Imperial 19yo (1995/2015) Signatory Vintage

I already talked about, how Imperial, apart from being one hell of a classy Speysider, could well become the new Littlemill. Due to its unique profile, recoqniqable , anise driven profile, it is listed high on my distillery list. And the good people behind Signatory seem to agree. Especially when it comes to 1995 vintage releases. According to the popular whiskybase website, Signatory has released no less than 53 whiskies, from 83 casks over the years. There were no less than 11 separate bottlings of Imperial by Signatory. I managed to get my hands on both an Un-chillfiltered and a cask strength release.

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Description: a vatting of two 19 year old of sherry hogsheads # 50175 and 50176 bottled by Signatory Vintage for their Un-chillfiltered Collection.

Nose: an interesting sweet marzipan scented nose, with a drop of pineapple, moist chalk dust, the inevitable aniseed and wood varnish. Over time, when given time to breath the anise grows stronger and becomes the dominant force.

Mouth: a fresh mouthfeel on an oily body, with a far less fruity palate of linseed and rye bread. Due to the 19 odd years in cask the oak has left its signature mark in the form of vanillin and white pepper.

Finish: a short, bitter and mouth drying end with just a trickle of pineapple juice

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Verdict: I saw some reviews listing over twenty elements, that they were able to recognise in either the nose or on the mouth. Maybe my palate is not yet refined enough, but to me this is a pretty straightforward whisky, a lovely nose in combination with a solid body. Works for me!

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