Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 Signatory

It is always exciting to discover a new single malt. Today, I am trying my first ever Imperial. It is a lesser known distillery that was more closed than it was open. This bottle was released last year by The Nectar, a Belgian bottler.

The nose is creamy, even waxy, with buttercups and vanilla in the lead, followed by pineapples on syrup. Some earthy notes too. A touch of eucalyptus gives it a fresh lift. Quite enjoyable, but not at all complex.

On the palate, it goes downhill. Rather flat on vanilla and a slight spiciness. The pineapple is still there, but little else. Pinch of pepper and liquorice, but also some drying oak that makes it bitter.

The finish is long and drying, but too many tannins spoil the dram.

Not bad as a first encounter, but I cannot say I like this one. Rather middle of the road and too bitter towards to the end. Friendly priced though, at 43 EUR.

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