Littlemill 21 Year (1992), Single Cask Collection Cask 20

Review by: Whiskery Turnip

Distillery: Littlemill.

Bottler: Single Cask Collection.

Region: Scotland/Lowland Single Malt.

ABV: 55.6%. Cask Strength.

Age: 21 Years. Distilled on 27 Feb. 1992. Bottled on 28 Feb. 2013.

Cask type: Bourbon Hogshead.

Nose: Honeycomb, bruised lemons, and ample tropical fruits; guava and longan with hints of strawberry and waxy candies, subtle swimming pool chemicals and minerals, red ginger and passion flowers.

Palate: Medium-bodied and syrupy, orange with a hint of butyric acid, mellow florals with passion flowers and nasturtium, hibiscus and ginger, hints of grassy sugar cane, peppery oak and a touch of bitterness toward the end.

Finish: Medium to long with oak, subtle fruit, and a touch of bitterness.

Mental Image: Tropical Tea Bar.

Conclusion: The aroma was brilliant with lovely tropical fruits and waxy candies backed by hints of swimming pools and florals. Bruised lemons and honeycomb opened the door to a tropical fruit market brimming with ripe, underripe, and overripe fruits.  Medium-bodied and syrupy on the palate, the flavors began with an intense orange and subtle tropical vibes as a subtle butyric acid hung in the background.  A floral built with each sip, as if rummaging through edible florals and botanicals. Some pepper and bitter oak waited at the end and carried on to the finish.

Without the bitterness and peppery quality on the back end and finish, this would have been brilliant.  I have a feeling some might find some of the floral aspects a bit soapy. I thought they worked well, even if I wish more of the fruit came through on the palate.  A bit funky at times, rather like the spawn of an Oban and Bruichladdich marriage— an intriguing idea.

Overall, delicious and unique— if only the finish did not let it down; even then, there was a lot to love.  I thought water brought out more of the bitter oak and would not recommend it.

Final Score: 81.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

Published by Whiskery Turnip

Whisky reviews from Hawaiʻi and beyond. My wife is a peat monster; her influence can be seen in my preferences for earthy, dirty, and sometimes very weird malts. If given a choice, I will almost always choose whisky from a refill cask, especially regarding sherry. I am a big fan of the world whisky scene, especially single malts. You will not find my reviewing much more than whisky, but I am also a big fan of sake.

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