Highland Park 1975 & Littlemill 1984

Until its closure in 1992, and suspicious fire that paved the way for its demolition to become residential housing in 2004. Littlemill was Scotland’s oldest distillery and home to many wonderful moments, beginning with its foundation way back in 1772. This date is believed to be the ‘official’ moment when a legal enterprise was created, as tales suggestion brewing and distillation was undertaken on site prior to this. Just a year later in 1773, it was given the first official license to distil. Another first occurs in 1823 when Mrs MacGregor becomes the first Scottish female licensee and ownership changes on multiple occasions, which becomes part of the problem of Littlemill as we know it. Changing hands, brings a new vision and often a new direction. This is reflected in the Littlemill releases which are as varied in quality as they are numerous. Showcasing the different approaches and changing styles of distillate, as Littlemill once produced three styles of single malt; the peated distillate called Dumbuck and a more robust single malt, rarely bottled as Dunglass. While Littlemill is no more, its legacy continues in maturing stock retained by Loch Lomond distillers and is occasionally released in special editions. It also enjoys a good level of support from some independent bottlers such as Cadenhead’s, with time now revealing a lovely whisky that continues to find new fans.