The Imperial (Silent) Signatory Vintage Symington’s Choice Single Cask #50274 1995 30 Year Old Whisky is a remarkable example of mature Speyside whisky from a distillery that no longer exists. Distilled in 1995 and matured for 30 years before being bottled at natural cask strength, this rare single cask release offers a rare opportunity to experience the character of Imperial in its fully developed form.
Selected for Signatory Vintage’s prestigious Symington’s Choice series, this bottling represents some of the finest casks in the company’s inventory. With only a limited number of bottles produced from cask #50274, it stands as a highly desirable release for collectors and enthusiasts of silent distilleries.
The Story Behind Imperial Distillery
Imperial Distillery was founded in 1897 in Carron, Speyside, but its history was far from continuous. The distillery opened and closed multiple times throughout the 20th century before finally ceasing production in 1998. It was later demolished in 2013, marking the end of Imperial as a working distillery.
For much of its life, Imperial’s spirit was used primarily for blending, meaning relatively few official single malt releases were ever produced. Today, independent bottlings such as this one are among the only ways to experience its whisky, which makes surviving casks increasingly rare and sought after.
For collectors of silent distillery whisky or mature Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, Imperial holds a unique place.
Signatory Vintage Symington’s Choice
The Imperial 1995 30 Year Old has been bottled by Signatory Vintage, one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers. The Symington’s Choice range is reserved for exceptional single casks personally selected by the Symington family, showcasing whisky at its natural strength without chill filtration or added colour.
This release spent three decades maturing in a single cask, allowing the spirit to develop remarkable depth while retaining the elegant Speyside character associated with Imperial. The cask has imparted layers of fruit, honeyed sweetness, spice and oak without overpowering the underlying distillery style.
With only a limited outturn, this is a whisky that offers both rarity and exceptional maturity.
Tasting Notes: Imperial 1995 30 Year Old
Nose: Honeyed malt, orchard fruits, vanilla, soft spice and polished oak.
Palate: Rich and well-rounded, with ripe apple, pear, citrus, toffee, gentle spice and elegant oak.
Finish: Long, smooth and warming, with lingering sweetness, soft spice and refined wood influence.
Thirty years in cask have created a whisky that balances maturity with freshness, allowing the distillery character to remain clearly defined.
How to Enjoy Imperial 30 Year Old
A whisky from a silent distillery deserves careful appreciation.
Neat: The best way to experience its full complexity and depth.
With a few drops of water: Water opens additional fruit and softens the oak, revealing further layers.
For collectors: A rare example of Imperial whisky following the distillery’s closure and demolition.
For special occasions: A fitting whisky for marking milestones or sharing with fellow enthusiasts.
Every dram represents a piece of Speyside history that can never be recreated.
Why Imperial 1995 30 Year Old Stands Out
This release is particularly special for several reasons.
- Distilled in 1995 and matured for 30 years.
- Produced at the now-silent Imperial Distillery.
- Bottled by Signatory Vintage in the Symington’s Choice series.
- Drawn from a single cask (#50274).
- Bottled at natural cask strength.
- Non-chill filtered and natural colour.
- Highly limited and increasingly rare.
As remaining stocks of Imperial continue to diminish, releases like this become ever more desirable.
Why Buy Imperial 30 Year Old at HTFW?
At Hard To Find Whisky, we specialise in sourcing rare and collectable Scotch whisky, including exceptional independent bottlings from silent distilleries.
The Imperial 1995 30 Year Old Signatory Symington’s Choice Whisky is a standout addition to our range, offering both remarkable maturity and the unique appeal of a lost distillery.
When buying from HTFW, customers benefit from:
- Authentic rare and collectable stock
- Fast UK dispatch
- Worldwide delivery
- A wide selection of silent distillery whiskies
- Access to premium independent bottlings
- Excellent customer service from a UK family-run whisky specialist
Shop Imperial 30 Year Old here:
Final Thoughts
The Imperial 1995 30 Year Old Signatory Symington’s Choice is a superb example of mature Speyside whisky from a distillery that no longer exists. Thirty years of careful maturation have created a whisky that is rich, elegant and beautifully balanced, while the single cask format ensures a unique character that will never be repeated.
For collectors and enthusiasts, it represents a rare opportunity to experience Imperial in its fully developed form, making it a highly desirable addition to any serious whisky collection.
Ready to secure a piece of Speyside history?
Shop the Imperial 1995 30 Year Old Signatory Symington’s Choice Whisky now at HTFW.
