botIn the recent batch of Signatory Vintage bottlings for The Whisky Exchange, there is this Imperial 1995. One of the future classics, perhaps: a closed distillery and the quality is usually very high.
Imperial 20yo 1995 (50,8%, Signatory Vintage ‘Un-Chillfiltered’ for The Whisky Exchange 2016, hogshead #50252, 232 btl.)
Imperial 20yo 1995 (50,8%, Signatory Vintage ‘Un-Chillfiltered’ for The Whisky Exchange 2016, hogshead #50252, 232 btl.)Nose: starts on austere Fino-like aromas (limestone, hay, apples) before moving towards zesty citrus. Lemon, grapefruit. Then also banana skin and subtle hints of tangerine. Slightly candied notes in the background, as well as some honeysuckle and vanilla biscuits. Nice development, though maybe a bit polite.
Mouth: spicy and fruity. Pepper and tangy ginger alongside pears and lemon sweets. Light, minty oak. It rather stays on the light side, with a couple of floral touches.
Finish: zesty, very lightly bitter and dry, all on lemons and green leafy notes.
I’ve had quite a few of these Imperial 1995 bottlings and they’re all good. No exceptions here: zesty, fairly complex whisky, just a tad fragile. Probably the most affordable of all closed distilleries? Around € 85, only available from TWE.
Score: 87/100