Imperial distillery

Introduction to Imperial

A distillery rich in Speyside heritage

Imperial was a classic Speyside distillery located near Carron in Morayshire, Scotland. While no longer operational, Imperial produced whiskies that exemplified the elegant, fruity character of the Speyside region. The distillery’s legacy lives on through independent bottlings that are highly sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts alike.

Built on the banks of the River Spey, Imperial enjoyed access to the pure water that has made this region famous for whisky production. Its distinctive pagoda-topped buildings were a landmark in the area for over a century.

Why we have a soft spot for Imperial

At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries that tell a story through their bottles, and Imperial certainly does that. We particularly value Imperial for its increasingly rare expressions that offer a taste of whisky history – liquid time capsules from a distillery that now exists only in memory and in the bottles that remain.

The whisky’s refined character combines honeyed sweetness with delicate fruitiness in a way that beautifully captures traditional Speyside craftsmanship. Each bottle represents a diminishing resource that cannot be replicated.

The history behind Imperial

Origin and development

Imperial was established in 1897 by Thomas Mackenzie, co-owner of Dailuaine and Talisker distilleries, during the whisky boom of the late 19th century. The timing proved unfortunate as the industry soon faced the Pattison Crisis, which led to Imperial’s closure just a year after opening.

The distillery experienced a sporadic operational history, reopening in 1919 before closing again in 1925. It then remained silent until 1955 when it was rebuilt and reopened. This pattern of operation and closure continued throughout its history, with periods of production in 1965-1985 and 1991-1998.

In 2013, the distillery buildings were demolished to make way for the new Dalmunach Distillery, marking the final chapter in Imperial’s physical existence.

The people behind

Through its various operational phases, Imperial passed through the hands of several owners, including Scottish Malt Distillers and later becoming part of Allied Domecq. Each stewardship brought subtle changes to the production methods, though the essential character of the whisky remained remarkably consistent.

The master distillers who oversaw Imperial’s production during its intermittent activity were known for their commitment to traditional methods, helping to establish Imperial’s reputation for quality despite its irregular production history.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Imperial used locally sourced barley and the pure waters of the Spey Valley to create its distinctive spirit. The distillery featured two wash stills and two spirit stills of traditional design, with a production capacity of around 1.6 million liters per year.

The fermentation process at Imperial was relatively long by industry standards, which helped develop the fruity, estery notes that characterize its whisky. Distillation was conducted slowly and carefully to promote copper contact and create a clean, elegant spirit.

Maturation and aging

Maturation primarily took place in ex-bourbon American oak casks, which imparted vanilla, coconut, and sweet spice notes to complement the distillery’s naturally fruity spirit. Some releases were also matured in sherry casks, adding layers of dried fruit and rich complexity.

The damp Speyside climate created ideal conditions for a balanced maturation, allowing the whisky to develop richness without losing its essential character. Many of the most prized bottles from Imperial are those that aged for 20+ years, developing profound depth while retaining the distillery’s signature lightness.

Selected products from Imperial

Imperial 1995 Independent Bottlings – A gateway to the distillery’s style

Bottlings from the mid-1990s production era often showcase the quintessential Imperial profile. With notes of ripe orchard fruits, honey, vanilla, and a distinctive malty sweetness, these expressions provide an excellent introduction to what made Imperial special.

The medium-bodied palate typically offers a silky texture with a gentle spice that builds gradually, leading to a clean, satisfying finish with lingering fruit notes.

Imperial 1970s Vintage Releases – An experience for connoisseurs

The rare bottlings from Imperial’s 1970s production period represent some of the most coveted expressions. These older releases often display remarkable complexity with deeper oak influence, tropical fruit notes, and a sophisticated interplay between sweet and dry characteristics.

Expect a more viscous mouthfeel, enhanced antique oak notes, and subtle hints of waxiness – a profile that rewards contemplative sipping and offers a glimpse into whisky-making from a bygone era.

Visit the distillery

A historical site

While the original Imperial Distillery no longer exists, whisky enthusiasts visiting Speyside can see the site where it once stood, now home to Dalmunach Distillery. The surrounding Speyside region offers numerous opportunities to explore Scotland’s whisky heritage, with many neighboring distilleries offering tours and tastings.

The beautiful landscape that once inspired Imperial’s creators remains unchanged, giving visitors a sense of the natural environment that contributed to the whisky’s character.

Frequently asked questions

What is Imperial?

Imperial was a Speyside whisky distillery that operated intermittently between 1897 and 1998. Though now closed and demolished, its legacy lives on through independent bottlings of its single malt whisky. The distillery was known for producing a classic Speyside style with notes of orchard fruits, honey, and delicate spice.

Where was Imperial located?

Imperial Distillery was located near the village of Carron in Morayshire, Scotland, on the banks of the River Spey in the heart of Speyside. The site is now occupied by Dalmunach Distillery, which was built after Imperial’s demolition in 2013.

What characterizes Imperial whisky?

Imperial is particularly known for its elegant, medium-bodied whiskies with a distinctive fruitiness. Key characteristics include apple and pear notes, honeyed sweetness, vanilla, and a gentle maltiness. With age, these whiskies often develop more complex tropical fruit notes and subtle oak spice while maintaining their essential refinement.

Where can I buy whisky from Imperial?

As Imperial is a closed distillery, bottles are increasingly rare but can still be found through specialist retailers like Vault of Spirits. We occasionally offer carefully selected independent bottlings of Imperial, focusing on expressions that best represent this lost distillery’s unique character. Due to their rarity, these bottles are not only excellent drinking whiskies but also valuable collectibles.