1989 Berry Bros. & Rudd Exceptional Casks 30-Year-Old Imperial, Cask Ref. 183, Speyside, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (47.9%)
About this SPIRIT
Imperial Distillery, Speyside
The Imperial distillery was established in same the year of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897 and named as such in tribute of the royal house. The original malting kiln was aptly decorated with an giant replica of an imperial crown.The founder, Thomas MacKenzie, held stake also in Talisker and Dailuaine.
The distillery was revamped in 1960, and doubled its production capacity in 1965. Imperial was silent in the 1980s but it changed hands in 1989 and is now operational under the management of Chivas Brothers.
The production is intended for the blending industry, specially for Teachers, Ballantine's, with the occassional vintage exclusively available by independent bottlers.
The house style is big, bold, full-bodied, rich in barley and sweet flavours, with a robust, well-intergated smokey note.
Speyside Whisky
To some Speyside represents the jewel in whisky’s crown. Speyside is the home of legal whisky production and it’s best known examples. Around the world Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich, Glenrothes and Glenfarclas typify all that whisky, at it’s best has to offer. At it’s heart running from the Monadhliath mountains north to the sea, is the River Spey. It is the fastest flowing river in Britain, and also well known for its salmon fishing.
Speyside is the principal whisky-producing region: Speyside has within it some forty-six operating distilleries - over half the total number in the entire Scotland.
Speysides are essentially sweet whiskies. They have little peaty character They are typically highly perfumed, feminine and elegant.
The classical nature of Speyside’s malts means that a number of the finest malts are used almost exclusively for blending. It is the top Speysider’s that give good blends their ‘Top Dressing’.
Malts such as Mortlach, Glen Elgin, Strathmill and Benrinnes are rarely found as distillery bottlings, however when individual casks are tracked down by independent bottlers such as our Own Selection Single Malt Whiskies the resultant whisky can be quite wonderful.
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Description
This enigmatic Speysider has an enormously complex nose. Lightly floral with notes of warm honey and vanilla custard develop into citrus and pressed apple juice. This whisky requires a long time in glass to fully develop, but rewards those who show patience. The palate offers an initial burst of tangy green fruit, followed by mouth-watering tropicality and even a passing whiff of wood-smoke and new leather. It's remarkably vibrant for its age. More bright fruit notes appear on the finish, with a suggestion of green tea and a little oak emerging after a minute or so. Truly exceptional, this is a dram worthy of serious contemplation.
Cellar Plan members enjoy a 10% saving on this spirit. Reduction will be applied at checkout.
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