Scotland’s whisky legacy is filled with the echoes of “ghost distilleries” — distilleries that have ceased operations but still produce rare and coveted whiskies from aging barrels. One such iconic name is Littlemill, recognized as Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, originally founded in 1772. Though the distillery shut its doors for good in 1994 and was later demolished after a fire in 2004, its spirits continue to live on, and the latest release is a testament to this enduring legacy. Introducing the Littlemill Vanguards Collection Chapter Two, a 47-year-old single malt that’s truly one of a kind.
A Glimpse Into Littlemill’s History
Littlemill was established by Glaswegian George Buchanan and had a long, storied history. It changed ownership multiple times over the centuries, producing both peated and unpeated whiskies. Although it was mothballed several times, the distillery permanently closed in 1994. The Littlemill name is now under the stewardship of the Loch Lomond Group, which has been releasing limited editions from its remaining stocks.
In 2023, the Loch Lomond Group released Chapter One of the Vanguards Collection, a 45-year-old single malt named after Robert Muir, the distillery’s first license holder. This whisky, aged in American oak and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, was a hit among collectors, with just 250 bottles released.
Chapter Two: A Tribute to Jane MacGregor
The new release, Chapter Two, pays tribute to Jane MacGregor, the first woman to hold a whisky license at a distillery as prominent as Littlemill. This expression is a 47-year-old single malt distilled in 1976. It was matured for 20 years in bourbon barrels before spending an additional 27 years in American oak hogsheads. Bottled at 44.9% ABV, it presents a complex palate featuring crisp green apple, pears, fresh pineapple, grapefruit, lime, honeysuckle, and a hint of nutmeg spice.
Luxurious Packaging for a Rare Whisky
Such a rare whisky deserves equally exquisite packaging. The decanter, designed by U.K. glassmaker Bethany Wood, is encased in a wooden cabinet crafted from ash, complete with a glass portal and a handblown decanter stopper. Buyers will also receive a 50-ml miniature bottle, perfect for tasting while preserving the main bottle’s integrity. Only 250 numbered bottles of this luxurious release are available, priced at £14,500 (around $18,800).
Collectors’ Dream
For collectors, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of whisky history. Interested buyers can register their interest on the Littlemill website. Meanwhile, other Littlemill expressions, including the first Vanguards Collection, are currently available at select retailers like The Whisky Exchange.
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