Glenesk 26 Years Old 1981 Cask #B933 (Duncan Taylor)

A Glenesk of a 26 year old chosen by Duncan Taylor, distilled in 1981, from cask B933, at 56.9%, one of 240 bottles. Glenesk was a Highland single malt, most of it long destined for the blending vats. 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.

Run slowly off the spirit still, building a soft malt of honey, cereal and orchard fruit. It was fully matured in an Oloroso cask, the wood deep in the fruity spirit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer tropical fruit over beeswax. Long ageing turned the fresh notes towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice. Active wood frames the malt without ever crowding the light Highland spirit. The light, malty spirit deepened with time, the cask drawing out a soft honey.

At a natural 56.9% it is full and creamy. Pear, barley and a soft oak, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The mouthfeel is light and waxy, carrying the malt. The finish runs clean, dry and lightly malty. This is a rare, honeyed Highland single malt.