Littlemill 34 years 1990 - 2024 Private Cask #15/74-8 - 2nd Edition - The Dutch Trilogy

It is a fact, the second edition from the cask selected by De Monnik has been bottled. After 60 bottles were taken from #15/74-8 in 2022, another 60 bottles were taken from the same cask in July this year. So this Single Cask bottling is from the same cask, but has spent two years longer in the cask.

Tasting note

Nose

A refined and layered nose with floral notes of wild flowers and heather at first, mixed with ripe stone fruit such as apricot and peach. After some time in the glass, honey, vanilla and a hint of citrus peel emerge. A subtle scent of oak and soft spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give it a complex but well-balanced character.

Taste

Silky and rich, with a nice balance between sweet and spicy. The fruity character emerges immediately with notes of peach, yellow apple and dried apricot. This is followed by honey, caramel and a subtle nutty note, presumably almond or hazelnut. The oak is present but not overpowering, offering a nice texture with spices such as white pepper and a hint of ginger.

Finish

The finish is long and refined, with lingering sweetness of vanilla and dried fruit, combined with soft spices. A subtle mineral undertone and light woody dryness round off the experience nicely, with a delicate hint of mint and a hint of tobacco lingering in the background.

Conclusion

This 34-year-old Littlemill is an outstanding expression of a closed distillery. The balance between sweet and fruity elements and the subtle, layered wood makes this whisky exceptionally refined. Time has only enriched this whisky, and the cask influence is harmoniously integrated into the profile without overpowering the fruity character. A superb example of a rare Lowland whisky at its peak.

Littlemill Distillery

Littlemill Distillery was located in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, near the banks of the River Clyde in Scotland. Founded in 1772, Littlemill was one of the oldest registered distilleries in the country. The distillery had a rich and varied history with several ownership changes until it closed permanently in 1994. A fire in 2004 completely destroyed the distillery.

A specific feature of Littlemill was the use of both traditional pot stills and Lomond stills, which allowed for a wide range of whisky profiles. Littlemill whisky was known for its light and elegant style, often with fruity and floral notes, combined with a subtle maltiness. The whisky was matured in various cask types, including bourbon and sherry casks, which created a complex flavour profile.

Although the distillery no longer exists, the remaining bottles of Littlemill whisky remain highly prized and sought after by collectors, as a tribute to an important piece of Scotch whisky history.