Imperial 22 Years Old 1998 Monologue (52.1%, Chapter 7, Bourbon Barrel #104355, 218 Bottles, 2020)

• ABV: 52.1%
• Age: 22 Years Old
• Bottling: Chapter 7, Monologue
• Category: Speyside single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £199
• Origin: Imperial distillery
• Vintage: 1998

What they say

lmperial’s chequered history means it never had a chance to become established as a single malt brand. It’s a story of bad timing.

Owners mothballed and reopened it several times in its hundred-year history. By the time single Malt was becoming popular in the 1970s, it was already committed to supplying their malt for blends. Single malt whisky came into its own in the 1990s. But Imperial was closed in 1998 and demolished in 2013 to make way for the new Dalmunach Distillery. So it missed the opportunity to get the accolades it deserves.

While it has not reached the cult status of Brora or Port Ellen. Its reputation continues to grow. There isn’t much stock left and this cask is one of the very few left. This is a unicorn whisky!

Official tasting notes:

Nose: Apple jelly, honeydew, cinnamon sugar.

Palate: Pineapple, stewed pears, mango, lemon cake.

Finish:  Long with soft buttery pastry and lemon curd

What I say

Exploring the latest releases from Independent bottler Chapter 7 whisky, a total of 5 expressions released late 2020. One of the two older expression in this batch, both are 22 years old and distilled in 1998. The second comes from the former Imperial distillery in Speyside, now demolished and replaced by Dalmunach.

This post was sponsored by Chapter 7 Whisky by provision of a sample of this product.

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Amber gold (9/20), rounded, medium tears and ultra-fine legs.
• Nose: Vanilla rich, sweet and cloying, soft citrus fruits, sweetened/candied lemon peel, lime, orange, tangerine, sugary sweet, golden syrup and biscuity malty barley.
• Taste: Medium-full bodied, masses of fresh orange, honey and syrup sweetness, candied mixed peel, malty, biscuity, vanilla creme brulee and danish pastries.
• Finish: Long, sweet, oaky and fruity.

Overall

A mature, gentle and reserved Imperial expression, packed full of well aged fruit and wood with a focus on deep citrus zest.

Score 91/100

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