Glenesk distillery

Introduction to Glenesk

A Highland Gem Lost to Time

Glenesk was a Highland distillery located in the Eastern region of Scotland, near Montrose in Angus. Though it no longer operates, this lost distillery holds a special place in Scotch whisky history as one of the most fascinating examples of a Highland single malt with a complex heritage. The distillery went through multiple transformations during its lifetime, producing whisky under various names including Highland Esk, Montrose, and Hillside.

The surviving bottles from Glenesk represent rare windows into Scotland’s whisky-making past, offering enthusiasts the chance to taste liquid history that can never be replicated.

Why We Have a Soft Spot for Glenesk

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries like Glenesk that represent important chapters in whisky’s evolving story. Glenesk’s expressions offer a unique taste profile that disappeared with the distillery’s closure in 1985, making each remaining bottle increasingly precious and historically significant.

The whisky from this lost distillery showcases the classic Highland character with distinctive floral and fruity notes that set it apart from its contemporaries, offering a drinking experience that literally cannot be reproduced today.

The History Behind Glenesk

Origin and Development

Glenesk’s story began in 1897 when it was first established as Highland Esk distillery. Originally built as a flax mill in the 1830s, the facility was converted to a brewery before finally becoming a whisky distillery toward the end of the 19th century.

The distillery changed hands and names several times throughout its history. It was known as Montrose after 1898, then as Hillside from 1938 to 1964, before finally taking on its most recognized name, Glenesk. This complex lineage creates a fascinating tapestry for collectors who might encounter bottles under any of these various names.

Despite surviving two world wars and the challenges of Prohibition, Glenesk could not weather the industry downturn of the 1980s and was closed by its then-owner Scottish Malt Distillers (SMD) in 1985, with the buildings being demolished in 1996.

The People Behind the Whisky

Throughout its various incarnations, Glenesk was operated by several notable whisky industry figures. J.F. Caille, the original founder, established the distillery during the whisky boom of the 1890s. Later, it became part of Distillers Company Limited (DCL), the forerunner to Diageo, which operated many of Scotland’s most famous distilleries.

The master distillers who shaped Glenesk’s character over the decades left their mark on a whisky that balanced the classic Highland profile with unique characteristics derived from the distillery’s location near the eastern coast of Scotland.

The Craft and Production

From Raw Material to Final Product

During its operation, Glenesk utilized traditional Scottish distilling methods. The distillery used locally sourced barley and the pure water from the North Esk River, which contributed to its distinctive character.

The production employed a combination of pot stills characteristic of Highland distilleries, creating a spirit that was both robust and elegant. While specific technical details of production have been lost to time, surviving records indicate that Glenesk favored longer fermentation times, which likely contributed to the fruity esters present in its whisky.

Maturation and Aging

Glenesk whisky was typically matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and some sherry butts, which imparted layers of complexity to the spirit. The aging facilities at the distillery benefited from the eastern Highland climate, with moderate temperature fluctuations that encouraged balanced maturation.

Independent bottlers have played a crucial role in preserving Glenesk’s legacy, with companies like Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory, and Cadenhead’s releasing aged expressions long after the distillery’s closure.

Selected Products from Glenesk

Independent Bottlings – Windows to a Lost Distillery

Since Glenesk has been closed for decades, official bottlings are extremely rare. The most commonly found expressions are from independent bottlers who acquired and aged casks following the distillery’s closure. These bottlings often showcase mature whiskies with age statements ranging from 20 to over 30 years.

Typical flavor notes include orchard fruits, honey, malt, delicate floral elements, and often a hint of coastal influence. With extended aging, these expressions develop remarkable complexity with layers of dried fruits, oak spices, and polished leather.

Rare Official Bottlings – Collector’s Treasures

A handful of official bottlings from when the distillery was operational occasionally surface at auctions. These extremely rare bottles, sometimes labeled as Hillside or Glenesk, are highly prized by collectors and represent authentic time capsules of the distillery’s output.

These expressions often feature a more robust character than independent bottlings, with prominent malty sweetness, baked apple, vanilla, and subtle spice notes that reflect the house style as intended by its original creators.

Visiting the Distillery

A Historical Site

Unfortunately, as the distillery was demolished in 1996, there are no facilities to visit today. The site where Glenesk once stood in Hillside, near Montrose, has been redeveloped. However, whisky history enthusiasts visiting the area can explore the beautiful surrounding Angus countryside that once provided the water and barley for this notable distillery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Glenesk?

Glenesk was a Highland Scotch whisky distillery located near Montrose in Angus, Scotland. It operated under various names (Highland Esk, Montrose, Hillside, and finally Glenesk) from 1897 until its closure in 1985. It produced single malt whisky that was primarily used in blends but occasionally released as single malt expressions.

Where was Glenesk located?

The distillery was located in the village of Hillside, just outside Montrose in Angus on the eastern coast of Scotland. This location, near the North Esk River, provided the water source for the whisky production and influenced its character with subtle coastal elements.

What characterized Glenesk whisky?

Glenesk was known for producing a classic Eastern Highland malt with distinctive floral and fruity characteristics. The whisky typically featured notes of orchard fruits, honey, and malt with a medium body. Aged expressions often developed complexity with dried fruit notes, subtle oak influence, and occasionally light spice elements that make them particularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Where can I buy whisky from Glenesk?

As Glenesk is a closed distillery, bottles are increasingly rare and primarily available through specialized retailers like Vault of Spirits, whisky auctions, and private collections. We occasionally offer carefully authenticated independent bottlings of Glenesk, providing whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to experience this historical Highland malt. Due to their rarity, these bottles represent both drinking experiences and investment opportunities for serious collectors.