BIMBER DISTILLERY LAUNCHES ITS LATEST

‘SHOULDERS OF GIANTS’ RELEASES

London 31/07/25: Bimber has today announced the launch of its latest releases from its acclaimed ‘Shoulders of Giants’ series — the distillery’s homage to the diverse tapestry of thinkers, innovators and visionaries who have shaped our world.

Following our previous release, Pablo – The Artist, which paid tribute to artistic innovation, we were inspired to take the next step in our creative journey. This time, we continue that journey with a broader lens. UK editions draws inspiration from beyond our borders. Why? Because art knows no boundaries, and neither does greatness.

These UK-exclusive editions are inspired by and pay tribute to three legendary figures from the world of art: Vincent — The Dreamer, Claude — The Impressionist and Leonardo — The Visionary. Each release honours their creativity through remarkable single cask whisky that reflects their unique artistic vision.

By celebrating great artists from around the world, we share a passion for creativity- just like our whisky, crafted with skill and imagination. These artists show what it means to work with passion and create something truly extraordinary.

In addition to the UK releases, we’re also proud to present three exclusive editions created for Germany, inspired by some of the engineering pioneers who changed the course of history: Karl — The Inventor, Rudolf — The Engineer and Nicolaus — The Inventor. These single cask whiskies pay tribute to the spirit of invention and mechanical genius, values that echo our own commitment to precision and craftsmanship.

This latest release features six meticulously crafted single malt whiskies, each produced using Bimber’s traditional methods. From the distillery’s single farm barley and dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings, to seven day open-topped fermentation and directly fired copper pot stills – every stage of Bimber’s production process has been designed to produce a rich, fruit-forward whisky that is celebrated for its depth and complexity.

Each expression in the ‘Shoulders of Giants’ series is bottled at natural cask strength and features attention-grabbing artwork and biographical details that celebrate the accomplishments of historical figures who have dared to dream and defied status quos.

Drawn from Bimber’s growing inventory of fruit-forward single malt whiskies, each ‘Shoulders of Giants’ release offers a different story both inside and outside of the bottle.

The three new UK-Exclusive ‘Shoulders of Giants’ releases are comprised of:

Vincent — The Dreamer

Single Cask Release | Fino Sherry

Cask Ref: 528/42 | 56.8% ABV | 335 Bottles

This release celebrates Vincent van Gogh’s visionary spirit and lasting impact on the world of art. It offers notes including toffee, vanilla, pineapple, orange peel and sweet oak.

Claude — The Impressionist

Single Cask Release | Ex-Bourbon

Cask Ref: 396 | 57% ABV | 279 Bottles

Inspired by Claude Monet’s masterful touch, this whisky reveals delicate layers of lemon drizzle cake, heather honey, sultanas, a subtle hint of spiced baked apples, and white pepper.

Leonardo — The Visionary

Single Cask Release | Palo Cortado

Cask Ref: 547/50 | 57.3% ABV | 340 Bottles

Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s genius, this whisky offers rich notes of sherry-steeped dried fruit, dark chocolate, maraschino cherries, ground black pepper, and warm wood spice.

The three new Germany-Exclusive ‘Shoulders of Giants’ releases are comprised of: 

Karl — The Inventor

Single Cask Release | American Oak Ex-Bourbon

Cask Ref. 462 | 58% ABV | 258 bottles

The release which celebrates Karl Benz’s revolutionary invention of the automobile and his impact on global mobility reveals notes of butterscotch, orange peel, fudge, mixed spice, and tobacco leaf. 

Rudolf — The Engineer

Single Cask Release | Fino Sherry

Cask Ref. 540/39 | 57.6% ABV | 293 bottles

This release celebrates Rudolf Diesel’s pioneering development of the efficient diesel engine. It offers up notes including sherry steeped fruits, dark chocolate, vanilla, wood spice, and a whisp of smoke. 

Nicolaus — The Inventor

Single Cask Release | Oloroso Sherry

Cask Ref. 446 | 57.9% ABV | 297 bottles

This release celebrates Nicolaus Otto’s groundbreaking innovation in engine technology. It delivers notes including dried fruits, caramel, honeycomb, golden syrup, and balsamic vinegar. 

Commenting on the launch, Steve Rush, Head of Marketing and Communications at Bimber Distillery, said: “At Bimber, we believe that true artistry knows no bounds. Just as Vincent van Gogh poured passion into every brushstroke, Monet revolutionized our perception of light, and Leonardo da Vinci imagined the impossible, engineering pioneers Karl Benz, Rudolf Diesel, and Nicolaus Otto redefined motion through innovation. At Bimber, we craft our whisky with that same spirit of inventive precision and dedication. These latest ‘Shoulders of Giants’ releases are a testament to the craftsmanship behind our fruit-forward single malt London whisky – and to the quality and variety of the casks we use.”

The UK exclusives will be available through our online shop from 1 August 2025, at an RRP of £95.00 each.

The Germany exclusives will be available soon exclusively through our German distributor, Kirsch Import.

Should you have any questions regarding the new releases, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

About Bimber: Founded in 2015, Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. Our traditionally-focussed approach to whisky creation combines the finest ingredients with heritage production methods that are rarely seen today and an absolute commitment to quality. Our detailed approach has seen us recognised as a leading light in whisky production and garnered multiple industry awards. Producing a wide array of fruit-forward, textural single malts we deliver the ultimate craft whisky experience to a rapidly growing global community of Bimber whisky lovers.

The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!

The auction closes on Tuesday, 5th August from 9:00pm (BST)

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Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com

COUNTDOWN COLLECTION

In March 2025, we launched the third instalment of our five-part Countdown Collection series, which has been created to celebrate Springbank’s progress towards its 200th anniversary in 2028. This year’s release was a 30-year-old Springbank, which represents the oldest expression in the series. A marriage of three hogshead casks; one Fresh Bourbon, one Refill Bourbon and one Refill Sherry, which had been nestled in our warehouses for the entirety of their maturation.

9 Bolgam Street, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6HZ.

There are many reasons to enjoy being a member of the Society but one of our more unique aspects is the amount of information we share on our bottles. Sharing the distillation date is another insight into the one-of-a-kind casks we bottle for you. But there’s another part that’s developed over the years that we couldn’t have predicted: using matching distillation dates to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.

Will the stars align for you? We’ve handpicked a selection of whiskies ranging from Leo to Capricorn for you to choose a dram for theirs, or your very own big day.

FIND YOUR ADVENTURE IN THE STARS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 574: Scotland 2025 – 5 of 6 – Ben Nevis, Dalwhinnie & Tomatin

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, travels to Scotland. This is part 5 of a 6-part series about his trip to Scotland this year. In this video, he takes the ferry from Skye to the mainland and passes by the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous from the Harry Potter films. Then he heads towards Fort William, where he visits the Ben Nevis distillery. He continues his journey to the Dalwhinnie distillery, passes by the Centre of Scotland Stone, and on the way to Inverness, he makes a brief stop at the Tomatin distillery. Enjoy the beautiful scenery.

https://youtu.be/89gUi1E0P9U

CLYDEBUILT WHISKY BRAND RELEASES

BATCH OF SINGLE MALTS

Boutique Scotch whisky brand Clydebuilt expands its portfolio with tranche of Single Malts

Award-winning Scotch whisky brand Clydebuilt today expands its portfolio with six new small batch Single Malt releases, including three Single Cask bottlings.

Independent Scotch whisky distillery Ardgowan is behind the boutique label, with the first release hitting shelves in 2019.

The site, based in Inverkip, filled its first cask with its own distillate and officially opened to the public last month after eight years of planning and construction.

The range is named after the distinguished shipbuilding trade historically on the River Clyde, with the word ‘Clydebuilt’ coming to stand for craftsmanship and integrity.

Distillery Manager Laura Davies, whose 13 years of experience includes mentorship under the late industry great, Dr Jim Swan, developed the new batch of Clydebuilt Single Malts.

The six releases, which were sourced from the world-renowned Speyside region, include:

• 12-year-old Sherry Cask Matured: aged in a combination of Sherry butts, followed by Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez hogsheads, this Single Malt is bottled at 46% ABV.
• 12-year-old 100 Proof Sherry Cask Matured: a higher strength iteration of the aforementioned expression, this whisky underwent the same maturation before being bottled at 57.1% ABV, conforming to the traditional British 100 proof system historically defined as the point at which a spirit could ignite gunpowder.
• 12-year-old Official Opening Day Release: bottled to commemorate the distillery’s official opening on 20^th June 2025, the Speyside Single Malt was matured in three Sherry casks and bottled at a cask strength of 59.5% ABV.
• 2012 Pedro Ximénez (PX) Hogshead Single Cask: presented at cask strength of 58.5% ABV, 352 bottles have been produced from cask number AS059 which formerly held PX: a dark, sweet style of Sherry wine.
• 2012 Oloroso Hogshead Single Cask: matured in cask AS076 which previously hosted Oloroso – the darkest of the dry Sherry styles – this limited release consists of just 342 bottles with an ABV of 59.0%.
• 2012 Manzanilla Hogshead Single Cask: aged in a rare Manzanilla cask, exclusively available from the Spanish coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the lighter profile and maritime notes add a distinctive twist on the 335 bottles available at 61.1% ABV.
• 12-year-old Sherry Cask Matured: £46.99
• 12-year-old 100 Proof Sherry Cask Matured: £64.99
• 12-year-old Official Opening Day Release: £85
• 2012 PX Hogshead Single Cask: £85
• 2012 Oloroso Hogshead Single Cask: £85
• 2012 Manzanilla Hogshead Single Cask: £85

As is the case with all Clydebuilt whiskies, each expression is bottled without added colouring or chill filtration.

Remarking on the news, Davies shares:

“With Ardgowan situated on the Firth of Clyde, the rich history of craftsmanship local to our distillery is the inspiration for the Clydebuilt brand. Every whisky bottled under the name must be worthy of honouring the unmatched attention to detail and pride in quality of those that came before.”

“Our new Single Malts underwent maturation on-site at Ardgowan in premium European oak Sherry casks. All aged for 12 years, each delivers distinctive character owed to both the distillate profile and the maturation history. Most importantly, they are all bottled with an age statement, at a minimum of 46% ABV, without chill filtration and without artificial colouring. These are undoubtably Single Malts deserving of the Clydebuilt name.”

The distillery’s tour offering will launch imminently following the appointment of Visitor Centre Manager Barbara Campbell this month.

Clydebuilt Single Malts will be available via specialist retailers in the UK, Austria, Belgium, Sweden and Germany. Find out more here.

ABOUT CLYDEBUILT SCOTCH WHISKY:

Some of the greatest ships in the world were built on the River Clyde and so, over time, the word ‘Clydebuilt’ came to stand for craftsmanship, integrity and pride. The Clydebuilt brand was inspired by that exceptional legacy: a fitting tribute as Ardgowan Distillery, the home of the brand, is situated on the Firth of Clyde near Inverkip.

While Ardgowan Single Malt continues to slumber for many years, Whisky Maker Laura Davies applies the same meticulous approach to Clydebuilt. This is a boutique range of thoughtfully selected and masterfully matured Scotch whiskies that honour the spirit of the Clyde, emulating and upholding the attention to detail and the pride in quality of those that came before. Discover more.

Further information on Ardgowan Distillery Company can be found at ardgowandistillery.com

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TASTING NOTES:

Clydebuilt 12-year-old Sherry Cask Matured, 46% ABV

• Colour: Deep Amber.
• Nose: Raisins, figs and polished oak.
• Taste: Dark fruits and spices. A long and rounded finish with lingering depth.

Clydebuilt 12-year-old 100 Proof Sherry Cask Matured, 57.1% ABV

• Colour: Deep Amber.
• Nose: Raisins, dates, toasted nuts and spice.
• Taste: Full bodied with dried fruits, dark chocolate and leather.

 Clydebuilt 12-year-old Official Opening Day Release, 59.5% ABV

• Colour: Deep Mahogany.
• Nose: Lucious dried fruits, toasted nuts and rich Sherry sweetness.
• Taste: Bold and warming, with fig, raisin, spice and a velvety mouthfeel.

Clydebuilt 2012 Pedro Ximénez Hogshead Single Cask (AS059), 58.5% ABV

• Colour: Deep Mahogany.
• Nose: Ripe figs, sticky dates and rich caramel.
• Taste: Velvety toffee, dark chocolate and a touch of espresso.

Clydebuilt 2012 Oloroso Hogshead Single Cask (AS076), 59.0% ABV

• Colour: Deep Amber.
• Nose: Dark fruits and warming spice.
• Taste: Rich dried figs, dark chocolate and gentle oak, with nutmeg and toasted wood.

 Clydebuilt 2012 Manzanilla Hogshead Single Cask (AS041), 61.1% ABV

• Colour: Pale Gold.
• Nose: Crisp green apple, floral notes and toasted almonds.
• Taste: Zesty citrus with a gentle nuttiness. Fresh and delicate.

UPCOMING WHISKY SHOWS

Over the coming months, you’ll be able to find the Sales Team showcasing our drams at the following whisky shows.

August:
Kilkerran Shop Pour, Bonnie ‘n’ Wild, Edinburgh (UK)
Whisky Fringe, Edinburgh (UK)
Wee Gantry Tasting, Milngavie (UK)
Springbank Shop Pour, Green Welly, Crianlarich (UK)
Wee Gantry Tasting, Stirling (UK)

September:
Salon Dugas, Paris (France)
Whisky Messe Austria, Innsbruck (Austria)

October:
Starmore Boss Drinks Festival, Sheffield (UK)
M&P Pavlina Festival, Warsaw (Poland)
Whisky Show Budapest, Budapest (Hungary)
Wee Dram Festival, Bakewell (UK)
Swiss Whisky Festival, Baden (Switzerland)
Aberdeen Whisky Shop 15th Anniversary, Aberdeen (UK)
Dornoch Whisky Festival, Dornoch (UK)

November:
Northern Whisky Festival, Carlisle (UK)
Oslo Whisky Show, Oslo (Norway)
Glasgow Whisky Festival, Glasgow (UK)
Spirits in the Sky, Brussels (Belgium)
Springbank Whisky Cruise, Cologne (Germany)
Dumfries Whisky Festival, Dumfries (UK)

December:
Kendal Whisky Festival, Kendal (UK)

9 Bolgam Street, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6HZ

July’s Drop has just landed!    

We’re serving up a bit of everything this month: two web-exclusive rums, a bold and fruity new chapter from Whiskyland, and four wildly different Decadent Drams to wrap your palate around. From high-ester funk to sherried elegance, this drop covers serious ground. Let’s get Decadent!

VIEW ALL

Johnnie Walker Black Label, 40%

THE REVIEW

In the world of massive brand deals and the still premiumisation of Scotch whisky, here we have a constant that hasn’t changed much in the space of the whisky industry. A combination of so many different flavours from across all of Scotland, malts and grains, aged for a minimum of twelve years and blended to create this multitude of balance, style, and timelessness.

As you can tell, Black Label is a favourite of mine. The story of how this whisky hooked me is an important one and is included in this video, but please do share your stories with me, even if they don’t include Black Label in any way.

This bottle has the history to put many other brands to bed, and indeed without this bottle, the Scottish whisky industry, along with many others wouldn’t be anywhere near as successful or important as it currently is.

(johnniewalker)

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
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