Bimber Single Sherry Cask #42

An ultra-low outturn, early cask-strength PX release, marking a historic milestone for London whisky distillation.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

Bimber Distillery initiated production in London in 2016, establishing itself as the city’s first operational single malt producer in over a century. This Single Sherry Cask #42, bottled in May 2020, is a foundational piece of Bimber history, representing one of the earliest released PX matured whiskies from their nascent stock.

The quality of the wood is a defining element. The Ex-Pedro Ximenez (PX) sherry cask #42 was specifically sourced from Spain, where it had been utilised in a Jerez Solera system for several decades prior. The extraordinary level of activity in this wood is a necessary technical choice, designed to impart rich and deep fruit-forward notes and compensate for the spirit’s young age (estimated at approximately four years).

Technical Specification & Variant Map

This expression was bottled at Cask Strength, 58.1% ABV. This high proof, combined with the intense flavour profile delivered by the active PX sherry cask, results in a full-bodied and viscous spirit profile. This early release, tied to a low cask number, attracts a premium among collectors interested in tracing the distillery’s flavour evolution.

The strict outturn of 329 individually numbered bottles verifies its rarity. While some secondary sources erroneously link this bottling to the "Shoulders of Giants" series, Cask #42 is definitively an early, standalone PX release.

Documented variants

No variants of this specific single cask bottling exist.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

Authentication is stringent due to the high collector value. The essential verifying details are Cask No. 42, the specific ABV of 58.1%, and the individual bottle number (out of 329). The bottle must be accompanied by its original premium presentation packaging. As a young, high-proof whisky, any visible ullage (low fill) is highly improbable and constitutes a major integrity concern. Due diligence should focus on securing bottles with the lowest sequential numbers, as these often command an even higher premium.

Regulatory/terminology notes

The whisky is legally classified as English Single Malt and adheres to maximum quality standards by being Non-Chill-Filtered (NCF) and bottled at Natural Colour. These production choices ensure that the full richness and complexity imparted by the active PX cask are delivered undiluted.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The tasting notes confirm the intense, fruit-forward profile typical of highly active PX sherry maturation.

Nose: Rich and beautifully sweet, dominated by succulent cranberries and redcurrant jelly. Deeper notes include apple pastries, rum-soaked raisins, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate gateaux.

Palate: Viscous and opulent in texture. The flavour profile starts with nutmeg and anise sprinkled over a rich fruit-packed sponge cake. This evolves into notes of gingerbread served with hot chocolate, culminating in liquorice alongside a pronounced, mentholated oak characteristic.

Finish: An enduring sweetness characteristic of fresh sherry is carried through the finish, balanced by fading white pepper and a touch of refreshing mint leaf.

With water: Not stated by the producer.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

The Original RRP (GBP): GBP 329.00. Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Extremely limited availability. Secondary market pricing consistently trades at a significant premium over RRP. Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Not stated by the producer.

Price Snapshot

The high initial RRP reflects the immediate collector success and perceived quality of Bimber’s early output. Market stratification is dictated by extreme scarcity and historical context. Cask #42’s low numerical designation, combined with its status as an early PX release, exerts strong upward pressure on valuation. Liquidity is high among collectors, but sourcing is exceptionally challenging due to the limited outturn of 329 bottles. Trade buyers anticipate very high margins due to this scarcity, often exceeding 50% gross on the original RRP.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Bimber Distillery is a leading figure in the resurgence of English single malt whisky. The distillery's philosophy centers on maximising flavour in young spirits through meticulous traditional techniques—including use of floor malted barley and careful low-cut distillation—coupled with the exclusive selection of active, high-quality casks. This combination explains the robust character and high collector demand for even their youngest releases.

Sourcing

Target formats/eras: Exclusively Cask #42, 70cl, with a priority on acquiring bottles with low sequential numbers (under #100).

Red flags to avoid: Any attempts to purchase mislabelled or conflated sherry casks (e.g., Fino, which appeared in other series) as this specific PX Cask #42. Missing original presentation packaging.

Condition thresholds: Absolutely pristine external condition is mandatory for satisfying the high-end collector base.

Margin/velocity expectations: Potential for very high margins (50%+ gross on RRP), contingent upon sourcing opportunities near the RRP. Velocity is low due to the extreme scarcity of the bottle.