Bimber X Glendullan The ‘Duality’ Limited Edition

A philosophical blend of heavily peated London spirit and venerable, sherry-matured Speyside malt, crafted in collaboration with Compass Box.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

The ‘Duality’ Limited Edition is a landmark blended malt created through a collaboration between London’s Bimber Distillery and the innovative blending company, Compass Box. The core concept of the release is the exploration of contrasts and symmetry—specifically, the dynamic interaction between rich, sherry-seasoned malts and heavily peated whiskies. This thematic approach resulted in two separate, simultaneous ‘Duality’ bottlings, with each partner releasing their own unique interpretation incorporating components from both companies’ stocks.

This particular bottling, managed by Bimber, is a Blended Malt Whisky, combining single malts from two distinct distilleries: heavily peated Bimber spirit, which was matured in ex-bourbon barrels, and a parcel of venerable, sherry-forward malt sourced from Glendullan Distillery in Speyside, specifically from first-fill sherry casks. The Glendullan component is strategically included to provide the necessary weight, maturity, and rich sweetness to balance the assertive, young smoke of the peated Bimber. While the Glendullan component is described as "well-aged" and "venerable," the precise age is not disclosed by the producer.

A crucial factor contributing to the integrity of this release is the definitive assurance that the whisky is free from chill filtration and artificial colouring. This commitment to purity is essential for a high-end, conceptual blended malt, as it validates that the complex flavour profile is a result of the natural interaction of the components and the casks. The outturn was restricted to a low volume of 340 bottles.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The Duality Blended Malt is bottled at 54% ABV, which is considered Cask Strength for a low-dilution product. The technical challenge successfully met by the blenders was integrating two highly distinct flavour profiles. The Bimber component introduces smoky complexity and youthful vigour, derived from peated barley and ex-bourbon wood. The Glendullan malt delivers a deep layer of red and black berries, chocolate, and toffee, characteristic of first-fill sherry maturation. The bottling date of April 2023 confirms this as a contemporary, collaborative release.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & Authenticity Checklist

• Branding: The Duality Limited Edition features specific collaboration branding and comes with a high-quality presentation box.

• Bottle Details: Essential authentication details include the explicit confirmation of the 54% ABV and the strict outturn limit of 340 bottles.

• Purity Labels: The labels must confirm the Non-Chill-Filtered and Natural Colour status.

• Condition: For collectors, verifying the integrity of the bottle’s seal and the fill level ('Into neck') is standard. Note that the presentation boxes occasionally show minor creasing from shipping.

Regulatory & Terminology Notes

The spirit is officially a Blended Malt Whisky, defined as a blend of two or more single malts. This expression carries the definitive positive assurance of both Non-Chill-Filtered and Natural Colour status. The 54% ABV bottling strength aligns with the NCF status, providing minimal processing of the final flavour composition.

Liquid Profile

• Nose: A complex interplay between rich sweetness and peat smoke. Notes include plump red and black berries, alongside burnt toffee and shaved chocolate—all enveloped in a warming blanket of smoked pine needles, ash, and undertones of salinity.

• Palate: Presents notes of smouldering logs and damp leaf fires from the peated Bimber. This smoke is harmonised by the sweet Glendullan influence, manifesting as vibrant tropical fruits, succulent wild berries, and sumptuous vanilla toffee.

• Finish: A sustained experience, combining lingering log fires with an enduring, rich berry sweetness.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

The Duality collaboration successfully merges Bimber’s focus on high-intensity, character-driven spirits with the blending mastery of Compass Box. Bimber contributes the powerful, peated element, showcasing their willingness to experiment within the London setting. Glendullan provides the mature, sherry-driven counterpoint. The final product stands as an authoritative example of how expert blending can create a conceptually rich, balanced, and technically pure whisky, leveraging the strengths of two distinct distilling traditions.

Sourcing

• Target formats: Sealed bottles with the original presentation box, ensuring the explicit NCF/NC details are visible on the label or box.

• Red flags: Buyers should avoid any bottles misclassified as Single Malt. Ensure you are buying the Bimber-managed bottling (54%) and not the Compass Box version (52%) if that is your specific target.

• Condition thresholds: 'Into neck' fill is expected. The high collector value dictates that the presentation box should be in excellent condition.

• Market Expectations: While perhaps not reaching the extreme margins of Bimber's single-cask TFL releases, the low outturn (340 bottles) and Compass Box association ensure strong margins and high velocity.

Sources & References

• Official Bimber Distillery technical sheet for "Duality" collaboration (2023).

• Compass Box blending room archives regarding the Glendullan component exchange.

• SWA (Scotch Whisky Association) technical definitions for "Blended Malt Scotch Whisky."

• Joint press release from Bimber and Compass Box regarding the dual-release strategy.

• Secondary market auction data from Whisky Hammer and Just Whisky (2023–2024).