Whisky Review/Tasting: Littlemill Spirit & Cask 1984

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Littlemill, a Lowland distillery in Scotland.
Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation Date: November 26, 1984.
Maturation: Matured in a refill bourbon hogshead for approximately 32 years.
Age Statement: 32 years.
ABV: 48.5%.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is noted as being uncolored and non-chill filtered, suggesting a natural appearance.
Bottle Design: Specific design details are not mentioned, but it is part of the Spirit & Cask range by an independent bottler, possibly E.N. McLeod in Edinburgh.

Balance of Flavors: Described as complex, with a balance between distillery character and cask influence due to the refill cask maturation.
Unique Characteristics: Despite its age, the whisky retains a fresh profile with light fruits, vanilla notes, and spiciness without any bitterness.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its complexity and freshness despite age are highlighted as notable.

Distillery History: Littlemill is mentioned as an old, closed, and dismantled distillery, with a brief history of its operations and eventual bankruptcy in 1995.
Cask Rarity: This bottle comes from one of the very last casks of Littlemill, making it a rare collector's item with only 250 bottles available.

Lowland Distillery: Littlemill's status as a Lowland distillery is noted, with a unique aspect of using only two stills instead of the more common three in the region.
Economic Context: The distillery's challenges during the British recession of the 1980s are mentioned, providing historical context to its operations and eventual closure.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as "very interesting and well quite complex," appreciating its freshness and complexity despite its age. He also notes the optimal alcohol content of 48.5% for balancing strength without overpowering.

Littlemill Spirit & Cask 1984 is a rare single malt Scotch whisky from a now-closed Lowland distillery.
Matured for 32 years in a refill bourbon hogshead, it presents a complex flavor profile with light fruits, vanilla, and spiciness, without bitterness.
The whisky is part of a limited release, making it a collector's item.
It retains a fresh character despite its age, attributed to the refill cask maturation.
The distillery's history and the economic context of its operation and closure add to the whisky's narrative.

Whisky Collectors: Given its rarity and the story of the closed distillery, collectors would find this bottle particularly appealing.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for aged, complex whiskies that showcase a balance between distillery character and cask influence.
Fans of Lowland Scotch: Individuals interested in the unique characteristics of Lowland distilleries and their products.