Coming down the track – Bimber Distillery reveals Release No.2 from The Spirit of the Underground Collection
London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the upcoming launch of the second release of ‘The Spirit of the Underground’ Collection, produced in conjunction with Transport for London.
The Collection, which will feature a total of 44 individual releases over a three-year period, features a selection of iconic single malt whiskies that celebrate the heritage and diversity of the distillery’s home city. With striking individual designs, each bottle presents a different Tube station on the London Underground network – the oldest underground passenger railway service in the world.
Following the rapid sale of the inaugural Collection releases, Release No.2 showcases four new stations: Chancery Lane, London Bridge, Paddington and Victoria – each again featuring stunning iconography that presents unique pieces of London’s history, and adorned with striking labels and packaging design that observes the significance of each station’s location.
Drawn from some of the distillery’s oldest stock laid down in 2016, the four new expressions include madeira, port, PX sherry and ex-rye casks, bottled at full cask strength and without chill filtration. Each displays its own highly individual character – demonstrating both the growing diversity of single malt styles produced by Bimber, as well as the extraordinary versatility of the London-produced spirit.
Release No.2 of The Spirit of the Underground Collection will be available directly from Bimber’s Spirit of the Underground website in November via weighted ballot, and with an RRP of £125 per bottle.
Speaking of the launch of The Spirit of the Underground Release No.2, Bimber spokesperson Matt McKay said: “Following a terrific reception earlier this year to the first four releases from The Spirit of the Underground, we’re thrilled to unveil the next stations that will be joining the Collection. For this second collaborative release with Transport for London we have selected four distinctive and exceptional casks from amongst our very finest. Each typifies our hand-crafted approach to whisky making, whilst at the same time offering an ever-broadening selection of flavour experiences with which to celebrate the history and diversity of our home – London.”
All the expressions in The Spirit of the Underground Collection were crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings before being fermented for seven days in bespoke, on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised stills which possess an increased copper surface area, which results in a rich fruit-forward, layered spirit.
The Spirit of the Underground Collection – Release No2
The Spirit of the Underground – Chancery Lane
Ex-Madeira Cask – Ref 107/1
Nose: Toasted almonds and orange peels join rich toffee, resinous oak and piquant cinnamon and nutmeg spicing.
Palate: An oily arrival of charred peaches and orange liqueurs sits alongside butterscotch and plump dates whilst robust spicing provides an invigorating lift.
Finish: Lingering with chocolate orange and spiced berries.
298 bottles
70cl
57.8% ABV
The Spirit of the Underground – London Bridge
Ex-Port Cask – Ref 35
Nose: Jammy red and black berries together with suede leather, teacakes and toasted brioche.
Palate: Berry preserves, plums and prunes are livened with gingerbread and cinnamon-dusted chocolate bonbons.
Finish: Sustained sweet berry fruits with persistent ginger spicing.
305 bottles
70cl
58.7% ABV
The Spirit of the Underground – Paddington
Ex-PX Sherry Cask – Ref 20
Nose: Chocolate and nougat are given a fruit-packed lift from glace cherries, whilst sticky toffee pudding is dusted in cinnamon powder.
Palate: Velvety on the arrival and offering deep and alluring reduced fruits alongside chocolate torte, fresh coffee beans and leather.
Finish: Sweet sherried fruits together with ginger and cinnamon.
314 bottles
70cl
58.9% ABV
The Spirit of the Underground – Victoria
Ex-Rye Cask – Ref 233
Nose: Spiced malt loaf and pickles are joined by split vanilla pods, crunchy toffee and confectioner’s custard.
Palate: Sliced green apple and dried mango slices alongside vanilla cream and cashew nuts. A backbone of spiced oak together with cracked black pepper, all spice and star anise.
Finish: Dry earthy spicing with toffee and fading tropical fruits.
271 bottles
70cl
58.2% ABV
About Bimber
Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.
About Transport for London
Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s strategy and commitments on transport. It runs the day-to-day operation of the Capital’s public transport network, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, London Buses and TfL Rail services, as well as managing London’s main roads. TfL does all it can to support the millions of journeys that are made every day and keep the city moving, working and growing. TfL reinvests all income generated through fares and commercial revenue to run and improve services and is committed to reducing costs. The licensing deal for this product was delivered through TSBA Group, TfL’s brand licensing partner.
