The Loch Lomond Group, has announced the launch of the
oldest Littlemill expression to date, to commemorate the iconic distillery’s
250th anniversary.
Littlemill 250th Anniversary Release (41.8% ABV) is a 45
Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, which was distilled on October 4th 1976. It
was re-casked in 1996 into American oak Hogsheads, before being finished in first-fill
Oloroso Sherry hogsheads for a final six months before bottling.
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| Littlemill 250th Anniversary Release |
Founded in 1772 in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, the distillery was lost to a fire in 2004 and since then, Master Blender of Loch Lomond Group, Michael Henry, has held guardianship of the last remaining rare casks, drawing on the limited reserves for the Littlemill 250th Anniversary Release.
For this latest limited-edition release, Littlemill, partnered
with world-renowned photographer, Stefan Sappert, whose traditional
photographic technique, silver on black glass, combined with state-of-the-art
production creates dramatic and atmospheric imagery.
As part of the collaboration, Stefan has manufactured 250 individually
numbered silver on black glass photographic plates. Nestled in a drawer under
the decanter, it recaptures an image of the River Clyde close to Littlemill’s
doorsteps.
Commenting on the launch, Michael Henry, Master Blender of
Loch Lomond Group, said: “Littlemill was lost before its contribution to whisky
could ever be fully acknowledged and applauded. However, we are lucky to have
the remaining few casks under our care, a stone’s throw from where the original
distillery once stood, and it felt only right to mark this significant
milestone with a very special limited release.”
He went onto say: “Distilled in 1976 and double distilled in
Littlemill’s bespoke straight neck pot stills which were designed to give a
triple distillation style character, this is a lowland single malt whisky of
exceptional character. In keeping with our records of how Littlemill was
treated, I have given the liquid a final six-month finish in first-fill Oloroso
sherry hogsheads. You can taste the history in every precious drop, from
elderflower, chamomile and lemon zest, to the silk-like creme caramel and tart
green apple, and the warming ginger and cinnamon spice finish."
He concluded by saying: “Our partnership with Stefan has
allowed us to explore the meeting of our crafts, both of which preserve and
revive the past. I have hugely enjoyed sharing our passion, patience, and
respect for tradition. His artistry and our remarkable liquid have combined to
make something incredible for collectors. It is a true privilege to be part of
Littlemill’s final legacy and we are so excited to be offering 250 custodians
the opportunity to own this rare piece of whisky history.”
Limited to 250 bottles, Littlemill 250th Anniversary Release,
will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of
£9,500.
Posted by Steve Rush