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Scotland’s
oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill
has unveiled the first release in what
will be a series of four annual releases
which they have named, The Vanguard
Collection.
Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery,
Littlemill, which was established in
1772 has unveiled the first release in
what will be a series of four annual releases
which they have named, The Vanguard
Collection. The Collection launches with
Littlemill 45 Year Old The Vanguards
Collection Chapter One. The whisky has
been drawn from the oldest and rarest
reserves of the Lowland distillery,
which fell silent almost 30 years ago
now, back in 1994.
The Vanguards Collection Chapter One was
distilled on October 11, 1977, at the
original Bowling site in West
Dunbartonshire, using Littlemill's
pioneering straight-neck copper pot
hybrid stills, a groundbreaking
innovation introduced in the early
1900s.
The spirit was aged in refill American
Oak casks before receiving a final
five-year maturation in a first-fill
Oloroso Sherry Hogshead. The outcome is
described as an exquisite single malt
featuring enticing notes of honey,
elderflower, and nutmeg on the nose. Its
palate boasts a silky texture akin to
melted brown sugar, intertwined with
flavors of vanilla and fresh fruits,
culminating in a lingering finish
replete with citrus notes and
caramelized sugars.
Master Blender Michael Henry personally
chose this traditional wood finish,
meticulously documented in the
distillery's records, as it harmonizes
perfectly with the delicate floral
character of this Lowland malt.
Bottled at its natural cask strength of
50.5% ABV and retaining its unaltered
colour, a mere 250 individually numbered
bottles of this rare whisky are
available worldwide, and as you can
imagine you will need deep pockets if
you want to taste it, it has a price tag
of £12,500.
Vanguard Chapter One is the inaugural
expression in The Vanguard Collection, a
series of four releases planned
annually. Each release will collaborate
with a global artist to pay homage to
those who, like Littlemill, challenged
conventions, pioneered innovative
technologies and processes, and left an
indelible legacy.
The first expression in this series pays
tribute to Robert Muir, who received the
first-ever license to "retail beer, ale,
and excisable liquors" from King George
III in 1773. This momentous event
potentially marked the formal beginnings
of whisky distillation and undeniably
set the stage for a remarkable chapter
in the world of whisky.
This historic moment is celebrated
through a partnership with British
artist, illustrator, and wordsmith Vic
Lee, renowned for his distinctive and
intricate approach to penmanship. Vic
has collaborated with some of the UK's
most beloved and forward-thinking
brands, including McLaren Automotive,
Nike, Atkin Guitars, Brompton Bikes, and
The Tate Modern.
Using traditional screen printing
techniques, Vic has crafted 250 cotton
paper artworks that reimagine the
original license through contemporary
illustrations. These artworks include
depictions of Littlemill's original
stills, warehousing, and the trade ships
on the River Clyde in Scotland, nodding
to the bustling international trade of
the time.
Printed on exquisite off-white cotton
paper, each bespoke artwork is
meticulously hand-finished in Indian
grey ink for a unique touch. These
artworks are encased in meticulously
crafted handmade ash display cabinets,
crafted by Littlemill's most skilled
carpenters and woodworkers.
Within each cabinet, an exquisite
handblown Glencairn crystal decanter,
featuring delicate cuts in the glass
inspired by a traditional writing quill,
awaits. This pays homage to Robert Muir,
who would have used such a quill to sign
the original license. A glass portal in
the cabinet door offers a glimpse into
Vic Lee's hand-finished artwork, with
each piece individually signed and
numbered by Vic and Master Blender
Michael Henry.
Each cabinet also houses a branded 50ml
miniature bottle and a hardbound book
recounting the captivating story of
Littlemill. These additions allow the
fortunate few who possess this
exceptional single malt to delve into
and savour Scotland's most enthralling
whisky tale while enjoying an exquisite
dram.
Established in 1772 in Bowling, West
Dunbartonshire, Littlemill was a pioneer
of its time in terms of innovation.
Unfortunately, it was lost to a fire in
2004. Since then, Master Blender Michael
Henry has been the custodian of the last
remaining rare casks, drawing upon these
limited reserves for the inaugural
release of The Vanguard Collection.
Michael Henry, Master Blender of Loch
Lomond Group, said: "Littlemill’s was
Scotland’s first licensed distillery,
but the journey thereafter is what makes
it remarkable. 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.
"Quite unlike anything else, Littlemill
is a beautiful summer whisky, with
characteristics of gentle vanilla and
floral notes on the nose, with the
sweetness of honey and creamy fudge,
accompanied on the palate by classic
Lowland fresh fruits. It’s a unique and
special character, which we work hard to
preserve without compromise."
Vic Lee, artist, said: "Working closely
with Michael and the team, we sought to
create something bespoke and unique that
could accompany each exclusive bottle.
The artwork had to respect the original
license from 1773, and through a
detailed and time-consuming approach, I
drew upon historic penmanship and
printing methods, while applying my own
contemporary feel.
"There is so much beauty in works and
letters; they can incite so much emotion
and understanding of a period of time,
which was exactly what was required for
this remarkable Littlemill launch."
Vanguard Chapter One will be available
for purchase via enquiry through the
Littlemill website and other specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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