Littlemill Distillery, located in Dunbartonshire, Scotland, was once operated by various owners, but it is currently owned by the Loch Lomond Group. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of exploring the fascinating world of distilleries and their ownership history.
Littlemill Distillery has a rich and complex past, which adds to the allure of its whiskies. The distillery was officially established in 1772, making it one of Scotland's oldest distilleries. Over the years, it changed hands multiple times, with each owner leaving their mark on the distillery's operations and whiskies.
In the early years, Littlemill Distillery was known for its traditional pot still production methods. The distillery's location, near the River Clyde and the agricultural heartland of Scotland, provided access to quality barley and water sources, contributing to the production of fine whiskies.
One notable period in the distillery's ownership history was when it was under the management of the Hay family. The Hays introduced continuous column stills to Littlemill, embracing modern distillation techniques. This transition allowed for increased production capacity and efficiency but also brought about changes in the flavor profile of the whiskies.
Unfortunately, Littlemill Distillery faced challenging times in the mid-20th century. It was forced to close its doors in 1994 due to financial difficulties. The closure was a significant loss for both the local community and whisky enthusiasts around the world. However, the story of Littlemill did not end there.
In 2014, the Loch Lomond Group acquired the Littlemill Distillery and embarked on an ambitious journey to revive this historic distillery. With a deep appreciation for the legacy and heritage of Littlemill, the Loch Lomond Group set out to restore the distillery and bring its whiskies back to life.
Under the ownership of the Loch Lomond Group, Littlemill Distillery has undergone extensive renovations and refurbishments. The distillery's traditional pot stills have been meticulously restored, and the original production methods have been revived. This commitment to honoring the distillery's history while embracing modern techniques is reflected in the whiskies produced today.
The Loch Lomond Group's ownership of Littlemill Distillery has brought renewed interest and excitement to the whisky industry. Whisky enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the release of limited edition bottlings and expressions from this revived distillery. The whiskies from Littlemill continue to captivate with their unique character and the story they tell.
The Littlemill Distillery is currently owned by the Loch Lomond Group, who have worked tirelessly to revive this historic distillery and produce exceptional whiskies. The ownership history of Littlemill has seen various hands, each contributing to the distillery's evolution and the whiskies it produces. Today, Littlemill whiskies are cherished by enthusiasts around the world, a testament to the dedication and passion of the Loch Lomond Group in preserving the heritage of this iconic distillery.