Bimber – The Spirit Of The Underground – Canary Wharf #298/9

A limited edition single malt drawn from a Marsala wine cask, representing Bimber's bold, intensely flavoured spirit style.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

The Canary Wharf edition is part of Bimber’s ongoing and highly successful Spirit of the Underground Collection, developed in collaboration with Transport for London (TFL) to celebrate the city's iconic transport network. Bimber Distillery, established in West London in 2015/2016, quickly gained recognition for its commitment to traditional, labour-intensive methods. These include using single-farm barley, conducting a lengthy seven-day fermentation in American oak washbacks, and employing direct-fire copper pot stills.

The maturation choice for Cask #298/9 is particularly notable: a single Marsala wine cask. Marsala is a fortified wine, and its use is characteristic of Bimber’s willingness to explore unique and intense cask profiles beyond standard sherry. This selection ensures a complex, full-bodied flavour profile rich in dark fruit and spice.

The bottling strategy is highly effective in driving collector demand. By fixing the outturn at a critically small 320 bottles and linking it to a high-visibility, locally themed series, Bimber strategically maximises global collector value. This approach validates the perception of Bimber as an exclusive, hands-on craft producer. While some early retail sources mentioned maturation in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak casks, the final consensus is that the whisky underwent character-defining finishing in the Marsala cask.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The Canary Wharf expression is bottled at Cask Strength, confirmed by the robust 58.1% ABV. The underlying spirit derives its complexity and signature oily texture from Bimber's extended fermentation period. The use of the single Marsala Cask #298/9 for maturation dictates the strong wine influence, providing intense notes of fruit and char, which the powerful spirit base is capable of integrating successfully. The small total yield of 320 bottles firmly places this within Bimber's highly sought-after single cask releases.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & Authenticity Checklist

• Artwork: This collectible edition is distinguished by its unique TFL presentation tube or box, featuring artwork specific to the Canary Wharf station.

• Bottle Details: The bottle must clearly display the Cask #298/9 and the precise outturn of 320 bottles.

• Beading Test: Given the high ABV, a persistent ring of tight, frothy bubbles should form upon light agitation, lasting 20 to 30 seconds.

• Integrity: The liquid should be at an 'Into neck' fill level. Any signs of closure tampering, such as a loose capsule, must be regarded as a serious risk.

Regulatory & Terminology Notes

This liquid is classified as a Single Malt Whisky and is presented at Cask Strength. The intensity of the Marsala influence suggests a spirit that has undergone minimal processing. Consistent with Bimber’s brand identity, it is strongly implied that this bottling is Non-Chill-Filtered and of Natural Colour, although these facts are not explicitly printed on all technical materials.

Liquid Profile

• Nose: Complex, defined by mandarin peels, cooking apples, and toasted almonds. These notes rest above a base of warmed honey and delicately spiced oak.

• Palate: Opens with vivid citrus notes of orange zest and candied lemon peels. Transitions into effervescent spicing, including ginger, nutmeg, and clove. Features mentholated oak alongside chocolate-covered almond brittle.

• Finish: Marked by a lasting presence of spice and char, successfully balanced by enduring fruit sugars.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Bimber maintains its artisanal status through small-batch production and careful oversight of every step, from malting to bottling.³ The quality of the house style is characterised by its oily texture and inherent fruity notes. The success of the Canary Wharf bottling demonstrates that Bimber's spirit is robust enough to integrate intense cask influence while maintaining its fundamental identity.

Sourcing

• Target formats: Sealed bottles accompanied by the pristine TFL presentation tube or box. Verification of the specific bottle number is important for establishing provenance.

• Red flags: Discrepancies regarding the Marsala cask type or ABV. Significant damage to the secondary packaging (TFL tube) substantially reduces market value.

• Condition thresholds: Into neck fill level is required. The box and label condition should be flawless.

• Market Expectations: The fixed rarity (320 bottles) and collector appeal of the TFL series result in high margins and rapid secondary market velocity.

Sources & References

10. Standards for high-ABV spirits "Beading Test" for proof verification.

11. Industry standard fill level (ullage) thresholds for premium 21st-century releases.

12. Bimber Distillery bottling records for the Spirit of the Underground series.

13. TFL collaboration series marketing materials and release schedules (April 2022).

14. Official Bimber Cask #298/9 technical specification sheet.

15. Marsala wine cask maturation flavor profile studies and Bimber house style analysis.

16. Final production consensus regarding Marsala finishing vs. primary maturation.

17. Technical documentation on Bimber fermentation and direct-fire distillation methods.

18. Market valuation reports for West London craft distillery releases (2016–2024).

19. UK Spirit Drinks Regulations for Single Malt Whisky classification.