Glenesk 1984, 38 Year Old - The Recollection Series #2 "Connoisseurs Choice" G&M, 700ml

Created in 1968 by whisky visionary, George Urquhart the Connoisseurs Choice tells its life story through its label: cask type, bottling date, strength, vintage and tasting note.

Glenesk 1984 was matured in a Refilled Sherry butt and bottled from cask #2636 at 50.5% ABV in 2023. It was bottled under the Connoisseurs Choice and the Recollection Series #2.

Only 103 bottles were produced.

Located near the town of Montrose off the East Coast of the mid-Highlands, the distillery began life as a flax mill and became a malt distillery in 1898.

It was re-equipped to produce grain whisky in the middle of the 1900s (under the name ‘Montrose’), before being converted back to malt in the 1960s (distilled as ‘Hillside’) and extended in the 1970s.

In the 1980s the name was returned to Glen Esk. Although the distillery is no longer in production, the large drum maltings continue to supply malt to other distilleries owned by the same group.

Nose: Rich berry compote complements autumnal spices: cinnamon and ginger with a hint of sweet treacle. Sultanas give way to orange peel and toasted oak.

Palate: Sweet, stewed forest fruit flavours lead to dark chocolate and lime zest. Brown sugar complements toasted hazelnuts and subtle pepper.

Finish: Medium-bodied with lingering coffee bean and apple