This 34-year-old Imperial brings together long-matured Speyside spirit and the concentrated influence of a sherry octave finish. Imperial is sought out for a character that can be gentle, floral and sweet; the finishing cask adds weight and richness while allowing those qualities to remain present. At this age, balance matters more than intensity alone, and the whisky was selected for the way maturity and cask influence are perfectly melded.
Tasting notes
Berries
Perfumed
Nose
Cracked walnut, blackcurrant jam, sherry and aniseed.
Palate
Bursting with toffee, juicy figs, raisins and liquorice. Sweet and moreish!
Finish
Bold and rich with a touch of breakfast tea.
The distillery
Imperial
Established in 1897 near the small village of Carron in Speyside, Imperial underwent several periods of closure and reopening before production finally ceased in 1998.
Much of its output was destined for blends, with official releases from Imperial remaining extremely limited and most examples appearing through independent bottlers. Following its final closure, the distillery was eventually demolished, with Dalmunach later constructed on the site in 2015.
Imperial's character is often associated with a gentle and floral spirit style. We appreciate the distillery for its distinctive character and excellent long-term maturation potential. As stocks continue to diminish, well-matured examples from this lost Speyside distillery remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Speyside whisky producing region, centred on the River Spey, is home to the greatest concentration of whisky distilleries in the world. The region benefits from abundant water sources, a long-standing whisky making tradition and favourable conditions for maturation.
More than fifty distilleries operate throughout the region, producing a wide variety of single malt whiskies. While styles vary between distilleries, Speyside whiskies are often associated with approachable, fruit driven flavour profiles. The region also has a longstanding association with sherry cask maturation, which contributes to the diversity of styles found.
We seek Speyside whisky for its exceptional diversity. From delicate and floral spirits to richer, more robust styles, the region offers a broad spectrum of character that responds well to a variety of maturation approaches. Many of the region's richer spirits are particularly well suited to long term maturation, developing depth and complexity with age.
Customer reviews
Full specification
Category
Single malt Scotch whisky
Distillery
Imperial
Region
Speyside
Country
Scotland
Age
34 years
Bottled
2024
Strength
44.7% ABV
Bottle size
70 cl
Original outturn
70 bottles
Cask number
775
Cask
Sherry Octave Finish
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