Imperial 21 yo (1982/2004), Chieftain’s Choice – Fino Sherry, 46%

Introduction

Imperial 21 Year Old (1982/2004) represents a precious piece of Scotch whisky heritage from a now-silent distillery, carefully selected and bottled by Chieftain’s Choice to preserve the unique character of this historic Speyside producer.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Premium Scottish malted barley, sourced to meet the exacting standards of Imperial Distillery’s traditional production methods
• Distillation process: Double distilled in Imperial’s distinctive copper pot stills that contributed to the distillery’s characteristic flavor profile
• Maturation: Aged for 21 years in carefully selected Fino Sherry casks, imparting a unique dry-sweet complexity and refined character
• Special techniques: Bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration to preserve the whisky’s natural oils and complex flavor compounds

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Delicate dried fruits, toasted nuts, citrus peel, and subtle floral honey with underlying notes of oak spice and Fino Sherry’s distinctive dry character
• Palate: Rich yet elegant profile with layers of toffee, dried apricots, almonds, and a gentle salinity complemented by oak spice, vanilla, and hints of leather
• Finish: Long and satisfying with a pleasing interplay between sweet malt, dry sherry characteristics, and subtle oak tannins that slowly fade

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C) to allow full expression of the complex flavor profile
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped Glencairn whisky glass to concentrate the delicate aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat with a few drops of spring water to open up the complex layers of flavor
• Food pairings: Aged cheeses, dark chocolate with sea salt, or Spanish tapas that complement the Fino Sherry influence

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 46% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland/Speyside
• Certifications/Awards: From the renowned Chieftain’s Choice collection by Ian Macleod Distillers, known for exceptional cask selection

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Imperial 21 Year Old offers a rare glimpse into the distinctive character of a historic distillery that closed its doors forever in 1998, making each bottle an increasingly precious testament to Scottish whisky heritage.

With a limited number of casks ever filled at Imperial Distillery in 1982, and even fewer selected for the prestigious Chieftain’s Choice range, this bottling represents a rapidly diminishing opportunity to experience this vanished distillery’s craft.

Bottled by Ian Macleod Distillers, one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers with generations of expertise in selecting only the finest casks, this expression carries the stamp of authority that whisky connoisseurs recognize and trust.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

This Imperial 21 Year Old has garnered appreciation from serious whisky collectors and aficionados who recognize the significance of well-aged expressions from closed distilleries.

Whisky enthusiasts who have committed to exploring the heritage of lost Scottish distilleries consider Imperial bottlings essential components of a comprehensive collection that traces Speyside’s rich distilling history.

The distinctive Fino Sherry maturation sets this bottling apart, earning it recognition as a particularly noteworthy expression among the increasingly rare Imperial releases available to collectors.

From Imperial’s Legacy to Your Collection

Chieftain’s Choice has shared this exceptional cask with the whisky world, offering connoisseurs the gift of experiencing a piece of Scotch whisky history that can never be recreated.

The elegance of this Imperial expression, with its refined character and perfect balance of Fino Sherry influence, exemplifies the appealing artistry that made this distillery’s output so respected among those who truly understand fine single malt.

By adding this Imperial 21 Year Old to your collection, you join a select community of whisky enthusiasts who value and preserve Scotland’s rich distilling heritage, ensuring these vanished flavors continue to be appreciated for generations to come.