Review by: Raygun

Another first from a closed distillery for me. Littlemill shut down in 1996. There are still independent bottlings around, but this is a dusty one from Scott’s Selection, which coincidentally has also shut down, I’ve heard. It was run by former Speyside master blender Robert Scott. Reviewed from a sample thanks to Federal Agent. Rested about 15 minutes.

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Distillery: Littlemill     

Bottler: Scott’s Selection    

Region/style: Lowlands single malt Scotch

ABV: 61.3%. Cask strength.   

Age: 20 years. Distilled in 1984 and bottled in 2004. 

Cask type: Not stated, but looks to be ex-bourbon    

Color: 0.3 pale gold. Natural color and chill-filtered.

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Nose: Grassy, herbaceous, and floral. Grassy scents are not typically my thing, but this is very inviting. Hint of perfume or soap, that kind of floral.               

Palate: Takes a radical turn to the tropics. Passion fruit, grapefruit, and apricots. Got some peach as well. The florals are still very present, but the grassy aspect has just about disappeared. A little herbal touch lingers to provide contrast. Parsley and savory, perhaps. Drinks well below proof. Some pastry richness.       

Finish: Kind of in between the nose and palate. Got the florals and more of the herbaceous sharpness, yet also the tropical fruit. Which now take more of a tart form. I suspect this was a refill hogshead from the lack of strong oak. Rosehip tea. The grassiness adds a little something.     

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Conclusion: What an introduction to this distillery. The nose was nice enough, but did not prepare me for the palate. Fruit explosion, while the herbal sharpness added a different touch from a straight fruity dram. Develops in interesting directions over time; this is one to savor for a while. I don’t know if this is very representative of Littlemill, but I’d love to try more after this.  

Buy a bottle? I wish!     

Score: 91

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)