Imperial 1989/2025 - 35 Year Old - Aficionado - Bourbon Barrel #182 - Murray McDavid

Profile: The Imperial 1989/2025 - 35 Years - Aficionado - Bourbon Barrel #182 - Murray McDavid at a glance

• A Speyside name with history: This single malt comes from the long-closed Imperial Distillery in Scotland, giving the whisky real historical depth.
• Years of patient maturation: Distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2025, it spent 35 years resting in a Bourbon Barrel, gaining complexity and finesse over time.
• Independent bottling with a clear point of view: Murray McDavid is known for carefully chosen casks and releases that respect the distillery’s original character.
• Natural and unadorned: Bottled without added colour, the whisky shows the tone and texture created by the cask alone.
• Nicely composed strength: At 42.7% vol., it remains approachable while still offering enough presence for a slow, attentive tasting.

Portrait: What defines the Imperial 1989/2025 - 35 Years - Aficionado - Bourbon Barrel #182 - Murray McDavid

Imperial is one of those distilleries whose whiskies attract interest not only because of age, but because of where they come from. The Imperial Distillery in Speyside is part of whisky history now, yet its spirit still holds a special place among enthusiasts. This single malt was distilled in 1989 and matured for 35 years in a Bourbon Barrel before Murray McDavid bottled it in 2025 for the Aficionado range. The result is a whisky that wears maturity lightly, showing poise rather than weight.

Much of its appeal lies in the relationship between spirit and cask. Bourbon barrel ageing brings out brighter fruit, soft creaminess and a gently rounded structure without masking the distillery character. The whisky therefore feels distinctly Speyside in style: smooth, layered and quietly expressive, with enough nuance to reward careful tasting.

For fans of rare Scottish single malts, this bottling is especially interesting because of the combination of origin, age and cask choice. It speaks of a vanished distillery, decades in wood and the thoughtful curation of an independent bottler. A whisky like this does not need to be loud; it convinces through substance, balance and detail.

Tasting Notes: How the Imperial 1989/2025 - 35 Years - Aficionado - Bourbon Barrel #182 - Murray McDavid tastes

• Aroma: Ripe pineapple, soft butter and a touch of stone fruit shape the opening nose, giving it a warm and gently creamy fruit profile.
• Palate: Sweet peach, light malt and a carefully placed hint of peat come together in a balanced, elegant way rather than with force.
• Finish: The finish fades with mild ginger spice and a fleeting wisp of smoke.