Glenesk Hillside 1970 (Europe Exclusive)

This official Glenesk, a 25 year old, from 1970, at 60.1%. Glenesk was a Highland single malt from a Montrose distillery raised in an old flax mill. It ran under five names in its life, from Highland Esk to North Esk, Montrose, Hillside and at last Glenesk. It was one of four malt distilleries in the Esk valley, of which only neighbouring Glencadam still runs.

Worked unhurried through the stillhouse, building a soft malt of honey, cereal and orchard fruit. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. In the oxidative, evaporative years the spirit concentrates to tropical fruit, honey and a waxy depth. Active wood frames the malt without ever crowding the light Highland spirit. A light, gently oily texture from the spirit carries through the maturation. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the malt.

At a hearty 60.1% it carries real weight. A soft malty sweetness and a cereal note, lifted by a soft oak. A light orchard fruit and a soft cereal give it shape. Barley, apple and a soft oak see it out. This is the quiet, malty malt of Montrose.