Bimber Single Cask Port Cask #39 Cask Strength

This is the Bimber expression I've been most eager to try. It appears a friend has done a commendable job introducing it, so I'll echo their sentiment: “When we first laid down our initial casks in 2016, our vision included establishing port maturation as a fourth cornerstone of our wood strategy, alongside our established use of ex-bourbon, virgin casks, and a growing variety of sherry cask finishes. Our ruby port casks originated from Portugal's Duoro Valley – the historic heartland of port production, where winemaking traditions span over two millennia. These casks have now matured for a significant period, with this release reaching almost five years of age." Nose: Rich, dense, and indulgent. Abundant dark jammy fruit, cranberry, dark toffee, and light buttery pastries. Opulent leather notes, cinnamon, and subtle hints of mellow wood spice. An incredibly appealing aroma. Palate: Thick, gently warming, sticky, and syrupy. Blackcurrant, cranberry, green mango, pronounced mocha bitterness, crème brûlée with a prominent caramelized sugar crust, and leathery, tannic wood balanced by a hit of pepper. The palate fulfilled the promise of the nose; a satisfying outcome. Finish: Lingering. Well-balanced mocha richness and bitterness, berry sweetness, tannic spice, and a juicy quality. I'm genuinely surprised and thoroughly impressed. Previously, I've been quite critical and unimpressed with Bimber (perhaps contrary to general opinion), but this port cask expression truly shines. The distillery has clearly exercised careful cask selection, and the spirit has integrated beautifully with the Duoro Valley Port Casks. Excellent work by Bimber. However, there's one significant drawback: the price point of AUD$220. For comparison, the highly regarded Arran Port Finish is AUD$99. While the Bimber offers delightful berry flavors and a pastry note that are exceptional, the question remains whether they justify an additional $130. It's a difficult decision. Regardless, Bimber has excelled with this bottling. My previous impression that Bimber's American oak releases felt too young is challenged here, with excellence achieved despite the distillery openly stating the spirit's approximate age of five years. [Pictured without ice, accompanied by a tent, a dog, and some Western Australian scenery.] 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