Last year wasn’t the smoothest for Bimber and its sister distillery, Dunphail. (The events were highly publicized, so I won’t reiterate them here.) However, 2024 also brought a new milestone for Bimber: the launch of the distillery’s first age statement single malt whisky.

Oh, and not just one, but two age statement whiskies. There’s the small batch Bimber Harmony of Eight, a vatting of ex-bourbon and ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks totaling 1,090 bottles. Alongside and limited to 268 bottles, the distillery also released the Bimber 8 Years – Single Cask Edition. This single American oak ex-bourbon cask was selected by the 2024 Bimber Klub Tasting Panel.

So far, Bimber has relied on its high-quality new make in combination with active casks, whether they be ex-bourbon, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez or something else entirely. I can’t blame them either, because it has absolutely worked.

Upon first sniff the two 8-year-olds are also rather bold whiskies with a cask-forward nature. While I’m very happy to taste them, I also can’t help but hope for future Bimber releases matured in refill casks.

Bimber Harmony of Eight (50%, OB, 1090 bts.)

Nose: Lovely vibrant fruits with a chalky edge and damp ferns. Thinks apricots and a touch of pineapple, as well as raspberries and a whiff of shortbread. Maybe even some cantaloupe right at the end.
Taste: I know to expect a superbly thick, oily mouthfeel, yet every time it kind of takes me aback. Sweet notes (marzipan, Demerara sugar) combined with some mild oak spices and mellow orchard fruits, such as apples and nectarines. Also a slight hint of burnt caramel.
Finish: Medium length. A touch of sweet stewed fruits, mocha and hazelnuts, as well as white pepper and chalk.

Conclusion

An amalgamation of what makes Bimber such a promising distillery. While they’ve proven themselves manifold, this feels like a definite highlight.

8.7

Bimber 2016 8 Years Single Cask Edition (56.8%, OB, C#11)

Nose: Not as immediate as the Harmony of Eight, this could do with some more time (and maybe water). Hints of cured lemons, jammy apricots and Love Hearts, as well as a touch of pine needles. Then some mango as well, followed by ginger beer and fennel.
Taste: That mouthfeel again – A+ in my book. Bit of oak spices on the arrival. Hints of peanut skins, more fennel and caramelised sugar. Also a touch of liquorice root, charred oak and meringues, accompanied by some coffee grounds and apricots.
Finish: Medium to long. Oak spices stand out, as well as aniseed and breakfast tea.

Conclusion

While an excellent tipple, I find it lacks the balance and fruitier elements of the Harmony of Eight. The oak stands out more, while the spirit takes slightly more of a backseat.

8.5

Samples provided by Bimber