Bimber my favorite distillery.

I often get asked, which is my favorite distillery - a question I don't find easy to answer.  But the three which I tend to gravitate to are the three B's, (not freebies as someone thought I once said-- although I'll never say no to a free whisky!)

The B's in question are: Bunnahabhain, Bladnoch and Bimber.  Most people know or have heard of the first two, but an eyebrow is raised at the third, especially here in the States.  The way I describe Bimber is a little like myself: born and raised in England, but with Polish origins.  They are a no nonsense distillery that follow tradition, but not in a fairytale sort of way-- just ask them about the water used.  North of the border you'll get told about the special water, kissed by unicorns that runs down into the lochs, in which Nessy swims. Bimber, on the other hand, they just say "it's Thames water " -- which causes a few laughs followed by a look of concern, as to what they are about to taste.

Bimber distillery is a craft whisky producer based in West London (56 Sunbeam Road, London, NW10 6JQ), founded in 2015 by Dariusz Plazewski, a Polish immigrant with a passion for distilling.  Bimber means moonshine in Polish, and the distillery aims to create world-class single malt whisky with a traditional and artisanal approach.  Bimber sources its barley from a single farm and malts it on the floor, then mashes, ferments, distills, matures, and bottles its whisky on site. Bimber uses two small cooper pot stills and cooperates its own barrels, which include ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and virgin oak casks.  Bimber releases various single casks and small batches, as well as a blended malt called Apogee XII, which is finished in ex-bourbon casks.

I've had the opportunity to taste three expressions over the holidays: the ex-bourbon oak cask batch No. 3, the USA edition Oloroso finish single cask, and the Apogee XII pure malt whisky.  All of them were impressive and showcased the quality and character of Bimber's spirit.  The ex-bourbon cask was fruity and sweet, with notes of peach, apple, honey and spice.  The Oloroso finish was rich complex, with notes of dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, and leather.  The ApogeeXII was smooth and balanced, with notes of citrus, vanilla, malt, and mint.  All of them had a nice mouthfeel and long finish.

Bimber distillery is one of the most exciting new players in the UK whisky scene, and I highly recommend trying their whiskies if you get the chance.  In the United States, checkout, Glass Revolution Imports (www.glassrev.com) for distributors in your area.  Bimber is a distillery that pays attention to every detail and produces whisky with a passion and skill.  I look forward to seeing what they will do next, and always look forward to visiting them when home.  

Bimber is a distillery to watch and enjoy, also keep an eye out for Dariusz's other venture, Dunphail Distillery : Wester Greens, Dunphail, Forres IV36 2QR, United Kingdom (https://www.dunphaildistillery.com/). 

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