Littlemill 27 Years Old Hunter Laing Platinum Selection cask HL15212 57.3% 1988

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Littlemill 27 Years Old Hunter Laing Platinum Selection: A Rare Gem from Scotland's Oldest Distillery

Littlemill distillery holds a significant place in the history of Scottish whisky as the country's first licensed distillery. Located in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, on the border of the Lowlands and Highlands, Littlemill produced whiskies that were classified as Lowland single malts. Although the distillery closed its doors in 1994 and was later dismantled, its legacy lives on through exceptional releases from independent bottlers. One such remarkable expression is the Littlemill 27 Years Old Hunter Laing Platinum Selection, a bottling crafted for the Old & Rare - A Platinum Selection series. Distilled in November 1988 and bottled in May 2019, this whisky matured in a refill hogshead, offering whisky enthusiasts a rare opportunity to savor the rich heritage of Littlemill.

Historical Significance:
Littlemill distillery's origins can be traced back to 1750 when Archibal Buchanan purchased the Auchentorlie Estate, including a brewery known as Littlemill, from his brother Andrew Buchanan. While the exact date of the distillery's establishment remains unclear, a date stone carved with the year 1772 adorns the gable end of one of the warehouses. Accommodations were also constructed nearby to house Excise officers responsible for overseeing the proper recording of distillation activities and taxation.

In 1773, Littlemill achieved another significant milestone when Robert Muir of Littlemiln, an employee at the distillery, was granted the first-ever license by the Government of King George III to retail ale, beer, and other excisable liquors. Notably, in 1823, Littlemill became one of the pioneering distilleries to have a female licensee, Jane MacGregor, under the ownership of Matthew Clark & Co. Throughout its history, the distillery experienced periods of innovation, including under the leadership of Duncan Thomas in 1931, who introduced technical designs enabling the production of three styles of single malts, ranging from full-bodied to light.

Ownership of Littlemill changed hands several times over the years. In the 1840s, Hector Henderson, a shareholder in the Campbelltown distillery and the founder of Caol Ila distillery, assumed ownership. The distillery underwent rebuilding and expansion in 1875 under the ownership of Hay. Despite closures and changes in ownership, Littlemill persisted until its final closure in 1994. It was later bought and reopened by Duncan Thomas in 1931, went through a series of ownership changes, and ultimately ended up under the control of Loch Lomond Distillery. Unfortunately, in 1997, the distillery was dismantled, and a fire in 2004 destroyed the remaining remnants. Today, a housing development stands on the site, preserving the memory of this historic distillery.

Tasting Notes and Platinum Selection:
The Littlemill 27 Years Old Hunter Laing Platinum Selection showcases the remarkable flavors that can develop over extended maturation. This expression, aged in a refill hogshead, offers a rare opportunity to experience the depth and complexity of a well-aged Littlemill whisky. With an impressive ABV of 57.3%, this bottling promises a bold and robust flavor profile. Expect a harmonious interplay of fruity and floral notes, balanced by hints of oak and delicate spices, culminating in a long and satisfying finish. Each sip of this Platinum Selection allows whisky enthusiasts to appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage of Littlemill.

Legacy and Limited Edition Releases:
The remaining casks from Littlemill are currently housed at Loch Lomond Distillery, with the esteemed Loch Lomond Group releasing a series of limited edition bottles to honor the dist

illery's legacy. These releases include the Private Cellar aged 25 years, Private Cellar aged 27 years, 1992 Vintage, and the oldest in the collection, the Celestial Edition aged 40 years. The addition of the Private Cellar aged 29 years in September 2019 further expanded the range of Littlemill expressions available to discerning whisky enthusiasts. Each release from Loch Lomond Group allows connoisseurs to immerse themselves in the rich history and distinctive flavors of Littlemill whisky.

Conclusion:
The Littlemill 27 Years Old Hunter Laing Platinum Selection stands as a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship and heritage of Scotland's oldest licensed distillery. As whisky enthusiasts indulge in this rare and exceptional expression, they pay tribute to the legacy of Littlemill and its significant contributions to the world of Scotch whisky. From its pioneering innovations to its unique range of whiskies, Littlemill continues to captivate whisky lovers with its remarkable story and exquisite flavors.