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Scotch Whisky Review: Hillside 1970 25 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

A 1970 vintage whisky from the Highland region Hillside Distillery. Matured for 25 years, this Hillside expression was released by Distillers Company Limited as part of their Rare Malts Selection.

OVERALL RATING

9
$1,250
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

A 1970 vintage whisky from the Highland region Hillside Distillery. Also known as Glenesk, Hillside was closed in 1985, with the site later demolished for housing. Matured for 25 years, this Hillside expression was released by Distillers Company Limited as part of their Rare Malts Selection, a series of limited-edition bottlings from rare and closed distilleries launched in 1995. Bottled at 60.1% ABV.
Appearance:
Pale Gold
Nose:
Opens with malty aromas, alongside fresh cut grass and hay, followed by floral vanilla, moss, and heather. There’s lots of yellow and tropical fruits, including oranges, peach, pineapple, and banana, with undertones of plums and red berries. In the background, hints of nail polish, sawdust, and a whisper of smoke.
Palate:
Quite concentrated alcohol initially, holding on the tongue allows more flavours to develop. There’s quite an oily mouthfeel, as flavours of vanilla custard, coconut, fresh wood, and pepper develop. Some saltiness and a hint of peat follow, before the fruits return with tangy orange marmalade and peach.
Finish:
Long, quite sweet and fruity. Initially slightly drying oak with cigar smoke. At the close, hay and grass return, but its fruity notes of peach, banana, and orange which linger most.
Comments:
Complex and fruity, this is my first experience of Hillside / Glenesk and I particularly enjoyed the yellow and tropical fruits. At 60.1% ABV, this expression will take a couple of drops of water which further accentuates the fruits and sweeter notes. An interesting whisky from one of Scotland’s lost distilleries.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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