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Glenesk Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Kinnaber Road Hillside Montrose
Angus DD10 9EP Scotland
Tel: +44 (0)1674 830253 Fax: +44 (0)1674 830377
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The Glenesk Distillery was converted from a flax mill in 1897 by James Isles, a Dundee wine merchant. Orginally named Highland Esk, a couple of years later, it was changed to North Esk when it was taken over by J. F. Caille Heddle. The distillery remained in operation until it was damaged by fire in 1910. Although it was rebuilt, it was closed again during WWI.

In 1938, the distillery was taken over by Associated Scottish Distilleries and started producing grain whisky. Once again the name changed - this time to Montrose. In 1954, Montrose was sold to Distillers Company Ltd. (DCL). By 1964, the distillery reverted to malt whisky production - under the name Hillside. The final name change occurred in 1980 when it was changed to Glenesk. Unfortunatly, the Glenesk Distillery was mothballed in 1985 and in 1992, the license was cancelled.

Glenesk Distillery was a major contributor to the VAT 69 blend which was produced by William Sanderson. Glenesk was rarely found as a single malt and most of the production went into blends. Whisky writer and expert Michael Jackson describes Glenesk as a "fresh, clean, lightly malty whisky".

Greencore Maltings Group (Pauls Malts) purchased the Glenesk Distillery in 1997. Greencore Malt is the UK's largest maltster and supplies the highest quality malt to brewers and distillers throughout the world.

GLENESK 1984 SINGLE HIGHLAND MALT SCOTCH WHISKY by GORDON & MACPHAIL
GLENESK 1984 SINGLE HIGHLAND MALT SCOTCH WHISKY PHOTO CREDIT: MASTER OF MALT  
CONNOISSEURS CHOICE GLENESK 1984 SINGLE HIGHLAND MALT SCOTCH WHISKY by Gordon & MacPhail

Without Water
Nose: Aromatic with peppery and earthy aromas. Traces of dried fruits with smoky (bonfire embers) elements. A little toffee sweetness emerges.

Palate: Sweet with smoky notes. Some fruit flavours combined with dry grass and sandalwood.

With Water
Nose: Smoke aromas to the fore with earthy, moss-like notes also present. A little sherry fruitness along with a subtle medicinal notes.

Palate: Sweet flavours with floral hints. Some charred oak notes with the sherry influence again present.

Body: complex

Finish: Fruit elements with drying spicy/smoky edge.

Cask Type: Refill Sherry Hogshead

Whisky Style: Complex Highland Malt with rich, smoky character and pronounced sherry influence

Glenesk Whisky Distillery
Glenesk Whisky Distillery

The Glenesk Distillery was established in 1898 in Montrose at the mouth of the River Esk. Drums were installed in 1968 and the maltings were enlarged in 1973. Glenesk looks very much the part of a traditional malt distillery.

The Glenesk Distillery was mothballed in 1985.