Imperial 27 year old Living Souls

This distinguished 27-year-old Imperial, distilled during the distillery’s final year of operation in 1998, offers a rare opportunity to experience a silent Highland gem. Its character evokes a summer meadow at golden hour, where wildflowers drift in the breeze and notes of citrus enliven the air. On the palate, layers of beeswax, honey, and orchard fruits unfold in perfect harmony, balancing richness with refined delicacy. The finish endures with elegance and quiet grace, exemplifying the unmistakable signature of Imperial’s distinctive style.

IMPERIAL DISTILLERY

Imperial Distillery, founded in 1897 during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, was named in honor of the Royal House. The original kiln featured a large royal crest. The founder, Thomas Mackenzie, also had significant stakes in Talisker and Dailuaine distilleries. Renowned distillery architect Charles Doig designed the buildings.

Production began the same year, but the distillery closed less than 18 months later due to the Pattison Whisky crash of 1899. It remained closed for two decades, reopening in 1919 under the management of DCL, Dewars, and Johnnie Walker, who had acquired the site in 1916. In 1925, DCL took full ownership but soon ceased production again.

The distillery reopened in 1955 under SMD, marking its penultimate period of operation. After closing again in 1985, it reopened for the final time from 1991 to 1998. In 1998, the distillery was mothballed, and most of the buildings were demolished in 2013. Chivas Brothers subsequently built a new distillery on the site, now known as Dalmunach.