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The Bard's Tribute: Littlemill 32 Years Old by The Whisky Agency
Hark! Littlemill, the esteemed Scottish malt whisky distillery, doth hold the honor of being the first and oldest licensed whisky maker in fair Scotland. Nestled in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, on the border betwixt the Lowlands and Highlands, its spirits are hailed as true Lowland whisky. Purchased in 1750 by Archibal Buchanan, Littlemill resided within the Auchentorlie Estate, alongside a humble brewery bearing its name. While the exact hour of its distilling origins remains a mystery, a stone of 1772 adorns a warehouse gable end, hinting at its early days. In that same year, dwellings arose beside the distillery, providing shelter for Excise officers who, as law's envoys, diligently recorded distillations and levied taxes.
Justice of the Peace records of Dumbarton chronicle a remarkable event on the 2nd of November 1773, when "Robert Muir of Littlemiln," a loyal servant, was granted the very first license by the benevolent Government of King George III to "retail ale, beer, and other excisable liquors." Thus, Littlemill's tale commenced with this historic decree. Notably, among its achievements, Littlemill stood as one of the early distilleries to bear a female licensee, fair Jane MacGregor, in 1823, during the tenure of Matthew Clark & Co, who acquired the distillery in 1817. In 1931, under the American stewardship of Duncan Thomas, Littlemill emerged as a pioneer of still innovation, crafting three styles of single malt, from bold to ethereal, through technical designs unmatched.
Around 1840, ownership transferred to the esteemed Hector Henderson, a shareholder in the Campbelltown distillery since 1837 and founder of the hallowed Caol Ila distillery. With his guidance, Littlemill witnessed a grand rebuilding and expansion in 1875 under the auspices of the noble Hay.
Alas, Littlemill shuttered in 1929, until Duncan Thomas, ever the explorer, purchased and resurrected it in 1931. Within its walls, he dared to experiment with novel techniques, employing a Saladin box for malting, boasting twin ventilation towers and a solitary kiln. The copper pot stills donned a shimmering coat of aluminum, and rectifying columns supplanted swan necks, affording finer control over the distillation process. Thus, a transformation from triple to double distillation unfolded, with Littlemill at the vanguard of progress.
In the year of 1971, Barton Distilling assumed ownership, having held shares since 1959. However, fate intervened, as Amalgamated Distilled Products acquired Barton Distilling in 1982, joining forces with the revered Argyll Group in 1984. Alas, it was in this year that Littlemill's doors closed, casting a shadow upon its halls. A glimmer of hope emerged when Gibson International bravely acquired and reopened the distillery in 1989, but alas, the tide turned once more as Gibson International succumbed to bankruptcy in 1994. Thus, Littlemill found solace under the stewardship of Loch Lomond Distillery, only to meet its final fate in 1997, dismantled and tragically consumed by fire in 2004. In its stead, a housing development now stands upon the hallowed ground.
Whisky Profiles and Limited Edition Releases:
Littlemill's legacy lies within the trifecta of whisky styles forged by its innovative distillation apparatus. It birthed a smoky offering named "D
umbuck," a robust expression christened "Dunglas," and a delicate traditional Lowland whisky under its very own name, "Littlemill." Yet, in the year 1972, Dumbuck and Dunglas succumbed to oblivion, leaving Littlemill as the sole torchbearer of the distillery's character.
Lo, the remaining casks of Littlemill found sanctuary within the nurturing embrace of Loch Lomond Distillery. Within the heart of Loch Lomond Group, the guardians of this heritage diligently release limited editions that pay homage to Littlemill's storied past and exalted quality. Notable among these expressions are the Private Cellar aged 25 years, the Private Cellar aged 27 years, the 1992 Vintage, and the esteemed Celestial Edition aged 40 years. These releases grant whisky aficionados a glimpse into the depth and subtlety of Littlemill's whiskies, preserving the distillery's legacy for posterity.
The Whisky Agency's Littlemill 32 Years Old:
Amidst the pantheon of illustrious bottlings that honor Littlemill's legacy, The Whisky Agency's 32 Years Old offering shines with unparalleled brilliance. Distilled in the year of our Lord 1989 and bottled in the annum 2022, this limited edition elixir hath basked in the embrace of a hogshead cask for o'er three decades. The whisky itself heralds the distinctive character of Littlemill, boasting a flavor profile that is both unique and resplendent. With an ABV of 55.2% and a scant 216 bottles gracing the realm, this expression bequeaths a rare occasion to savor the essence of Littlemill's timeless legacy.
Conclusion:
Behold! The Littlemill 32 Years Old by The Whisky Agency, a testament to the venerable heritage of Scotland's eldest licensed distillery. As fervent lovers of the "water of life" uncork this extraordinary nectar, they embark upon a sensory pilgrimage through time, reveling in the flavors and aromas that have etched Littlemill's name in the annals of legend. Though the distillery may lie dormant and its edifice naught but ashes, independent bottlers like The Whisky Agency ensure the spirit of Littlemill abides, captivating the palates of discerning connoisseurs and safeguarding the hallowed heritage of this iconic Scottish establishment.
