Bimber Apogee XII Pure Malt Whisky

This pour of Apogee XII marks the conclusion of a rather underwhelming experience with Londons Bimber Distillery. This expression is a marriage of Speyside and Highland single malts, each aged for a minimum of 12 years. Following the blend, the whisky enjoyed an additional period of maturation in ex-bourbon casks previously utilized for Bimber's single malt, known for their spice-forward character. The bottle's design, intended to mimic the texture of Bimber's copper pot stills, is noted. As I only have a sample, not a full bottle, let's wrap up this series. Nose: Begins with new oak and a generous amount of honeyed pear, complemented by hints of warmth from dry ginger, malty biscuit, and a subtle balsamic aroma. Extended nosing reveals the honey evolving into a richer brown sugar. Palate: Exhibits a light, syrupy consistency with a vibrant core of pear and apricot. Notes of pepper, menthol, and perfumed sandalwood/cedar wood are present. A touch of caramel adds a silky richness, and focusing on these smooth elements uncovers mint alongside the cooling menthol. Finish: Medium-short. Somewhat uninspired, featuring generic orchard fruit and oak spice, with pepper on the departure. My expectations of a standard sipping whisky were surpassed; instead, an intriguing interplay of fruit, scents, wood, and sweetness emerged on the nose and palate. While the finish is somewhat lackluster and the individual flavors aren't particularly remarkable, the progression, textures, and overall enjoyment are exceptionally well-executed. Everything integrates harmoniously. Not a poor conclusion to an otherwise largely unremarkable series from Londons Bimber. [Accompanied by an image showcasing more Western Australian landscape and a sunset, out of focus, without ice.] Bimber running scores: ex-Bourbon (batch 2, cask strength): 2.5 re-charred American oak: 2.75 Virgin American oak single cask: 3 Aus Excl. ex-bourbon cask #191: 2.5 Bimber Port cask 39 cask strength: 4.5 Apogee Pure Malt XII: 3.75

Nose: Conference pear and floral notes with hints of spicy ginger root. Vanilla bean on the retrohale. Palate: Spicy pepper and ginger with some fruity sweetness that I can't quite identify. Finish: Lightly caramelized pear that becomes sweeter in the aftertaste.

Ashy, with heavy tobacco and tannic leather. Mild honey and warmth (for a beginner like me). A dry finish with some spelt-like aftertaste.