Bimber – New Vibrations LMDW #196

A highly sought-after, single ex-bourbon cask expression demonstrating the purity of Bimber's core spirit profile.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

Bimber New Vibrations LMDW Cask #196 represents a key partnership with La Maison du Whisky (LMDW), a highly influential specialist retailer in France and Europe since 1956. This single cask was selected as part of LMDW's 'New Vibrations' collection, a series that links the cultural heritage of spirits with modern artistic concepts, such as the composition commissioned from Saycet.

Distilled in 2017 and bottled in 2023, this approximately six-year-old single malt originates from Bimber’s relatively early distillation period. The significance of this bottling lies in the cask choice: a single ex-bourbon cask. For a prestigious collaboration, selecting an ex-bourbon cask is a statement of confidence in the underlying quality of the new make spirit. Unlike more aggressive wine casks, bourbon wood offers minimal interference, making the liquid an unadulterated reflection of the Bimber house style, characterised by intense fruitiness and a distinct oily texture. The spirit’s high quality allows it to achieve maturity and complexity quickly, despite its young age.

The resulting outturn of only 257 bottles is critically small. This scarcity, combined with the cachet of the LMDW collaboration, immediately positions the New Vibrations release as one of Bimber's most exclusive and sought-after single cask expressions.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

Cask #196 was bottled at natural Cask Strength, verified by the 58.7% ABV. The production process involves Bimber’s standard protocol, including the use of single-farm barley and an exceptionally long, seven-day fermentation period in American oak washbacks. This extended fermentation is critical, contributing to the noted oily mouthfeel and complex flavour precursors.

The use of an ex-bourbon cask typically imparts classic notes of vanilla, caramel, and cream, which integrate seamlessly with the distillery’s inherent orchard fruit profile (pears, peaches, citrus). The bottling year of 2023, coupled with the 2017 distillation, demonstrates Bimber’s ability to develop a highly valued, complex single malt in a shorter maturation cycle compared to many traditional Scotch expressions.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & Authenticity Checklist

• Packaging: The New Vibrations Cask #196 bottling is 70cl in size and sold with a presentation case or tube featuring the collection branding.

• Bottle Details: Authentication requires verifying the key details: Cask Number 196, the precise ABV of 58.7%, and the explicit "One of 257" statement on the labelling.

• Liquid Condition: The liquid colour is typically described as a bright gold or "Brown" (deep amber). The fill level should be ‘Into neck’.

• Security: The high ABV should produce a persistent beading ring upon agitation. Inspect for appropriate European import or duty stamps if purchasing from the secondary market.

Regulatory & Terminology Notes

The liquid is definitively classified as a Single Malt Whisky, bottled at Cask Strength. This bottling is confirmed to be Non-Chill-Filtered and of Natural Colour. The detailed tasting notes, which describe a complex, oily mouthfeel, support the assumption of minimal filtration and high-quality spirit preservation.

Liquid Profile

• Nose: Highly aromatic; features intense malted barley notes, pronounced fresh orchard fruits (pears, peaches), mature melon, and vibrant citrus. Strong vanilla notes are evident, supported by white mint, coconut milk, and light spices like ginger.

• Palate: Clean and lively with a notably oily, mouth-coating texture. Flavours of lemon custard and green malt are balanced by a light oak bitterness. Soft notes of grated ginger, vanilla, and precious wood envelop the taste buds.

• Finish: Long and full, retaining its freshness. It remains focused on a "pear and almond tart" profile with honeyed (acacia) and floral (broom, iris) notes, concluding with fresh aniseed and cardamom.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Bimber’s reputation is founded on its hands-on, quality-driven methodology. The spirit’s rapid development and high regard, even at a young age, are direct results of the long fermentation and specific distillation techniques. The selection of Cask #196 for the LMDW ‘New Vibrations’ collection serves as international validation of Bimber's status as a top-tier craft distillery capable of producing world-class ex-bourbon matured single malt.

Sourcing

• Target formats: Sealed bottles from Cask #196, accompanied by the LMDW presentation case.

• Red flags: Any variation from the declared 58.7% ABV or the 257-bottle outturn.

• Condition thresholds: An ‘Into neck’ fill level is the professional standard. The condition of the presentation case must be excellent.

• Market Expectations: The extreme scarcity and the association with LMDW ensure very high margins and sustained collector interest.

Sources & References

1. Bimber Distillery official single cask bottling records (Cask #196).
2. La Maison du Whisky (LMDW) 'New Vibrations' 2023 collection catalogue.
3. Technical production notes on Bimber 2017 distillation and 7-day fermentation.
4. Retailer technical data from Master of Malt and Whisky.de regarding outturn and ABV.
5. Saycet musical collaboration documentation for the New Vibrations series.