Bimber Re-Charred Oak Casks

I recently sampled my first Bimber whisky from this London-based, Polish distillery, specifically their ex-bourbon cask expression. It's an undeniably young spirit with significant potential. To me, it represented a decent introduction to another English distillery aiming to compete with the Scottish producers. Tonight, I'm trying Bimber's second release, aged exclusively in re-charred American oak casks, with 5000 bottles produced at 51.9% ABV. These casks were reportedly acquired as virgin oak by another distillery, filled without charring, then emptied, charred by Bimber, and refilled. So, 'recharred' is somewhat inaccurate; 'recharged' certainly applies. Nose: An immediate wave of fresh grilled peaches is astounding. Vanilla and caramelized brown sugar are present, along with hints of orange zest, light floral notes like a spring meadow, and a touch of fresh grass. Woody herbs such as thyme emerge, and with time, the wood develops a peppery edge. I might be mistaken, but there's also a suggestion of sponge cake or warm cornbread. Palate: It possesses good viscosity and a noticeable heat that awakens the senses. Notes of brown sugar caramel, nutmeg, and cinnamon spice that borders on harsh black pepper are detected. There's nuttiness, malt, and a touch of generic stone fruit sweetness. The spiciness intensifies and becomes somewhat off-putting over time, unfortunately overshadowing the softer chocolate and fresh citrus notes underneath. Finish: Medium-long, characterized by lingering pepper and cinnamon heat, gradually transitioning to a mild chili warmth. Vanilla and crème brûlée appear as subtle undertones. The nose is like the ex-bourbon version, but amplified significantly. The orange zest, heightened florals, and reduced grassiness blend beautifully with the intense presence of charred peaches. The peppery spice has been added in a rather disagreeable manner since the ex-bourbon release. I find this palate challenging to appreciate fully. Some reviews describe this as texture-driven with well-defined flavors that are excessively drinkable. Perhaps my perception is flawed, as it sometimes is, or maybe this spirit simply doesn't agree with me. Nonetheless, the nose is wonderful, truly excellent, and a considerable improvement over the ex-Bourbon. In my opinion, the fresh char struggles against an aggressively spicy profile from a young spirit. The promise remains... [Pictured with a blue-spotted specimen of 'K2 Granite'. As the name implies, K2 Granite originates from K2, the world's second-highest peak, in the Skardu region of northern Pakistan. This granite features blue azurite, a copper carbonate mineral, which has filled grain boundaries, tiny fractures, and dyed feldspar crystals. The azurite is a secondary mineralization feature formed after the granite crystallized from magma]

The pour is a deep caramel hue with bright copper undertones. The substantial alcohol presence is not overwhelming on the nose, which is enveloped by ripe fruit, raisins, prunes, vanilla, and a subtle wood note. A pinch of spice and almond is also present. Compelling. On the palate, it's oily and smooth, with the initial sip feeling truly embracing and warm. It has a sweet profile with a cinnamon undertone that evokes a holiday feel: dried apricots and peaches, vanilla, a bit of pepper, and almonds. Everything is well integrated and harmonious; one might call it dangerously drinkable, especially for a spirit that appears to be only four years old, as it possesses far more structure than many older spirits. The finish is moderately long, featuring ripe fruit, cinnamon, and vanilla.

The second sample from my Bimber collection is noted as a test batch from a recharred cask, bottled at 51.9%. It might differ slightly from the retail version but should be close enough for a review. The aroma is malty with hints of lemon, pine, salt, and sweet orange oil. It's crisp and malty on the palate, with a silky, oily texture and more of those sweet orange notes. The finish is long and toasty, though a rough youthful spirit character is detectable underneath. It's excellent for its age, especially when compared to American craft distilleries.

Revisiting this spirit, and the experience continues... Nose: Whipped cream, fruitcake, very sweet. Hints of seeds, possibly toasted sunflower seeds, and nutty characteristics. Pears, vanilla, caramel, red and green apples, melon, and a touch of lemon zest. I detect a subtle note of Earl Grey tea. It's important to remember this is only aged for 3 years. Tasting: Light floral notes and some apple skin. Finish: More apple skin, with some toasted nut flavors.

Whisky produced in London. I'm somewhat curious about its character. Please note that this is only a three-year-old whisky. Nosing: honey, lemon tart and its crust, a hint of rosemary, sesame, floral notes, oakiness, fruitcake, New York cheesecake, creamy texture, apricot. Tasting: oaky, creamy, nutty, quite oily. Finishing: ends with a touch of smokiness.

From the online spirits club. Smell: Caramel, yeasty bread, cherry, sour apple candy, raisins, vanilla, citrus, brown sugar, and floral notes. Taste: Caramel, cinnamon, brown sugar, mint, green apple, cherry, apricot, and butter. Aftertaste: Vanilla, citrus, caramel, toffee, butterscotch, and floral notes.