Bimber Re-charred Oak

Bimber distillery in London got our attention with their first release and here’s the second single malt: Bimber Re-Charred Oak Casks.

The American oak casks were charred by their on-site coopers to a very intense level #4 char, known as alligator char.

Bimber Re-Charred Oak Casks (51,9%, OB 2019, 5000 btl.)

Nose: the woody side is quite prominent (crushed peppercorns, fresh oak shavings, a whiff of pine refreshener) but it mingles with nice fruity notes, like roasted pineapple, apples and peaches. Cinnamon. Buttered toast. Water brings out a dusty, slightly plankish touch.

Mouth: fairly spicy and herbal, with an oily texture. Pepper, clove, nutmeg, with hints of thyme and eucalyptus. Then chocolate and fudge. Burnt vanilla. A little citrus but not many fruits. Some grainy notes and toasted bread again. Always with charred wood going back and forth.

Finish: long, on rye bread, mint, oak and orange peel.

While some other reviewers seem to think this is equally interesting as the first release, for me it feels more spindoctored and a little too focused on the wood, giving it a spicy rye character in a way. I’m looking forward to more balanced versions as the underlying spirit is really good. Available from Master of Malt or The Whisky Exchange.

Score: 84/100