Bimber Single Bourbon Cask #8

An exceptionally limited cask strength single malt from a highly sought-after London micro-distillery.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

Bimber Distillery has rapidly established a global reputation based on its commitment to highly traditional and labour-intensive production methods, including on-site floor malting and extended fermentation. This meticulous process yields a robust, heavy, and notably oily new make spirit.

Cask #8 is recognized as one of the distillery’s earliest publicly released single casks. Its sequential numbering places it at the very start of the distillery’s commercial history. This status as a foundational release is critical to its current valuation, signalling an authentic expression of the distillery’s initial output.

The market velocity and scarcity of this bottling are extreme. The total outturn was exceptionally low, estimated at only 200–300 bottles globally. This combination of minimal supply and overwhelming collector interest resulted in the product selling out instantly at its original RRP of GBP 95, effectively transferring its entire valuation to the secondary auction market.

The massive appreciation premium—exceeding 1300% above RRP—is primarily driven by the single-cask nature and the low sequential number (#8). For collectors, early cask numbers function as historical markers and desirable artifacts.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

Documented variants

Bimber Single Bourbon Cask #8 is a fixed specification release defined by its origin as a Single First-Fill Bourbon Cask, bottled at a Cask Strength of 58.7% ABV. The use of first-fill bourbon wood was a deliberate choice, allowing the potent, traditional new make spirit to be the dominant flavour component while benefiting from classic maturation notes of vanilla and oak. As a single cask bottling, there are no documented technical variants; only the individual bottle number differentiates specimens.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

Authentication requires strict verification of the specific cask number (#8) printed on the label, which must correspond with the individual bottle number. The presence and pristine condition of the original presentation box or tube are highly significant. Damage to the secondary packaging often results in a marginal reduction of the final hammer price. Collectors must also verify the fill level and closure integrity due to the high Cask Strength ABV.

Regulatory/terminology notes

The designation Cask Strength (58.7% ABV) confirms the liquid was bottled at its natural concentration after maturation, without the addition of water to reduce strength. This method preserves the original texture and intensity of the spirit. The label confirms the product as Single Malt English Whisky, guaranteeing its geographical origin and 100% malted barley composition.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The liquid profile of Cask #8 is defined by the quality of the new make spirit and the active influence of the first-fill bourbon wood. The result is a profile that is notably mature for its age.

Nose: Displays pronounced notes of vanilla, distinct citrus zest, and significant oak spice, reflecting the highly active first-fill bourbon maturation.2

Palate: Exhibits a heavy, oily mouthfeel, characteristic of the Bimber distillate. The flavour spectrum includes white pepper, intense honeyed malt sweetness, and clear butterscotch notes.

Finish: The finish is long and significantly warming, concluding with the presence of dry oak tannins, demonstrating the impressive maturation rate.3

With water: Not applicable. The intense profile is highly prized at its natural Cask Strength.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

The Original RRP (GBP) was GBP 95 (Historical RRP upon release; sold out immediately). Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Not available in the primary retail market. Valuation is derived entirely from specialist auction performance. Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): The secondary market valuation is exceptionally high and volatile: GBP 1,250 (September 2023) and GBP 1,400 (December 2023).

Price Snapshot

Pricing stratification: Value is driven by historical significance (Cask #8 status) and pristine condition. The massive appreciation rate (over 13 times the RRP) is indicative of extreme collector demand and minimal outturn.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is high at elevated values within specialist auction environments. Sourcing is extremely challenging due to the minimal outturn.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Bimber Distillery has utilized its commitment to artisanal, traditional production to cultivate a distinctive, heavy-bodied spirit that achieves remarkable maturity early in its life cycle. Releases such as Single Bourbon Cask #8 have attained cult status, positioning the distillery as a key indicator of high-value collectible English whisky.

Sourcing

Target formats/eras: Exclusively Cask #8 (70cl, 58.7% ABV).

Red flags to avoid: Bottles missing the original presentation box, as this significantly detracts from collectible value; any indication of low fill or cork tampering.

Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Pristine condition of bottle, label, and box is essential for achieving maximum valuation.

Margin/velocity expectations—qualitative: Extremely high margin driven by explosive secondary market growth; high velocity in auction environments.