Imperial distillery

Imperial Distillery is a distillery located in Scotland, known for its production of Scotch whisky. The distillery was established in the late 19th century and has a rich history of whisky production, despite periods of closure and changes in ownership.

History

The Imperial Distillery was founded in 1897 by Thomas Mackenzie, who was also involved with the Dailuaine and Talisker distilleries. The distillery was built during the whisky boom of the late 19th century, but unfortunately, it was not successful initially and was closed just a few years after its establishment.

In 1919, the distillery was acquired by Distillers Company Limited (DCL), which later became part of Diageo. Under DCL, the distillery was modernized and its production capacity was increased. However, the distillery was mothballed several times during the 20th century due to fluctuations in the demand for whisky.

In 1998, the distillery was acquired by Pernod Ricard, who decided to permanently close it in 2013. The buildings were demolished in 2013 to make way for a new distillery, Dalmunach Distillery, which started production in 2015.

Production

The Imperial Distillery was known for producing a light and delicate style of Speyside whisky. The whisky was primarily used in blended Scotch whiskies, such as Ballindalloch and Imperial Tribute. Despite its closure, bottles of Imperial single malt whisky can still be found on the market, often as independent bottlings.

The distillery had two wash stills and two spirit stills, with a total production capacity of around 2 million litres of alcohol per year. The whisky was matured in a combination of American oak and Spanish sherry casks.

Legacy

Despite its turbulent history and eventual closure, the Imperial Distillery has left a lasting legacy in the Scotch whisky industry. Its distinctive style of whisky is still appreciated by connoisseurs, and the distillery's buildings, although now demolished, were a notable example of Victorian industrial architecture.

The new Dalmunach Distillery, built on the site of the old Imperial Distillery, continues the tradition of whisky production in the area. While it produces a different style of whisky, it is a testament to the enduring importance of the Scotch whisky industry in Scotland.

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