{"title":"Closed Distilleries","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"hillside-1969-25-year-old-rare-malts-selection-rare-malts","title":"Hillside 1969 25 Year Old Rare Malts Selection | Rare Malts","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Rare Closed Distillery Release\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDistilled in 1969 at the historic Glenesk distillery, released under the Hillside name, and bottled as part of Diageo’s iconic Rare Malts Selection, this 25 year old official bottling represents a significant piece of Scotch whisky history. Produced during a period when the distillery operated under multiple identities including Hillside and Glenesk, this exceptionally rare release captures the character of a long-silent Highland distillery that has become increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBottled at natural cask strength in the mid-1990s, this expression reflects the Rare Malts philosophy of presenting mature whisky in its purest form without chill filtration. With Glenesk demolished decades ago and official bottlings becoming increasingly scarce, surviving examples remain highly collectible and rarely encountered in well-preserved condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Old polished oak, waxy malt, dried herbs, soft honey, citrus peel, and subtle mineral character layered with mature Highland complexity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich and oily with notes of vanilla, aged oak, gentle spice, malt sweetness, dried fruits, and a distinctive old-style cask strength character.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, warming, and dry with lingering oak spice, soft vanilla, herbal notes, and mature malt depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scotch Whisky\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single Malt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Highlands, Scotland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistillery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hillside \/ Glenesk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rare Malts Selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistilled:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1969\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25 Years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 61.9%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColouring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural Colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-Chill Filtered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume:\u003c\/strong\u003e 750ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle of Bottling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural Cask Strength\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2970\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottle Only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Distillery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFounded in 1898 by the memorably named Septimus Parsonage, the distillery originally operated under the Hillside name before later becoming more widely known as Glenesk. Renowned for its unusually large stills, the distillery produced Hillside single malt between 1965 and 1980 and developed a reputation for a distinctive Highland style rarely encountered today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy the time of this Rare Malts release, the distillery had already fallen silent, adding further significance to surviving official bottlings. Mature Hillside \/ Glenesk expressions remain exceptionally scarce, particularly natural cask strength releases from the Rare Malts Selection series, which helped preserve the legacy of several lost Scottish distilleries for collectors and enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eArchive Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlease review all product images carefully. Minor cosmetic wear to labels, capsules, cartons, or presentation cases may be present due to age, long-term storage, or secondary-market sourcing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNatural variation in fill level, packaging condition, and label ageing can occur in older releases and forms part of the character of mature collectible whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eArchive Release\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePrivately sourced and released in strictly limited quantities. Availability is finite and unlikely to be repeated once sold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top:24px; font-style:italic; color:#9A9A9A; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\nNot every bottle is meant to be found.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Whisky Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47837080191150,"sku":"TWA-HILLSIDE-1969-25YO-RM2970","price":2950.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0743\/6582\/9294\/files\/hillside-1969-25-year-old-rare-malts-selection-rare-malts-1.jpg?v=1779496245"},{"product_id":"rosebank-1992-21-year-old-special-release-2014-rosebank","title":"Rosebank 1992 21 Year Old Special Release 2014 | Rosebank","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Rare Closed Distillery Lowland Release\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReleased as part of Diageo’s acclaimed 2014 Special Releases, this Rosebank 21 Year Old represents one of the final official bottlings distilled prior to the distillery’s closure and eventual revival decades later. Distilled in 1992 and matured for 21 years in American oak casks before bottling in 2014, this natural cask strength release captures the refined and elegant character that established Rosebank among Scotland’s most revered silent distilleries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTriple distilled and individually numbered, only 4,530 bottles were produced for this limited edition release from a final era of mature pre-closure Rosebank stock. Bottled without chill filtration at natural cask strength, the whisky reflects the delicate floral complexity and bright citrus-driven style for which mature Rosebank became internationally admired among collectors and enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh citrus, floral notes, soft vanilla, honeyed malt, orchard fruits, and delicate oak layered with elegant Lowland character.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silky and refined with sweet barley, lemon zest, vanilla cream, gentle spice, floral oils, and subtle oak influence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, clean, and drying with lingering citrus, soft spice, floral sweetness, and refined oak complexity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scotch Whisky\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single Malt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lowlands, Scotland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistillery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rosebank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottler:\u003c\/strong\u003e Official Bottling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diageo Special Releases 2014\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistilled:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1992\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottled:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2014\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 21 Years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55.3%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-Chill Filtered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistillation Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e Triple Distilled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume:\u003c\/strong\u003e 700ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCask Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e American Oak Casks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle of Bottling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural Cask Strength\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Outturn:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of 4,530 Bottles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2927\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes Original Presentation Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Distillery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRosebank was widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest Lowland distilleries, celebrated for its elegant triple-distilled spirit and refined floral character. Located in Falkirk, the distillery operated until its closure in 1993 during a difficult period for the Scotch whisky industry, becoming one of the most lamented silent distilleries among enthusiasts and collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor many years Rosebank appeared permanently lost, particularly after significant portions of the distillery equipment were stolen following closure. However, the site and brand were later acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers, leading to the eventual revival of production while preserving the distillery’s historic identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOfficial Rosebank releases distilled before closure have become increasingly scarce, particularly higher strength limited editions retaining full original presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Bottling\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 2014 Special Releases edition was drawn from some of the remaining casks distilled before Rosebank’s closure, offering a rare opportunity to experience the elegant Lowland style that established the distillery’s enduring reputation among collectors and enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTriple distilled and bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration, this limited edition release reflects the floral and citrus-forward character for which mature Rosebank became internationally admired. The whisky recalls the distillery’s historic canal-side setting, where barges once transported casks between Glasgow and Edinburgh, contributing to the identity and legacy of one of Scotland’s most revered silent distilleries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIndividually numbered and produced from a final era of mature pre-closure stock, the release remains one of the defining official Rosebank bottlings of the post-closure era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eArchive Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlease review all product images carefully. Minor cosmetic wear to labels, capsules, cartons, or presentation cases may be present due to age, long-term storage, or secondary-market sourcing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNatural variation in fill level, packaging condition, and label ageing can occur in older releases and forms part of the character of mature collectible whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eArchive Release\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePrivately sourced and released in strictly limited quantities. Availability is finite and unlikely to be repeated once sold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top:24px; font-style:italic; color:#9A9A9A; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\nNot every bottle is meant to be found.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Whisky Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47837352820910,"sku":"TWA-ROSEBANK-1992-21YO-SR2014","price":2650.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0743\/6582\/9294\/files\/rosebank-1992-21-year-old-special-release-2014-rosebank-1.jpg?v=1779496041"},{"product_id":"garnheath-1974-44-year-old-xop-dl12779-douglas-laing","title":"Garnheath 1974 44 Year Old XOP DL12779 | Douglas Laing","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Rare Closed Distillery Grain Release\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDistilled at the now-closed Garnheath grain distillery in February 1974 and bottled in August 2018 by Douglas Laing for the renowned XOP (Xtra Old Particular) series, this exceptionally mature 44 year old single grain whisky spent its full maturation in a single refill barrel, cask DL12779. Bottled at natural cask strength without colouring or chill filtration, only 152 bottles were produced, capturing a style of aged Lowland grain whisky that has become increasingly scarce and highly collectible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strawberry cheesecake, vanilla custard, creamy cereal notes, icing sugar, polished oak, and soft tropical fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silky and mature with buttery pastries, vanilla cream, raspberry jam, candy floss, gentle spice, and mellow oak sweetness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, elegant, and dessert-like with lingering ginger beer spice, ripe banana, vanilla oak, and fading sweetness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scotch Whisky\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single Grain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lowlands, Scotland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistillery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Garnheath\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottler:\u003c\/strong\u003e Douglas Laing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e XOP (Xtra Old Particular)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistilled:\u003c\/strong\u003e February 1974\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottled:\u003c\/strong\u003e August 2018\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 44 Years Old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 47.8%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCask Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Refill Barrel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCask Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e DL12779\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 061\u003c\/li\u003e  \n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Count:\u003c\/strong\u003e 152 Bottles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColouring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural Colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-Chill Filtered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume:\u003c\/strong\u003e 700ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle of Bottling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural Cask Strength\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes Original Wooden Presentation Case and COA Insert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Distillery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGarnheath operated within the Moffat distillery complex in the Lowlands before eventually closing in the mid-1980s, leaving behind only a small and diminishing number of surviving casks. Mature Garnheath releases have become increasingly uncommon in the modern market, particularly well-aged single cask bottlings exceeding four decades of maturation. The distillery’s old-style grain profile often develops remarkable dessert-like sweetness and complexity over extended ageing, making older releases especially sought after among grain whisky collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Bottling\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDouglas Laing’s XOP series represents some of the company’s most mature and limited single cask selections, bottled with minimal intervention to preserve individual cask character. Long-aged grain whiskies have become an increasingly respected category among collectors due to their rarity, evolving complexity, and the declining availability of closed distillery stock. This 44 year old Garnheath reflects that style beautifully, combining elegant maturity with the rich sweetness and texture that only extended grain maturation can deliver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eArchive Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlease review all product images carefully. Minor cosmetic wear, scratches, or imperfections to labels, capsules, wooden cases, cartons, or presentation materials may be present due to age, long-term storage, or secondary-market sourcing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNatural variation in fill level, packaging condition, and label ageing can occur in older releases and forms part of the character of mature collectible whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eArchive Release\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePrivately sourced and released in strictly limited quantities. Availability is finite and unlikely to be repeated once sold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top:24px; font-style:italic; color:#9A9A9A; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\nNot every bottle is meant to be found.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Whisky Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47861669626030,"sku":"TWA-GARNHEATH-1974-44YO-XOPDL12779","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0743\/6582\/9294\/files\/garnheath-1974-44-year-old-xop-dl12779-douglas-laing-1.jpg?v=1779488791"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0743\/6582\/9294\/collections\/Silent_and_lost.png?v=1780659429","url":"https:\/\/thewhiskyarchive.com.au\/collections\/closed-distilleries.oembed","provider":"The Whisky Archive","version":"1.0","type":"link"}