Glenesk Scotch Whisky

Glenesk Whisky Distillery Information

Founded in 1897 by James Isles

Location Highland region eastern district

Water source River North Esk

License Cancelled in 1992

Glenesk Whisky Distillery History

The Glenesk distillery has been known by several other names a.k.a. Hillside, a.k.a. Highland Esk, a.k.a. North Esk and a.k.a. Montrose. Located on the site of former flax mill the distillery was originally named ‘Highland Esk Distillery’ and was established by James Isles a Dundee wine merchant in 1897

The distillery was purchased in 1899 by J.F Caille Heddle who renamed it North Esk Distillery The distillery was damaged by fire in 1910 and was subsequently rebuilt only to be closed during WWI

After the war, in 1919, Thomas Bernard & Co acquired the premises; they worked the maltings whilst the distillery remained silent until 1938.

During 1938 the distillery is taken over by Associated Scottish Distilleries and the distillery was changed to produce grain whisky as the ‘Montrose Distillery’

At some point in 1954 the distillery was sold to DCL, which made use of the warehouses and maltings only. Ten years later in 1964 control is moved to SMD and the distillery is reverted back to producing Malt Whisky this time under the name of ‘Hillside’

In 1968 large drum maltings were installed to supply its malt and to other SMD operations. The name was changed to Glenesk Distillery and Maltings in 1980

Five years later the distillery was mothballed and in 1992 the license is cancelled

The whisky produced was an important contributor to Vat 69 blend.

Glenesk Distillery Bottlings

Glenesk 12 Year Old Flora & Fauna

Glenesk Older Distillery Bottlings

Glenesk 25 Year Old (Rare Malts series)

Hillside 25 Year old Rare Malt Selection

Glenesk Whisky Independent Bottlings 

Cadenhead,

Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail),

Duncan Taylor,

Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing),

SMWS,

Un-Chill Filtered (Signatory).

Published 8 times a year Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes

Click Image for more details or to Subscibe