Imperial Aged 25 Years Artist 10th Anniversary Edition

More often closed than producing, the Imperial distillery was founded in 1897 (the year of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee) by Thomas MacKenzie, the owner of Dailuaine and Talisker. It was demolished between 2013 and 2015. It was also during this period that the new distillery, Dalmunach, was opened on the same site. Tasting a single malt from a closed distillery is always a special moment in which emotions mix with history. This absolutely remarkable version is no exception to the rule. The very minimalist palette of flavours and aromas boasts impressive precision. Endlessly charming and beaming with life, it is with an ease that comes only to the greats that it imperially wanders the paths of Speyside, the region of its birth. Profile: the magnificent first nose invites us to bite into a very juicy apple. Gradually, beeswax then envelops the aromatic palette. Allowed to breathe, it becomes medicinal, camphoric and exotic (mango, passion fruit). Aromas of malted barley, ginger and liquorice then take centre-stage. The creamy attack is chocolatey, spicy (saffron) and milky (coconut). Full of freshness, the mid-palate develops incredibly distinct sweet tones (quince jelly). The stately start of the finish is intensely malty, spicy (cardamom) and floral (lily of the valley). The creamy end of the finish reveals rare richness (semolina cake).