Bimber distillery has just released Apogee XII, a 12 year old pure malt whisky. The SWA has no power outside of Scotland, so they’re allowed to call it that way. It’s a blended malt sourced from both the Highlands and Speyside, matured for over 12 years. The resulting blend was then finished in ex-bourbon casks that previously held Bimber single malt.
It’s a tribute to the art of blending, and simply a way of letting more people get hold of a bottle that has Bimber on it. A beautiful bottle by the way, which refers to the hammered copper of the stills.
Bimber Apogee XII (46,3%, OB 2021, 25.000 btl.)
Nose: nicely fruity, with juicy pear, stewed apple, kiwi and orange juice. Vanilla cake and hints of bubblegum, as well as some floral notes. Honey. Apricot turnovers. Candied ginger and hints of nutmeg. The brightness is exquisite.
Mouth: very similar, with more orange juice and stewed orchard fruits. A second wave is more spice-forward: baking spice and oak char add depth and a light (virgin oak?) tingle. Aniseed and pepper. Malt and subtle nutty notes. In the end it shows orange peels and a gentle bitter edge.
Finish: good length, with syrupy fruits, leafy notes and oak spice.
This is a bright and juicy whisky, which integrates the fresh woody touch of these ex-bourbon Bimbers really well. Affordable, approachable and simply good value for money, so this could really work as a Christmas gift. Available from the Bimber website and retailers like The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt.