Bottle Information
Tasting Notes
Nose: Delicate Sherry character with toasted malt and vanilla aromas. Tropical mango and pineapple notes mingle with hints of tangy citrus. Taste: Cracked black pepper initially, followed by clove, cinnamon and orange flavours. Subtle Sherry influences are complemented by hints of charred oak. A liquorice undertone develops.
The Imperial 1996 Vintage is a rare Speyside single malt Scotch whisky from the closed Imperial Distillery. Distilled in 1996 and matured in a combination of first fill and refill sherry casks, it was bottled in 2015 by Gordon & MacPhail for their iconic Distillery Labels series. With the distillery closed permanently and demolished in 2013, this bottling captures the elegant sherried style of Imperial in a classic presentation.
Why We Think You’ll Love It
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Distilled at the lost Imperial Distillery, a rare Speyside name
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Matured in a mix of 1st fill and refill sherry casks for rich depth
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Bottled in 2015 by Gordon & MacPhail for the historic Distillery Labels series
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A collectible bottling showcasing Imperial’s elegant sherried character
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Rare opportunity to taste Imperial’s style before its demolition
The Imperial 1996 Distillery Labels Gordon & MacPhail is a distinguished Speyside single malt from a distillery that no longer exists. With sherried richness, honeyed sweetness, and refined oak balance, it stands as both a collectible piece of Scotch whisky history and an exceptional dram.
Approved by
The Distillery
Imperial
Founded in 1897 by Thomas Mackenzie, the historic Imperial Distillery was expertly designed by renowned architect Charles C. Doig and strategically located in Carron within Scotland’s prestigious Speyside whisky region. To honor Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, a magnificent golden crown was placed atop one of Imperial’s two malt kilns, symbolizing the distillery’s grandeur and significance. Equipped with four massive stills, Imperial produced exceptional single malt Scotch whisky until its closure in 1998. The distillery was ultimately demolished in 2013, but its legacy endures with the establishment of the new Dalmunach Distillery on the same site in 2015. Today, rare releases of Imperial malt whisky continue to be celebrated through independent bottlers like Signatory Vintage and Gordon & MacPhail, featuring prominently in their esteemed ranges. This enduring legacy ensures that Imperial Distillery remains a cherished name among whisky enthusiasts and collectors, highlighting its significant contribution to the rich tapestry of Scottish whisky heritage.
View all Imperial whiskies
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