Loch Lomond Group, owners of the Littlemill whisky brand, has unveiled the oldest age-statement scotch whisky from the now-closed Littlemill Distillery. The new 47 year old single malt is part of the Vanguards Collection, a new annual series from Littlemill that began in 2023 with the launch of a 45 year old whisky.
Only 250 bottles have been released with an RRP of £14,500. The whisky is available for purchase via enquiry through the Littlemill website and selected retailers.
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Littlemill Vanguards Chapter Two 47 Year Old
Littlemill Vanguards Chapter Two 47 Year Old was distilled on 4th October 1976 and laid down to mature in refill bourbon barrels. After 20 years of maturation, the whisky was reracked into refill American oak hogsheads and continued to mature for another 27 years.
The resulting single malt offers a glimpse into the distillery’s past, following its closure in 1994. Drinkers can expect “bursts of elderflower, summer hedgerow, delicate honey and nutmeg on the nose with a silk-like mouthfeel of crisp apple, pears, and honeysuckle, followed by long layers of fruit and spice.”
Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Group, owners of Littlemill, said:
“Between Littlemill’s founding and its lamentable closure, a remarkable story of innovation took place. It is a story rarely told but one that touches the whole world of whisky. By far the most fascinating part is the stories of the people who we know were quietly overturning traditions, shaping the distillery for what it would become.
“A story of that measure requires a whisky of remarkable quality, so it is fitting that now is the time we release our oldest aged statement to date. Like any whisky of this age, it takes time, patience, and careful monitoring to know when the moment has come to release it. I was inspired by my predecessors and their innovations which shaped Littlemill’s character. With them always in mind, we have crafted a dram full of classic Littlemill delicate, summer-like notes.”
The Littlemill Vanguards Collection was created to celebrate the people who worked at the distillery, each leaving a lasting impression on the legacy of Littlemill. This particular bottling pays tribute to Jane Macgregor. Macgregor was the Littlemill Distillery manager and is believed to have been one of the first women in history to hold a distillery license following the passing of the Excise Act in 1823.
Alongside the luxurious whisky within the bottle, Macgregor’s legacy shines through the artistry of Bethany Wood, whose glasswork is a powerful tribute to Macgregor’s groundbreaking achievements and her glass ceiling–smashing influence in an industry long dominated by men.
The Presentation
Bethany Wood, owner of Blowfish Glass, a glassmaking firm in Stourbridge, crafted 250 glass bottle stoppers using tools dating back to the 1820s when Jane Macgregor was at the helm of Littlemill Distillery.
According to a brand press release, Bethany’s process was as follows: “Using a foot tool – an implement employed by early glassmakers to produce wine glass feet – Bethany creates the disc base. She then attaches coloured molten glass bubbles that, when exposed to gas, develop beautiful metallic hues. The bubbles are delicately bounced upon the disks, and the top layer is intentionally smashed to reveal a mesmerising ripple effect. This deliberate smashing effect is a metaphor for Jane’s journey, symbolising the glass ceilings she shattered during her career.”
Not two stoppers are alike, giving scotch whisky enthusiasts an opportunity to own a unique piece of Littlemill history with the purchase of Vanguards Chapter Two.
Bethany Wood, owner of Blowfish Glass, said:
“There are so many wonderful parallels between our two crafts. Steeped in tradition, I see glassmaking as a performance that has been very carefully planned – whisky has the same requirements in artistry, precision and patience. Both art forms rely on the craftsmanship of people, and I love that our creative interpretations are what make each output unique every time.
“Being a female in a traditional trade, I was inspired by Jane’s story and the ceilings she broke through for her era. This paired with a new affection for Scotland’s west coast and all its beauty provided me with the vision to craft these beautiful stoppers which will make a wonderful addition to this truly incredible whisky release. These stoppers are not just functional pieces but artistic representations of Jane’s journey.”
The stunning decanters are presented in wooden display cabinets that highlight the craftsmanship that was integral in creating both the packaging and the whisky itself. Each cabinet also contains a 50ml sample and a hardback book that tells the story of Littlemill.
‘Unsung Heroes of Littlemill’
Nick Bradley, Prestige Portfolio Manager at Loch Lomond Group, owners of Littlemill, commented on the Vanguards Collection:
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“The unsung heroes of Littlemill passed into history long before the significance of their contributions could ever be applauded, which is why the Vanguards Collection raises a dram to them, their entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship which helped to shape the last precious drops of this incredible distillery. Today, the Vanguards Collection offers a fortunate few a rare glimpse into our legacy.
“When considering the Collection, we wanted to celebrate and revive the past by bringing alive the spirit of Littlemill’s pioneers. There is a real joy in finding and collaborating with artists and kindred spirits who are keeping their traditional crafts alive in today’s age. Bethany Wood is a champion of craftsmanship with her own innovative style of art, making her the ideal collaboration to explore Jane’s legacy with us.”
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