One of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries, Littlemill, recently unveiled its latest annual release, The Vanguard Collection – Chapter One, a 45 Year Old whisky drawn from the reserves of the Lowland distillery, which fell into silence in 1994.
The release was distilled on the 11th of October 1977 at the original site in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, using Littlemill’s patented straight-neck copper pot hybrid stills, which were first introduced in the early 1900s.
The liquid was stored in refill American Oak casks before a final five-year finish in a first-fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead. This traditional choice of finishing wood, personally selected by Master Blender Michael Henry, is documented in the distillery’s records and is said to complement “the delicate floral nature of this Lowland malt.”
Bottled at cask strength of 50.5% ABV and natural color, only 250 individually numbered bottles are available worldwide, priced at £12,500.
Vanguard Chapter One is the first of four new expressions in The Vanguard Collection, which will be released annually, each partnering with a global artist to pay homage, it is said, “to the trailblazers who shaped Littlemill’s story by overturning traditions, innovating with technology and processes, and leaving an undeniable legacy.”
The first expression is dedicated to Robert Muir who was granted the first license to ‘retail beer, ale, and excisable liquors’ from King George III in 1773. It is said to be “potentially the first time whisky distilling was officiated and was certainly the beginning of a remarkable story in the world’s whisky industry.”
This moment is being remembered through collaboration with British artist, illustrator, and wordsmith, Vic Lee, who has been in the art world for the last ten years with his approach to penmanship. Using traditional screen printing, Lee has created 250 cotton paper artworks which “reimagine the original license through contemporary illustrations including Littlemill’s original stills and warehousing, and the trade ships on the River Clyde in Scotland, nodding to the bustling international exporting of the time”
Printed on off-white cotton paper, the bespoke artwork, hand finished in Indian grey ink, is encased in a handmade ash display cabinet. Inside is a handblown Glencairn crystal decanter with :delicate cuts in the glass, inspired by a traditional writing quill which would have been used by Robert Muir to sign the original license.”
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Each cabinet also houses a branded 50ml miniature and a hardback book of the Littlemill story.
“Littlemill’s was Scotland’s first licensed distillery, but the journey thereafter is what makes it remarkable, “Michael Henry, Master Blender of Loch Lomond Group, said in a prepared statement. “It’s legacy is defined by unsung heroes and quiet trailblazers at its helm.
“These vanguards of their time were overturning traditions in production, innovating with still designs and craftsmanship, and quietly leaving their fingerprints on Littlemill and the wider whisky industry. Much like Littlemill itself, these individuals passed into history before their contribution could ever be applauded, but their influence lives on in these last precious casks, which I am lucky enough to have under my personal care and custodianship.
“This creation of the first in The Vanguard Collection has been a fascinating process, as we have gone back to explore again the wonderful history of this intriguing whisky distillery. Robert Muir is a pioneer of his time, and this latest release is a celebration of that.”
Vanguard Chapter One is available for purchase via inquiry through the Littlemill website and other specialised retailers. For further information visit www.littlemilldistillery.com. Official tasting notes are as follows.
- Nose: Honey, elderflower, pineapple, kiwi, roasted hazelnuts, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Palate: Silk like mouthfeel, melted brown sugar, vanilla, crème brûlée, crisp apple, ripe pear, freshly squeezed lime juice, dried fruit – sultana and citrus peel.
- Finish: Long with notes of grilled grapefruit and sweet caramelised sugars, all balanced with sharp citrus.
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