Littlemill Distillery

Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery revealed

Littlemill Distillery has long laid claim to an extensive and fascinating history, but new historic documentary evidence unearthed from the archives now conclusively proves that it was the oldest licensed whisky distillery in Scotland.

For over 220 years a date stone on the gable end of one of the distillery’s warehouses carved with 1772 offered the best suggestion as to the age of this world-renowned distillery, but there has been no documentary or legal proof until now.

This new evidence has come to light following the discovery of the local Justice of the Peace’s records for Dumbarton, dated 2 November 1773, which state that ‘Robert Muir of Littlemiln’ was granted the first ever license by the Government of King George III to “retail ale, beer and other excisable Liquors.”

Additionally, in 1772 accommodation was built next door to the distillery to house the Excise officers who represented the King – and ensured any distillation was duly recorded and the relevant taxes calculated and paid. This suggests that something was already afoot onsite before 1772 and cements Littlemill’s position as Scotland’s first and oldest licensed whisky distillery.

Colin Matthews, CEO, Loch Lomond Group commented:

“It has often been rumoured that Littlemill was the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland which until now have been only rumours. We have now uncovered conclusive documentary evidence to confirm these rumours and claims as reality, having commissioned detailed research to establish the facts. We are thrilled and excited to have discovered these clear and unambiguous documents dating back to 1773 that confirms that Littlemill was indeed the very first Scottish distillery to obtain a licence to sell ‘excisable liquors’.”

Charles MacLean, whisky historian and author added: “The wrangle about ‘the oldest distillery’ has been running for ages, so this is a significant find. There have been several claims before, based on the fact that illicit distilling took place on the site prior to a license being granted. The Dumbarton Justice of the Peace records, referencing Littlemill, does not refer explicitly to distilling, since prior to 1781 private distilling was perfectly legal so long as the spirits were not offered for sale. So, this license to sell excisable liquors amounted to a license to distil as we understand it today. What a shame Littlemill itself burnt down in 2004, but thankfully some limited stocks remain!”

Archibald Buchanan

Brothers George and Archibald Buchanan – the original owners of Littlemill – were trailblazers for the rich tradition of Scottish whisky production, and Littlemill continued to lead the industry for over two centuries. Notably, it was one of the first distilleries to have a female licensee, Jane MacGregor, in 1823. Later, in 1931, under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas, Littlemill was at the forefront of still innovation with technical designs that could create three styles of single malts from full-bodied to light.

Whisky production at Littlemill, situated in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow, continued until the distillery fell silent in 1994 and was subsequently destroyed by fire in 2004, never to produce a drop again.

Loch Lomond Group launched the Littlemill 40-Year-Old Celestial Edition (46.8% ABV) in late 2018, the oldest expression ever to be released from the lost Littlemill distillery. This rare release celebrates the life’s work of Littlemill owner Duncan Thomas and represents the culmination of his knowledge and experience, capturing the essence of his pioneering distilling process. Littlemill 40-year-old was recently scored at an impressive 90/100[1] by whisky expert Dave Broom on scotchwhisky.com.

Only 250 bottles of this precious liquid have been produced, each displayed in a stunning presentation box capturing the exact map of the night sky seen above Littlemill Distillery on the night the spirit was barrelled.

The latest addition to the Littlemill range will be released in September 2019. Littlemill 29-year-old (RRP £2,500; 47.3% ABV) is the third release from the Private Cellar Collection, comprising only 600 bottles which will be released across the world.

The liquid is contained within a bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter etched with an illustration of the River Clyde and a silver star signifying the Littlemill distillery’s location. The decanter is accompanied in its beautifully crafted presentation box by a 5cl miniature of the liquid, a piece of an original Littlemill cask, and a booklet sharing the fascinating history of the Littlemill distillery and tasting notes from Master Distiller Michael Henry.

For further information visit www.littlemilldistillery.com.

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning scotch whisky and other spirits brands that are sold in more than 120 countries around the world.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt scotch whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About Littlemill: 

Littlemill:

• The Littlemill distillery was officially established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.
• It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchanan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’ distilling may have taken place there for many centuries before, possibly making it the world’s oldest whisky distillery.
• Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004.
• In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas. It was these stills that provided the inspiration for the stills that remain in place at Loch Lomond Distillery today.
• In 2015 Loch Lomond Group commenced the new Littlemill Private Cellar Edition.
• Twitter / Instagram: @LittlemillMalt, Facebook: @LittlemillwhiskyE

Littlemill 29-year-old tasting notes:

• Nose: Floral notes of honeysuckle and rose mix with layers of spice, cinnamon and nutmeg followed by crème caramel and blossom honey with delicate orange.

• Taste: Silk like mouthfeel glides over the tongue. Crisp green apple, ripe pear and kiwi fruit before a caramel sweetness is balanced by lime juice and orange marmalade citrus notes.

• Finish: Long with toasted oak and waves of warming spice then thick, creamy vanilla and lingering green fruits.

[1] Scotchwhisky.com Scores of 90+ = Superb. Highest possible recommendation.

JACK DANIEL’S LAUNCHES AUGMENTED REALITY APP

AR brings an engaging experience rich with stories and visuals in a way that’s uniquely Jack 

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (April 18, 2019) – Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is rolling out an Augmented Reality (AR) app that will take consumers on a virtual journey of the Jack Daniel Distillery through a series of pop-up book style dioramas with more than 10 minutes of content providing an engaging experience rich with stories and visuals in a way that’s uniquely Jack.

“In today’s world, it’s important for us to reach fans and consumers where they are,” said Jeff Cole, Modern Media Director for Jack Daniel’s. “That means sharing content that’s unique, interesting and relevant though a variety of digital mediums. In 2016, we launched an immersive Virtual Realty experience and in 2018 we launched our official podcast, ‘Around the Barrel.’ This new AR experience is taking our brand storytelling to the next level.”

Once consumers download the dedicated app, they can point their phones at any Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey bottle (from 50mL to 1.75L) to uncover the animations, voice overs, and all the stories that make the more than 150-year old brand so special, from the Cave Spring water to the distilling process, to name a few.

Jack Daniel’s partnered with Tactic, a San Francisco-based company specializing in the production of immersive experiences, to develop the app.

“Augmented reality is in an exciting stage, and new technology and techniques are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Peter Oberdorfer, President of Tactic. “The Jack Daniel’s AR app features technology that sets the bar for creative storytelling in this new medium. The learnings and best practices from Jack Daniel’s will help inform the development of AR apps across different brands and industries.”

The AR experience is divided into three unique parts, each designed with the look and feel of hand-crafted models and integrate real-time, environmental lighting and textures. The first experience transforms the front label of the bottle into a miniature version of the Jack Daniel Distillery. The second walks step by step through the process of making Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, and the third shares stories of the man himself, Jack Daniel.

The Jack Daniel’s AR app will be available for download in the US for both iOS and Android platforms on April 15.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly. JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. ©2018 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey 40% Alcohol by Volume (80 Proof). Distilled & Bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JackDaniels.com

About Tactic

Tactic is an innovation studio situated at the convergence of design and technology. Its team of engineers and designers develop unique immersive experiences for AR and VR media as well as interactive installations, 360° video capture, game engine content, wearables, and other related technologies.

New  Category Announced in Inaugural Scottish Whisky Awards

The organisers of the new national celebration for the business of Scotch have added a new category to their line up as the programme progresses to the judging stages.

The Scottish Whisky Awards have added an ‘Excellence in Branding’ category which will be judged by a high-profile panel of experts from across the drinks industry.

The award will recognise the creation of a whisky brand which aims to make its mark in a competitive market.  Judges will consider the use of the brand in the context of product, packaging, marketing and communication strategies.

The awards have recruited a highly regarded judging panel which comprises of 35 experts from across the whisky business and related industries.  They will assess written entries in 7 categories covering a wide range of business including marketing, tourism destination, brand experience and community contribution.    The tasting panel which includes some of the world’s authorities in whisky tasting will blind taste a range of samples in 10 categories at the end of May.

The programme has the support of several sponsors including Shawbrook Bank, Bruce Stevenson, Wolffe Design and Barr Printers.

Details of the new category can be viewed here.

The deadline for entries is Thursday 9 May and it’s easy to enter following these simple steps.

Visit www.scottishwhiskyawards.org.uk

1. Register as a user in the My Account section
2. Go to Enter Now
3. Select your categories and fill in the form.
4. Process the registration fees and submit

For advice on the entry process or for support with your entries, please contact pippa@kdmedia.co.uk.

The Scottish Whisky Awards takes place on Thursday 5 September 2019 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh.

4-6 Coltbridge Avenue, Edinburgh, EH12 6AH
info@kdmedia.co.uk

Save over 20% with price drops across the store!

Now that Easter is out the way we’re on the home straight of the lead up to summer, and weather’s been nae bad either!

Treat yourself to a beautiful bottle to share with friends in the sunshine…

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Glenrothes 12 Year Old

This 12-year-old expression from Speyside’s Glenrothes distillery has been matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned oak casks before bottling at 40% abv as part of the Soleo Collection.

Nose: vanilla sponge and baked pears.

Palate: sweet and smooth with some orange zest and oak shavings.

Finish: drying with a touch of spice.

70cl / 40% abv

Was £45.00

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NOW £39.95
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Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood

A very highly regarded malt, matured primarily in bourbon casks and then transferred to sherry for polishing. Delightfully complex.

Nose: sherried trifle, apple blossom, honeycomb and fudge.

Palate: mellow, macademia nuts and cinnamon, sherried fruits and oranges.

Finish: long and warming with continuing fruity notes.

70cl / 40% abv

Was £40.00

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NOW £34.95
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Laproaig Lore

It’s no secret that we love Laphroaig and when their latest premium release sample arrived at our door steps we were falling over ourselves to grab the first taste. Packed with that peat and smoke combination which comes as no surprise, however there is more; A rich and complex sweetness engulfs this dram in a way we haven’t seen from Laphroaig! This is a great whisky!

Rich and deep with distinctive smoke, peat and seaside minerality – this expression is unmistakably Laphroaig. This is a result of liquid being drawn from a selection of casks including first fill sherry butts, smaller quarter casks and their most precious stock capturing the timeless passion and very essence of the Laphroaig Distillery.

70cl / 48% abv

Was £89.00

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NOW £63.90
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Highland Park 30 Year Old

This 30 year old expression is the second oldest in Highland Park’s range, and was released in 2013. A complex and award winning malt, that tops the bucket list of many whisky enthusiasts!

Nose: sweet festive spices fill the air with the darkest of chocolates accompanying them. Perfumed oaky notes also make an appearance.

Palate: full and juicy blood orange flavours dance across the tip of the palate before yielding to rich toffee and chocolate, all enjoyed with a rich peaty note in the background.

Finish: long, rich and smoky.

70cl / 45.7% abv

Was £650.00

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NOW £529.95
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GlenDronach Parliament 21 Year Old

Named after the group of Ravens that live in the trees surrounding the distillery.  The story goes that the Ravens helped to warn the workers when the excise man was coming.

Nose: robust sherry soaked fruitcake, with hints of delicate wood smoke.

Palate: rich, dark fruits with rum and raisin fudge. A beautiful balance of rich and powerful flavours. Dark and viscous mouth feel.

Finish: rich and long with a half imagined wisp of smoke.

70cl / 48% abv

Was £124.00

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NOW £95.00
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Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

This is the modern interpretation of the Macallan style for which the distillery is so well known – refined, rich, and rounded with plenty of sherry cask influence. Very definitely a dram to be enjoyed with friends.

Nose: fresh fruit salad, charming cloves

Palate: dark fruit, Christmas cake, rich almonds

Finish: stewed Apples and the sweetest prunes

70cl / 40% abv

Was £75.00

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NOW £68.95
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Don’t miss out on these beautful, rare treasures

Here at The Whisky Shop we pride ourselves on being able to provide you with some of the rarest and most sought after whiskies in the world.

Take a look at some of our most popular rare expressions that we’ve just got back in stock.

Orders shipped worldwide 

Yamazaki

Yamazaki is Suntory’s flagship single malt. The surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt was born at Yamazaki. Spiritual and deep, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. Today, Yamazaki is not only the No.1 single malt whisky in Japan, but is enjoyed in more than thirty-five countries.

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Yamazaki 12 Year Old is a fantastic way to get into Japanese whisky, but is also enjoyed by veterans of the whisky world. A beautifully smooth whisky, this expression is succulent, multi-layered with soft fruit and and the unique Mizunara (Japanese oak) aroma.

70cl / 43% abv

£185.00 – Buy Now

Yamazaki 18 Year Old

Being one of Suntory’s most popular expressions Yamazaki 18 Year Old has won countless awards. And it’s easy to understand why. This is a real staple Japanese whisky and one of the finest whiskies out there. Many a collector would love to have this. This 18 Year Old is rich with mature autumn fruit with a slightly smoky profile.

70cl / 43% abv

£695.00 – Buy Now

Yamazaki 35 Year Old

Yamazaki is the oldest whisky distillery in Japan, having been established in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, the father of Japanese whisky. With the distillery nearing its centenary year, the whisky has long held a place in the hearts and glasses of connoisseurs around the world. This 35-year-old expression is one of the oldest whiskies Yamazaki has ever created, crafted with liquid distilled in 1966 and 1970. Matured in special 90 litre second-fill Spanish sherry oak cask before bottling in 2006, this incredibly rare whisky is presented in a stunning hardwood case.

70cl / 43% abv

£84,995.00 – Buy Now

Hibiki

Priding themselves on creating blends that see innumerous malt and grain whiskies which are “meticulously blended to create a full orchestra of flavors and aromas”, there’s something special about Hibiki. Hibiki Whisky is Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and has won accolades worldwide.

Hibiki 17 Year Old

A world famous Japanese blend, made with aged malt and grain whiskies from all of Suntory’s distilleries. A rich and sweet masterpiece! The Hibiki 17 year old is the winner of many whisky awards including the World Whiskies Awards 2012 for Best Japanese Blend 13 to 20 years.

£560.00 – Buy Now

Hibiki 21 Year Old

In Hibiki 21 year old, numerous pure single malt whiskies aged in a variety of cask types, including Mizunara, a very rare Japanese oak, all combine to create a full orchestra of flavours and aromas and tenderly unfold a calm essence.

70cl / 43% abv

£750.00 – Buy Now

Orders shipped worldwide

As we gear-up for May’s festival fever, we’ve released some fruity characters to help get us in a celebratory mood. From totally tropical tastes to forest fruits and citrus zing, these five preview bottlings from next month’s Outturn are luxuriously textured and delicious. Only a limited number of preview bottles are available ahead of the full Outturn release on Friday, 3 May, 9am. Order now to be the first to sample these juicy little numbers.

PREVIEWS             ALL WHISKIES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

We are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new addition to the Finlaggan family of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

Many years ago, in a first for our company, we filled new make Finlaggan into Rioja Red Wine Hogsheads. Coming from the Rioja region within the Basque country of Spain, these Hogsheads have given our signature heavily peated Finlaggan an extra layer of rich mouth coating red berried fruits. The result is a truly mouthwatering sweet and smoky dram to savour.

The extraction from the oak casks has given this whisky a natural coppery rose gold colour.

 Our first batch is limited to 7,000 bottles and bottled at 46% Vol with no chillfiltration.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Delicious sweet peat smoke and red berried fruits.

Palate: Smokey bacon and strawberries with plum notes, sea salt and chewy earthy peat. Grape skin tannins.

Finish: Long lingering sweet smoke.

ABOUT THE VINTAGE MALT WHISKY COMPANY

Founded 25 years ago by Brian Crook with a vision to make iconic Islay Single Malts available and accessible to smaller independent retailers throughout the world, The Vintage Malt Company has done all this and more.  Now, under the leadership of Brian’s son, Andrew Crook, this family company has gone from strength to strength supplying malts and building brands globally in over 35 countries.

For more information on all our products visit www.vintagemaltwhisky.com or contact andrew@vintagemaltwhisky.com

Carnegie Whisky Cellars wins top award at the Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2019 

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars would like to announce that for the 2^nd time in almost 3 years of trading in the heart of Dornoch, they have won  ‘Off License of the Year’ at the prestigious Scottish Independent Retailing Awards hosted by Creative Oceanic, held in Glasgow on 9^th April  ‘It is with enormous pride we bring this award North’ says Michael Hanratty, General Manager of the Carnegie Whisky Cellars.

Attending the glitzy awards ceremony at The Glasgow Marriott on 9^th April, Michael and Lorna Smith of Carnegie Whisky Cellars were both astonished and delighted to receive the industry accolade for a second time.

‘We have had the most fantastic support from our local and indeed worldwide customers in everything we have done here in the shop.  I am sure our charity efforts, our close working ties with local distilleries, and the amazing support of our customers have all played a part in our winning this award. ‘

Last year Carnegie Whisky Cellars chosen charity was Poppyscotland, and in addition to producing a special bottling in conjunction with Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso, several special tasting events were held – again fully supported by our amazing local customer base – which resulted in the Carnegie Whisky Cellars raising £14,107.56 for the charity

A special bottling of Bunnahabhain was created in conjunction with Hunter Laing & Co for the Dornoch Whisky Festival, which the Carnegie Whisky Cellars is an integral part of, hosting VIP tastings and events at the festival, now in its’ 5^th year

The Whisky Cellars team, Michael, Lorna and David, would like to thank all their loyal customers for their incredible support, and the Scottish Independent Retail Awards for presenting this great accolade. The Carnegie Whisky Cellars, now an established part of the Dornoch business community, specialises in single malt whiskies and all Scottish produced spirits – when fully stocked over 400 whiskies are available. After winning the award the Carnegie Whisky Cellars attended the opening of the new Ardnahoe Distillery and taken the award to all nine of Islay’s distilleries.

Carnegie Whisky Cellars extends a warm invitation to all to pop in for a browse and a chat about all things Scottish spirits – we look forward to seeing you, and thanks for your support! Slainte

Notes

• For further information about the Carnegie Whisky Cellars, please contact our General Manager – Michael Hanratty via whisky@thecarnegiecourthouse.co.uk or 01862 811791 – 07916645360
• Testimonials from Poppyscotland, Wolfburn Distillery, Visit Dornoch, Local MP and the Dornoch Whisky Festival can be provide on request.
• For further information on the Scottish Independent Retail Awards please follow the link on Facebook

• For more information regarding the event contact Creative Oceanic on 08448793256 or email events8@creativeoceanic.com
• Creative Oceanic, website creativeoceanic.com. For more information regarding the event or media related information please contact Creative Oceanic UK on 08448793256 or the Republic Of Ireland on 019020004 or email media@creativeoceanic.com

To mark the 100th batch of this award-winning Tasmanian single malt whisky, and as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations this year, we’ve crafted a limited edition of Double Cask. Bottled at 47.4% ABV and presented in a handmade solid oak box, DC100 is made up of some of our very oldest casks, and therefore some of the oldest whiskies ever released in Australia.

“For this batch we’ve married several 18-year-old American oak ex-bourbon casks with two eleven-year-old French oak ex-tawny casks. The result is a whisky of incredible depth and texture due to the considerable age of the American oak casks, lifted by the bright sweetness of the French oak. This unique whisky is a piece of Sullivans Cove history never to be repeated.”
Heather Tillott, Production Manager

Tasting Notes

NOSE: Lots of banana cream pie, baked peaches, dried apple and ripe pineapples, along with vanilla bean, bay leaf, sweet malt, fine leather and an elegant floral note.

PALATE: Rich, sweet fruit fills the palate. Toffee apples, candied citrus peel and ripe plums mingle with the honey-driven mid palate, while dark chocolate and beeswax bring an earthy element to the mix, as well a touch of bright eucalyptus and mint. Beautiful smooth texture.

FINISH: The bright tropical fruits are followed by the earthier notes of malt grain, cocoa, mixed nuts and vanilla. A luscious, mouth-coating texture drives the finish on to Nana’s scones fresh from the oven with jam and thick cream.

PURCHASE NOW

Saturday, May 4th 2-5PM: 

Old Malt Cask

RSVP and save the date! This expert presented tasting of Old Malt Cask features legendary distilleries and rare expressions not to be missed. Old Malt Cask is unashamedly for connoisseurs of the finest expressions of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. As one of the most established brands in the single cask market, Old Malt Cask has bottled some of the most noteworthy scotches available today, with Laphroaig, Bruichladdich, and Glen Keith being just a few.

Click Here to RSVP