Glenesk 27 Years Old 1974 Cask #91 (Signatory)

Chosen by Signatory Vintage, the Edinburgh house that bottles at Edradour above Pitlochry, this a 27 year old Glenesk, distilled in 1974, from cask 91, at 52.7%, one of 282 bottles. Glenesk was a Highland single malt from a distillery near Montrose that closed in 1985. It passed to DCL in 1954 and to Scottish Malt Distillers in 1964, ending its days within Diageo. It ran under five names in its life, from Highland Esk to North Esk, Montrose, Hillside and at last Glenesk. Drum maltings added in 1968 outlived the distillery and are working still.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for a light, honeyed make with a cereal edge. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanillin and a soft coconut under the malt. In the oxidative, evaporative years the spirit concentrates to tropical fruit, honey and a waxy depth. Long ageing turned the fresh notes towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice.

At a natural 52.7% it is full and creamy. A gentle, fruity malt with a waxy edge, lifted by a soft oak. Beneath it run honey, barley and a soft apple. The finish runs clean, dry and lightly malty. This is a gentle, honeyed Highland single malt.