Imperial Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Imperial is one of Speyside’s most intriguing “ghost distilleries”, a site whose whisky is no longer produced, making existing bottlings rare and highly sought after. Located in Carron, in the heart of Speyside, Imperial was originally built in 1897, a year often referred to as the whisky boom of the late Victorian era. The distillery was established by Thomas Mackenzie, who also had ownership ties to Dailuaine and Talisker.

The name Imperial was chosen in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee that same year, and the distillery was lavishly constructed for its time, with striking architectural features and a focus on modern (for the era) production technology. However, its operating life was sporadic. Shortly after opening, whisky demand fell, and Imperial shut down in 1898, beginning a long cycle of closures and reopenings throughout the 20th century.

Ownership of Imperial passed through several hands, including Distillers Company Limited (DCL) and later Allied Distillers, but its output remained relatively limited. Much of its whisky was used in blends such as Teacher’s, Long John, and Ballantine’s, with only a small number of single malt bottlings ever released.

Imperial’s production style reflected classic Speyside character: a fruity, floral spirit distilled in copper pot stills using water from the Ballintomb Burn. Maturation predominantly took place in ex-bourbon barrels, though sherry casks were also used for select expressions. The whisky’s gentle, orchard-fruit sweetness, soft malt, and creamy texture made it a valued blending component, but it also shone in independent bottlings when given the spotlight.

The distillery closed for the final time in 1998, and the site remained silent until its demolition in 2013. On its footprint, Dalmunach Distillery was built by Chivas Brothers, incorporating some architectural nods to Imperial but operating as an entirely new facility. This final closure sealed Imperial’s status as a ghost distillery, with no possibility of new production, meaning every existing cask has become a finite piece of whisky history.

Today, Imperial single malts are found mostly through independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage, and Duncan Taylor, as well as the occasional official bottling from Chivas Brothers’ limited releases. These whiskies range from youthful, zesty examples to rare 30+ year-old casks showing exceptional maturity and complexity.

Flavour-wise, Imperial is often described as elegant, fruity, and balanced. Common notes include apple, pear, honey, vanilla, and soft floral tones, with older examples developing richer layers of toffee, nuts, and gentle spice. The texture is typically creamy and smooth, with a clean, lingering finish, a profile that’s both distinctly Speyside and distinctively Imperial.

Our Imperial selection focuses on these rare and disappearing bottlings, from vibrant mid-aged expressions to gracefully matured cask-strength releases. Whether you’re a collector seeking a piece of Speyside history or a drinker looking to experience the subtle charm of a lost distillery, Imperial offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era of Scotch whisky-making, one that will never be repeated.