Littlemill (1991/2016) - Gordon & Company
A Littlemill from January 1991, matured for 25 years in cask no. 113 and bottled in June 2016 by Gordon & Company in their Pearls of Scotland range at a robust 52.8%, limited to just 248 bottles. A closed distillery, a single cask, a quarter-century of patience. What lands in the glass is floral Lowland artistry with an herbal soul and more power than you'd ever expect from a Littlemill.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Floral and vegetal. Like stepping into a damp, warm greenhouse. Rhubarb and strawberries open up, accompanied by black pepper and a dry spiciness. Behind them, a basket of yellow fruits lurks, apricots above all, that never quite push to the foreground, instead staying quietly in the background. Dried grass and hay meadow, green tea and the faintest summer honey. Typical Littlemill markers, instantly recognisable. Well-balanced, almost fresh.
Palate
Powerful and fruity – here the yellow fruits finally step forward. Oily, melting, candied and syrupy. Ripe honeydew melon, rhubarb and gooseberry. Malty sweetness and a touch of shortbread. But the plant side stays loyal, a colourful bouquet of kitchen herbs with tarragon and plenty of peppermint. Robust spiciness, pepper and oak bring power. Juicy flower stems and an almost tangible freshness. Considerably herbal and powerful, with real complexity.
Finish
Extremely long and dry. Loads of pepper, peppermint tea and menthol. The mint practically rises into the nostrils. A touch of cinnamon and green wood on the tongue. The vegetal side takes over completely and lingers endlessly. Multilayered, with an oak power that's perfectly dosed after 25 years.
Thoughts
Marcel 89/100 - (Excellent)
The oak brings a lot here, not blunt, but multilayered. The herbal, vegetal side dominates and won't appeal to everyone, but that's precisely what makes this Littlemill so exciting. If you're looking for floral Lowlanders with character, this is it. And the finish? Endless.
Sascha 88/100 - (Excellent)
Typical Littlemill character with the expected markers: floral, vegetal, almost fresh. The yellow fruits that lurk cautiously in the nose practically explode on the palate. Oily, candied, wonderful. It can be a touch too herbal compared to the fruits, but that's a matter of taste. A fine piece from a distillery that sadly no longer exists.
Value for Money: 0/5 (No rating)
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
-
Daftmill 15 Years (2006/2022)
This 15-year-old single malt from the Lowlands offers a multifaceted tasting experience that can appeal to both beginners and experienced whisky lovers. With an alcohol content of 55.7%, it unfolds a smooth, almost creamy texture that envelops the senses and creates a harmonious balance between fruity sweetness and subtle complexities. The aromas of peach and citrus fruits are accompanied by a delicate vanilla note and a surprising dryness in the finish, adding an interesting depth to the experience. Despite the high alcohol content, it remains unobtrusive and elegant, making it a fine companion for relaxed moments.
-
Mystic Lowlands (2011/2024) - Malts of Scotland
The Lowlands are known for their smooth, elegant whiskies, but the Mystic Lowlands 2011/2024 from Malts of Scotland proves that this region can also produce intense and complex character.
-
Epicurean Small Batch Release - Douglas Laing
The Epicurean Small Batch Release from Douglas Laing's is a classic representative of Lowland whiskies that is suitable for both beginners and experienced connoisseurs. With an alcohol content of 46.20% ABV and no age statement, this whisky is an accessible yet complex companion for any occasion.
-
Lochlea 5 Years (2018/2023)
5 years and 5 casks. The first single malt whisky with an age statement from the still young Lochlea whisky distillery in the Scottish Lowlands was sold out faster than you could believe. The combination of first fill bourbon, first fill oloroso sherry, double matured Pedro Ximénez sherry and double matured oloroso sherry promises a versatile spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Littlemill whisky so rare?
The Littlemill distillery in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, was closed in 1996 and largely destroyed by fire in 2004. The remaining stocks have since been released by independent bottlers such as Gordon & Company in small batches. With only 248 bottles from cask no. 113, this bottling is among the rarer examples.
What is 'The Pearls of Scotland'?
The Pearls of Scotland is a bottling range from independent bottler Gordon & Company. The series focuses on carefully selected single cask bottlings from various Scottish distilleries and is valued by collectors for its consistent quality and often unusual distillery choices.
What is typical of the Littlemill character?
Littlemill is known for its floral, vegetal and often herbal character, a classic Lowland style with its own twist. Typical markers include rhubarb, peppermint, green tea and yellow fruits. The distillery at times used triple distillation, which contributed to the light, elegant base character.
