Speyside > Imperial

Imperial distillery was built in 1897 by Thomas Mackenzie. When Mackenzie died in 1915, the distillery was taken over by a group of customers James Buchanan, John Dewar and John Walker. This same group of men went on to form the association under the name Distillers Company Ltd ten years later. With a shaky start and history Imperial distillery started production in the summer of 1898 only to close a year later for over 20 years. Production did recommence in 1919 after World War I but, again, for only six years. It closed between 1925 and 1955, but the malting floors still remained in use during this time. The distillery was rebuilt in 1960, and its production capacity was doubled in 1965. Imperial fell silent during the 1980's. It was purchased in 1989 by Allied Distillers who, after some work reopened the distillery in 1991. Although they went on to mothball it in 1998 and there are no sure sign that it will ever open again.

Imperial single malt is almost exclusive to independent bottlers such as Gordon & McPhail who offers a vintage edition. Although there was limited release of a 15 Year original bottling. The majority of production went to the blending industry, mainly for Teachers, Long John, Ballantines and Old Smuggler.

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