Signatory Vintage 1995 Imperial 30 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Signatory Vintage 1995 Imperial 30 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rare and highly mature Speyside release from the long-closed Imperial Distillery, distilled on 18 September 1995 and bottled on 10 October 2025 after 30 years of maturation. Selected for Signatory Vintage’s prestigious Symington’s Choice series within the Cask Strength Collection, this exceptional single cask matured in Hogshead #50271 and yielded just 189 bottles worldwide. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 56.9% ABV, it showcases the elegant, fruit-driven side of mature Imperial, with layers of honey, vanilla, ripe tropical fruit, marzipan and seasoned oak. With the distillery permanently closed, long-aged single casks of this calibre have become increasingly scarce, making this a particularly compelling example of old-school Speyside whisky.

Distillery: Imperial Distillery
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Series: Symington’s Choice / Cask Strength Collection
Vintage: 1995
Age: 30 Years Old
ABV: 56.9%
Cask Type: Hogshead
Cask Number: 50271
Outturn: 189 Bottles

Founded in 1988, Signatory Vintage is renowned for selecting exceptional single casks and bottling them with minimal intervention, allowing both distillery character and maturation to remain clearly defined. Symington’s Choice represents some of the most carefully selected casks within Signatory’s portfolio, personally associated with founder Andrew Symington and generally reserved for mature, distinctive releases. Imperial Distillery was founded in 1897 in Speyside and experienced a turbulent operational history, spending long periods silent before finally closing permanently in 1998. The site was later demolished, with Dalmunach Distillery built in its place. As a result, mature Imperial has become increasingly sought after, prized for its refined fruit character, honeyed malt and elegant texture. After three decades in a single hogshead, this 1995 cask offers a rare opportunity to experience the distillery at impressive maturity and natural strength.

Tasting Notes:

The aroma is rich and layered, opening with honey, vanilla and ripe fruit, particularly mango and peach, alongside soft oak and gentle spice. As it develops, touches of marzipan and orchard fruit appear beneath the sweeter notes, giving the nose a beautifully mature and polished character. The palate is full-bodied and harmonious, with sweet malt, honey and marzipan joined by kumquat, red apple and ripe tropical fruit. Subtle oak spice and a faint mineral quality add structure without overwhelming the fruit-forward profile. The finish is medium-long to long, with seasoned wood, gentle bitterness and lingering bright fruit gradually giving way to a dry, elegant and slightly mineral conclusion.