlands and Highlands. Its origins can be traced back to the acquisition of the Auchentorlie Estate, including a brewery called Littlemill, by Archibal Buchanan from his brother Andrew Buchanan in 1750. Although the exact commencement of distillation at the site remains uncertain, a warehouse gable end proudly displays a date stone carved with the year 1772. By the same year, accommodations were constructed adjacent to the distillery to house Excise officers, responsible for recording distillation activities and calculating taxes.

A significant milestone occurred in 1773 when Robert Muir of Littlemiln, an employee at the distillery, was granted the first-ever license by the Government of King George III to retail ale, beer, and other excisable liquors. Notably, in 1823, Littlemill became one of the pioneering distilleries to have a female licensee, Jane MacGregor, under the ownership of Matthew Clark & Co. The distillery witnessed further innovation in 1931 under the leadership of American Duncan Thomas, who introduced technical designs enabling the production of three distinct styles of single malts, ranging from full-bodied to light.

Ownership of Littlemill changed hands multiple times throughout its existence. In the 1840s, Hector Henderson, a shareholder in the Campbelltown distillery and the founder of Caol Ila distillery, assumed ownership. The distillery underwent extensive rebuilding and expansion in 1875 under the ownership of Hay.

Despite several closures and changes in ownership, Littlemill endured until its final closure in 1994. It was subsequently bought and reopened by Duncan Thomas in 1931, and later passed through the hands of Barton Distilling, Amalgamated Distilled Products, and Gibson International before ultimately being acquired by Loch Lomond Distillery. The distillery was dismantled in 1997, and unfortunately, a devastating fire in 2004 destroyed the remaining remnants. Today, a housing development occupies the site, preserving the memory of this illustrious distillery.

Tasting Notes and Cask Collection Series:
The Littlemill 24 Years Old Scotland and Malts Cask 181014 captivate whisky enthusiasts with its distinct flavor profile. The whisky spent its maturation period in carefully selected Bourbon casks, which lend a foundation of classic vanilla and oak notes. To further enhance the complexity, the whisky received a Sherry cask finish, adding layers of richness and depth. The combination of these casks results in a truly captivating expression that showcases the best of both worlds.

Legacy and Limited Edition Releases:
Loch Lomond Distillery currently houses the remaining casks from Littlemill, and the esteemed Loch Lomond Group has released a range of limited edition bottles to honor the distillery's legacy. Among these releases are the Private Cellar aged 25 and

27 years, the 1992 Vintage, and the remarkable Celestial Edition aged 40 years. Each bottling offers a unique glimpse into the heritage and craftsmanship of Littlemill, appealing to both connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Conclusion:
The Littlemill 24 Years Old Scotland and Malts Cask 181014, distilled in 1992 and bottled in 2016, stands as a testament to the rich history and exceptional quality of the Littlemill distillery. Crafted by Scotland and Malts for their prestigious Cask Collection series, this expression showcases the influence of Bourbon casks and a Sherry cask finish, resulting in a whisky of remarkable complexity and character. As whisky enthusiasts savor this limited edition release, they pay homage to the legacy of Scotland's first licensed distillery and its enduring contribution to the world of Scotch whisky.