Glenesk 14 Years Old 1984

Gordon and MacPhail, the Elgin grocer laying down casks on South Street since 1895, bottled this Glenesk, distilled in 1984, at 40%. Glenesk was a Highland single malt known over the years under several names, among them Hillside. It returned to malt whisky in 1964, with two pairs of pot stills, under the name Hillside. It was one of four malt distilleries in the Esk valley, of which only neighbouring Glencadam still runs.

The spirit was run slowly off the spirit still, shaping a gentle, grassy Highland character. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend a riper orchard and tropical fruit. Long ageing turned the fresh notes towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice. Maturation ran slow and even in the old bonded warehouses on the coast at Montrose. A light, gently oily texture from the spirit carries through the maturation.

At 40% it is fruity, creamy and soft. Apple, pear and a gentle honey, lifted by a soft oak. Honey, barley and a soft oak fill the middle. The close is light and clean, malt over a gentle oak. This is a rare, honeyed Highland single malt.