TL;DR

Littlemill Vanguards Collection Chapter Two is a 47-year-old single malt Scotch, distilled in 1976. Limited to 250 bottles, it honors Jane MacGregor, the first woman to hold a whisky license at the distillery. It's a rare release from the demolished Littlemill ghost distillery.

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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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Littlemill Vanguards Collection Chapter Two?

It is a 47-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, released in 2024, from the stocks of the closed Littlemill distillery. Only 250 bottles were produced.Who does Chapter Two of the Vanguards Collection honor?

It honors Jane MacGregor, the first woman to hold a whisky license at a prominent distillery like Littlemill.How much does the Littlemill Chapter Two whisky cost?

The release is priced at £14,500, which is approximately $18,800.Where can I buy the Littlemill Vanguards Collection whisky?

Interested buyers must register on the Littlemill website for Chapter Two. Other Littlemill expressions are available at select retailers like The Whisky Exchange.What is a 'ghost distillery' in Scotch whisky?

A ghost distillery is one that has ceased operations and been demolished, but its remaining aged stock of whisky is still bottled and released.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Littlemill Vanguards Collection Chapter Two?

It is a 47-year-old single malt Scotch whisky from the closed Littlemill distillery, released in 2024 and limited to 250 bottles.Who does Chapter Two honor?

It honors Jane MacGregor, the first woman to hold a whisky license at the prominent Littlemill distillery.How much does the Littlemill Chapter Two cost?

It is priced at £14,500, which is approximately $18,800.Where can I buy the Littlemill Vanguards Collection Chapter Two?

Interested buyers must register on the Littlemill website. Other Littlemill expressions are available at select retailers like The Whisky Exchange.What is a 'ghost distillery' in Scotch whisky?

A ghost distillery is one that has ceased operations but still has rare whiskies released from its remaining aging stocks.