1995 Imperial 20 Year Old "K&L Exclusive - Signatory" Single Barrel Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Staff Reviews

RW

Ryan Woodhouse

Ryan Woodhouse

Perhaps the most complex of the recent Signatory bottlings but requiring more "study" than the more quaffable, instantly lovable Linkwood. Here I get subtle iodine hints, salt, dry malt, baked bread then some floral, honeyed, richer notes come through as it warms in the glass. At 20 years of age the vessel is more evident here than the primary malty characters. The evolution of this whisky is beautiful and captivating. Enjoy.

Notes

This is the fourth (and final) cask of 1995 Imperial single malt whisky we've purchased from the Signatory warehouse, and we've definitely saved the best for last. The now-demolished facility will never make spirit again, so consider this cask one of the last goodbyes for a whisky we've come to love dearly over the years. Closed in the late 1990s and wiped completely off the face of the earth in 2013, each drop of Imperial consumed means there's that much less left in the world. The first sip is a like butterscotch and biscuits with an earthy resin note and a light coating of vanilla. Fans of Clynelish will love the waxy, floral, and soft fruited nature of the malt. Fans of Bunnahabhain will recognize that ghostly texture and hint of honey on the finish. Fans of higher proof whiskies will appreciate the drinkable and natural 49% ABV. You don't need to add water. It's perfectly proofed right where it is. Enjoy it while it lasts because this will be the final hurrah for this beloved series of single casks, one upon which we've built a number of adoring customers.