Imperial 1997, 25 Year Old - The Recollection Series #2 "Connoisseurs Choice" G&M, 700ml
Created in 1968 by whisky visionary, George Urquhart the Connoisseurs Choice tells its life story through its label: cask type, bottling date, strength, vintage and tasting note.
The 25-year-old Imperial 1997 was matured in a Refilled Sherry Hogshead and bottled from cask #4961 at 52.1% ABV in 2023. It was bottled under the Connoisseurs Choice and the Recollection Series 2.
Only 143 bottles were produced.
Founded in 1897 by Thomas MacKenzie, the opening of the rather grandly named ‘Imperial’ distillery coincided with Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, no doubt an influencing factor in its naming! Sadly, the distillery closed just one year after opening, with a 20-year gap in production.
It kicked back into life again in 1919… this time for only six years. Stop-start production happened throughout the 20th century until it was purchased in 1989 by Allied Distillers who reopened the distillery in 1991. It was mothballed in again in 1998 and demolished in 2013.
On the site now sits the impressive, and brand new Dalmunach distillery, which was opened in 2015.
Nose: Smooth forest fruit aromas complement fragrant autumnal spices and soft lemon zest. Roasted hazelnuts come to the fore accompanied by dark chocolate and toasted oak.
Palate: Vanilla pod intertwines with sweet baked apple and citrus fruit notes. Rich toffee develops with a hint of blackcurrant and oak.
Finish: Full and long with lasting brown sugar and fresh garden mint