Thy Whisky Heritage Barley Imperial 2019 Single Malt Danish Whisky 70 cl 56%

Imperial. A name that carries history with it. Imperial barley is one of the oldest known malting barleys – and Thy Whisky has used it to distil a single malt that focuses specifically on the grain's identity.

Expert description

Thy Whisky Heritage Barley Imperial 2019 is a Danish Single Malt Whisky bottled at 56% in a 70 cl bottle. Distilled in 2019 and matured at Thy Whisky Distillery in Thy. Imperial is a historic English malting barley variety with roots going back to the 19th century, which was once dominant in British beer and whisky production. Thy Whisky are pioneers in rediscovering these heritage barley varieties in Danish whisky – a series that includes KORNMOD, STOVT and Maltmod.

56% is a good strength for this type of heritage barley single malt – powerful enough to show the grain's character, but not excessive. A 2019 distillation provides a well-matured foundation.

Tasting notes

Nose

Fresh and grain-expressive with honey, light herbs and a richer, more substantial malt dimension than modern malting barley. The Imperial character is clearly present.

Palate

Full-bodied and grain-rich with sweet malt, light oak influence and a deeper, more substantial grain base than standard barley. Interesting and different.

Finish

Moderately long with clean malt sweetness and light oak warmth. Solid and satisfying.

Specifications

Name: Thy Whisky Heritage Barley Imperial 2019
Distillery: Thy Whisky
Region/Country: Thy, Denmark
Type: Danish Single Malt Whisky
ABV: 56%
Size: 70 CL
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2019

Flavour profile

Heritage grain · Imperial barley · Grain-expressive · Honey · Solid

Did you know?

Imperial barley was developed in England in the 1820s and was for a long time the dominant malting barley variety in Britain. With the industrialisation of agriculture it disappeared in favour of higher-yielding but flavourwise more neutral modern varieties. Today Imperial is grown primarily for specialist use – and Thy Whisky is one of the first distilleries in Scandinavia to use it for whisky.

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Frequently asked questions about Thy Whisky Heritage Barley Imperial 2019

What is Imperial barley?

Imperial is a historic malting barley variety from England, originating in the 1820s. It is larger, heavier and gives a richer, more complex grain character than the modern high-yield barley varieties that dominate today. Thy Whisky uses Imperial as part of their Heritage Barley series, which explores what historic grain varieties contribute to whisky's flavour.

What is Thy Whisky's Heritage Barley series?

Heritage Barley is a series of single malt expressions that use historic and heritage barley varieties instead of modern malting barley. The series includes No 18 KORNMOD, No 13 STOVT, No 20 Maltmod and Imperial 2019 – all experiments in what Danish heritage grain terroir contributes to whisky production.

Is Thy Whisky Heritage Barley Imperial 2019 chill filtered?

No, it is bottled without chill filtration and with natural colour. This preserves the natural grain oils and the full flavour complexity from the Imperial barley distillate.

What distinguishes Imperial 2019 from KORNMOD and STOVT?

All three are heritage barley varieties, but they have different flavour profiles. Imperial is an English variety with a solid, grain-richer character; KORNMOD and STOVT are Danish varieties with their own distinct profiles. Imperial 2019 is additionally a date-specific vintage, not a numbered series.

What pairs well with Thy Whisky Heritage Barley Imperial 2019?

The full grain character pairs with bread-based accompaniments, mature cheeses and lightly smoked food. It is excellent for neat tasting to experience what a historic grain type contributes to whisky's fundamental profile.

Is Imperial 2019 limited?

Yes. The 2019 distillation is a fixed time-specific batch. The quantity is limited by the available Imperial barley, and the vintage is not reproduced exactly.