45-Year Whisky Debuts From Shuttered Littlemill Distillery

Loch Lomond Group has announced the launch of the oldest Littlemill expression to date to commemorate what would have been the iconic, defunct distillery’s 250th anniversary.

The Littlemill 250th Anniversary Release (41.8% ABV) is a 45-Year-Old single malt scotch whisky distilled on Oct. 4, 1976. It was re-casked in 1996 into American oak Hogsheads before being finished in first-fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads for six months before being bottled.

The launch was produced in partnership with world-famous photographer Stefan Sappert, known for his traditional technique of silver on black glass.

Sappert manufactured 250 silver on black glass photographic plates for this collaboration, each marked with an individual number. Under the decanter is a drawer that houses an image of the River Clyde, which is close to Littlemill’s doorstep in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland.

Littlemill closed in 1929 but was reopened under new leadership two years later. Iit was shuttered again in 1984, before being reopened in 1989. The distillery was dismantled in 1997, and what was left of it was destroyed in a fire in 2004.

“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,” Michael Henry, master blender of Loch Lomond Group, said, according to Inside the Cask. “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.

“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’s 250th Anniversary Release will be available later this month from specialist retailers for an RRP of £9,500 ($11,238).

Here at Whiskey Raiders, we do more than write about current events in Whiskey. We are the only media property reviewing whiskeys and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the whiskey world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of whiskey in your morning email, sign up for our Daily Dram Gram!