Littlemill has revealed the second instalment in its Vanguards series, which pays homage to the distillery’s “unsung heroes”. At 47 Years Old, Vanguards Chapter Two is the oldest expression released by Littlemill to date.
One expression will be released annually to the Vanguards series for four years, drawing from Littlemill’s remaining reserves following the distillery’s closure in 1994 (and subsequent fire 10 years later). Chapter Two is dedicated to Jane Macgregor, following Chapter One which paid homage to Robert Muir, holder of the first Littlemill distillery licence.
A former Littlemill distillery manger, Macgregor is thought to have been “one of the first women in history to hold a license for a distillery of scale in 1823”, Littlemill shared.
Distilled in October 1976, the liquid that became Vanguards Chapter Two was first matured in refill bourbon barrels. It was re-casked in American oak in 1996, then left to age for a further 27 years.
Littlemill says the resulting whisky has notes of elderflower, summer hedgerow, honey, apples, honeysuckle, and spices.
For each release in the Vanguards series, Littlemill is partnering with a different artist, and for Chapter Two has collaborated with glass artist Bethany Wood. To honour Jane Macgregor, Wood crafted 250 glass bottle stoppers using tools from Macgregor’s era. Each bottle released will come with one of the bespoke stoppers, which incorporate metallic coloured inspired by copper stills and Scottish waters.
Michael Henry, master blender at Littlemill owner Loch Lomond Group, said: “Between Littlemill’s founding and its lamentable closure, a remarkable story of innovation took place… 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.”
Bethany Wood, owner of Blowfish Glass, added: “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…
“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.”
Littlemill recently announced another annual series, the Cask Reflections Collection, which began with a 33-year-old whisky finished in mizunara oak.
Vanguards Chapter Two is bottled at a cask strength of 44.9% ABV. Priced at £14,500, it will be available for purchase via enquiry through Littlemill and specialist retailers.