Littlemill 28 Years Old Chieftain's Cask 103514 53.8% 1990

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Brennerei	Littlemill
Abfüller	Ian Macleod
Serie	Chieftain's
Abgefüllt für	X
Destillationsdatum	12.1990
Abfülldatum	05.2019
Land	Schottland
Region	Lowlands
Alter	28
Cask Type	Hogshead
Fassnummer	103514
Alcohol %	50.2%
Inhalt	0,70
Preis pro Liter	827,51 €
Zustand	in Originalverpackung
Label	Perfekt
Vorrat	0
Inhalt	0,70
Preis pro Liter	765,00 €
Zustand	in Originalverpackung
Label	Perfekt
Vorrat	0

Professionelle Bewertungen

Whisky Notes (82)

Nose: quite fresh with a fruity core of green apples, melons and yellow plums. Vanilla custard and marshmallow. Some minty notes and plenty of oak shavings, with floral touches and a whiff of acetone.
Mouth: bright and fruity again. Pears, tinned pineapple and stone fruits with vanillin and hints of candyfloss. A little powder sugar. Then lots of grassy spices (pepper, ginger, clove) and a good dose of plain oak which takes down the overall enjoyment. It seems fairly young, from a very active cask.
Finish: quite long, sour and spicy, with nuts and light tannins.

A rather bright whisky, but while there is definitely a fruity core, it’s the big oaky footprint and grassy / floral note that sets the tune. I recognized it as a Lowlands whisky but I would never have guessed Littlemill. Actually it’s one of the least impressive examples I’ve had from this distillery

BOW (89)

Littlemill 28 Years Old Chieftain's Cask: A Rarity from Scotland's Historic Distillery

Littlemill distillery holds a distinguished position as Scotland's first and oldest licensed whisky distillery. Nestled on the border of the Lowlands and Highlands in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, Littlemill produced whiskies renowned for their classification as Lowland single malts. Although the distillery closed its doors in 1994 and suffered subsequent destruction, the legacy of Littlemill lives on through exceptional releases from independent bottlers. One such remarkable expression is the Littlemill 28 Years Old Chieftain's Cask, crafted by independent bottler Ian Macleod for the esteemed Chieftain's series. Distilled in December 1990 and bottled in May 2019, this whisky matured in a hogshead, resulting in a limited edition of only 290 bottles. This rare bottling allows whisky enthusiasts to relish the distinct character and heritage of Littlemill.

Historical Significance:
Littlemill's rich history dates back to 1750 when Archibal Buchanan purchased the Auchentorlie Estate, which included a brewery known as Littlemill, from his brother Andrew Buchanan. While the exact date of the distillery's establishment remains uncertain, a date stone carved with the year 1772 on one of the warehouse gable ends serves as evidence of its early beginnings. Accommodations were constructed adjacent to the distillery to house Excise officers responsible for ensuring proper distillation records and tax collection.

A significant milestone occurred in 1773 when Robert Muir of Littlemiln, an employee at the distillery, received the first-ever license from 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, during Matthew Clark & Co's ownership. In 1931, under the stewardship of American Duncan Thomas, Littlemill led the way in still innovation, developing technical designs capable of producing three distinct styles of single malts, ranging from full-bodied to light.

Ownership of Littlemill changed hands over the years, with Hector Henderson assuming ownership around 1840. Henderson, a shareholder in the Campbelltown distillery and founder of Caol Ila distillery, oversaw a rebuilding and expansion of Littlemill in 1875 during his tenure. Despite closures and changes in ownership, Littlemill endured until its final closure in 1994. It was subsequently purchased and reopened by Duncan Thomas in 1931, experienced further closures and ownership changes, and ultimately came 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 occupies the site, preserving the memory of this historic distillery.

Tasting Notes and Limited Edition Chieftain's Cask:
The Littlemill 28 Years Old Chieftain's Cask offers a rare opportunity to savor the flavors that develop during extended maturation. With an ABV of 53.8%, this expression showcases the whisky's complexity and refinement. Expect a symphony of enticing aromas, including delicate fruits, floral notes, and gentle spices. On the palate, layers of rich flavors intertwine, revealing hints of oak, honeyed sweetness, and a subtle peppery warmth. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression. Limited to just 290 bottles, this Chieftain's Cask release is a treasure for whisky enthusiasts seeking to explore the distinctive qualities of Littlemill whisky.

Legacy and Commemorative Releases:
Loch Lom

ond Group holds the remaining casks from the Littlemill distillery, curating limited edition releases that pay homage to its storied past. Alongside the Chieftain's Cask, Loch Lomond Group has unveiled other notable expressions, including the Private Cellar aged 25 years, Private Cellar aged 27 years, 1992 Vintage, and the prestigious Celestial Edition aged 40 years. These releases demonstrate the group's commitment to preserving the legacy of Littlemill and allowing connoisseurs to experience the full spectrum of its remarkable whiskies.

Conclusion:
The Littlemill 28 Years Old Chieftain's Cask stands as a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship and historical significance of Littlemill distillery. With each sip, whisky enthusiasts embark on a journey through time, immersing themselves in the distinct flavors and aromas that have made Littlemill whiskies legendary. As independent bottlers like Ian Macleod and Loch Lomond Group continue to release these rare expressions, they ensure that the legacy of Littlemill lives on, captivating the palates of whisky connoisseurs and preserving the heritage of Scotland's oldest licensed distillery.