We’re seeing a lot of Littlemill bottlings distilled in 1989/1990/1991 lately. Today we’re trying a new release in the Grotesque Crocs series by The Whisky Agency.
Littlemill 21 yo 1989 (51,3%, Whisky Agency ‘Grotesque Crocs’ 2011, refill sherry hogshead, 239 btl.)
Littlemill 21 yo 1989 (51,3%, Whisky Agency ‘Grotesque Crocs’ 2011, refill sherry hogshead, 239 btl.)Nose: starts on warm oak with cinnamon, sherry notes and some grainy / grassy notes. This evolves to “wet” notes (gravel after the rain, a little wet newspaper) and a little wax. A sweet layer of dried apricots, fresh tangerine and honeydew melon. Mint. Gets a bit rounder and more sherried with water.
Mouth: punchy and thick, quite sweet with dried fruits from the sherry cask (prunes), even a tropical hint of mango. Then the sweetness makes place for nervous grassy notes and spices (pepper, ginger, mint). Toffee and caramel towards the end.
Finish: sweeter again, slightly malty with pepper and ginger.
These Littlemills distilled around 1990 are really building up a reputation, and this one is probably my favourite
so far. It adds some subtle sherry character to the classic grassiness and spices. Around € 120.
Score: 90/100