Imperial 25 yo - Batch 1 (That Boutique-Y Whisky Company)

Volume: 0.5 litres | Alcohol content: 46.5% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

This single-cask release preserves whisky from Imperial distillery’s final year of operation. Its maturation began in an ex-bourbon barrel in March 1998, the same year the distillery closed for the last time. After 25 years of maturation, That Boutique-y Whisky Company released the single malt as Batch 1.

The release comprises 285 bottles, each containing 0.5 litres at 46.5% alcohol. The whisky is non-chill-filtered, has no added colouring and comes in gift packaging. Its bourbon-cask maturation brings together sweet vanilla and a creamy, tropical-fruit character.

The label explores the simulation hypothesis: the idea that our reality could be part of a computer simulation. It alludes to a distillery whose buildings have disappeared, while its whisky can still be tasted.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose opens with lively citrus notes and lemon zest before waxy impressions emerge. Vanilla and delicate honey accompany them, with light oak and gentle hints of spice completing the aroma.
• Palate: The whisky is full-bodied and creamy on the palate. Hints of dried papaya, pineapple and mango meet a sweetness that develops into pronounced toffee and caramel notes. A little oak spice provides a counterpoint.
• Finish: Tropical fruit notes and the flavour of caramel pudding linger through the medium-length finish.

Distillery/Bottler:

Imperial was founded in Speyside in 1897. Repeated interruptions to production made it difficult to establish a single malt brand of its own; a substantial part of its output was intended for blends. Following its final closure in 1998, the buildings were demolished in 2013. Dalmunach was built on the site, incorporating parts of the old fabric into the new distillery.

Imperial drew its water from the Ballintomb Burn and, in its final years, sourced its malt from Burghead Maltings. Its equipment included a stainless-steel mash tun, six larch washbacks, two wash stills and two spirit stills for double distillation.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company launched as an independent bottler in September 2012. The company selects whiskies from distilleries around the world and also develops its own blends. Its selections include unusual casks that depart from a distillery’s customary style. Labels designed by Emily Chappell have been part of the concept from the outset, telling stories about distilleries, people or the whisky itself.

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