In a move that combines artistry with the rich heritage of whisky making, Bimber Distillery has proudly introduced the inaugural lineup of 'Shoulders of Giants,' a collection paying homage to luminaries from the realms of literature, science, and music. Each release in this series is a testament to the individual accomplishments of these titans of history, adorned with bespoke artwork and accompanied by insightful biographical details.
List of releases:
- Dickens – The Novelist
- Newton – The Mathematician
- Shakespeare – The Playwright
- Copernicus – The Polymath
- Chopin - The Composer
- Curie - The Scientist
Drawing from Bimber's burgeoning inventory of single malt whiskies renowned for their fruit-forward profiles, the 'Shoulders of Giants' series comprises three releases exclusively for the UK market: Dickens, Newton, and Shakespeare, alongside three offerings reserved for the discerning Polish market: Copernicus, Chopin, and Curie.
Dickens - The Novelist
First in line is 'Dickens – The Novelist,' sourced from a first-fill American oak ex-bourbon cask.
A solitary American oak ex-bourbon barrel was utilized in the creation of this batch, resulting in 259 bottles at 70CL with a strength of 58.3% ABV. Sourced from our expanding collection of remarkable fruit-forward single malt whiskies, "Shoulders of Giants" pays tribute to influential historical figures who have shaped our modern world.
This particular release underwent full maturation in a first-fill American oak ex-bourbon cask and is dedicated to celebrating Charles Dickens' profound impact on literature appreciation. It exudes lively sweet tropical fruit notes, a velvety honeyed texture, and impeccably harmonized wood spice, showcasing the advancing sophistication of Bimber's single malt whisky.
Newton - The Mathematician
Next up is 'Newton – The Mathematician,' a creation crafted from lightly peated spirit and matured in first-fill American oak barrels.
Crafted from a single lightly peated American oak ex-bourbon cask, this batch yields 257 bottles at 70cl with a robust 58.3% ABV. Selected from our expanding collection of outstanding fruit-forward single malt whiskies, "Shoulders of Giants" commemorates the achievements of historical figures whose legacies continue to influence our world today.
In honor of Sir Isaac Newton's groundbreaking contributions to science, this release underwent maturation in a first-fill American oak ex-bourbon cask. It embodies the essence of Bimber's signature style, boasting a fruit-forward profile characterized by pineapple and papaya notes interwoven with subtle hints of smoke and char.
Shakespeare - The Playwright
Completing the UK trio is 'Shakespeare – The Playwright,' which undergoes a unique finishing process in ex-beer casks.
Derived from our expanding assortment of remarkable fruit-forward single malt whiskies, "Shoulders of Giants" pays tribute to the achievements of historical figures whose impact reverberates in our contemporary world. This edition, comprising 271 bottles at 70cl and a potent 57.7% ABV, epitomizes our dedication to excellence.
In homage to William Shakespeare's enduring influence on the English language, this release underwent an additional maturation phase in an ex-beer cask. This distinctive single malt whisky originates from our initial batch of ex-barley wine casks, a collaborative effort with the esteemed French brewery La Debauche. The result is a rich and robust expression, melding stone and tropical fruit flavors with velvety caramel, intricate maltiness, and subtle hints of nutty umami on the palate.
Copernicus - The Polymath
For the Polish market, Bimber presents an exclusive triumvirate of releases, each bearing the hallmark of Polish heritage and ingenuity. 'Copernicus – The Polymath' enchants with its rich fruit-forward profile, courtesy of a meticulous finish in a single Pedro Ximénez sherry cask.
Selected from our expanding collection of extraordinary fruit-forward single malt whiskies, "Shoulders of Giants" pays homage to historical figures whose legacies continue to shape our world. This limited edition consists of 300 bottles at 70CL with a robust 56.8% ABV, embodying our commitment to excellence.
In recognition of Nicolaus Copernicus's pivotal contributions to astronomy, we have enhanced this release through additional maturation in a luxurious single Pedro Ximénez sherry cask. This distinctive cask imparts captivating notes of dried fruits, dates, and decadent chocolate atop our signature tropical fruit essence.
COMING SOON TO SELECT POLISH RETAILERS.
Chopin - The Composer
Meanwhile, 'Chopin - The Composer' beckons with a symphony of flavors, deriving its unique character from a single fino sherry cask. This expression marries the sweetness of fruit inherent in the whisky with a nuanced saline quality imparted by the cask, resulting in a harmonious balance of elements.
Taken from our expanding array of exceptional fruit-forward single malt whiskies, "Shoulders of Giants" commemorates the achievements of historical figures who have left an indelible mark on our world. This special edition comprises 328 bottles at 70CL, boasting a graceful 52% ABV, reflecting our ongoing commitment to quality.
In tribute to Frédéric François Chopin's profound influence on music appreciation, we have further matured this release in a splendid single Fino sherry cask. This unique expression presents a symphony of flavors, blending rich, nutty undertones with a vibrant core of zesty fruitiness.
COMING SOON TO SELECT POLISH RETAILERS.
Curie - The Scientist
Rounding out the Polish offerings is 'Curie - The Scientist,' a single malt enriched by its maturation in a Spanish oloroso sherry cask. Immerse yourself in the intricate layers of fruitcake and chopped nuts, a testament to the artistry of both the distillers and the storied figure after which it is named.
Derived from our expanding selection of outstanding fruit-forward single malt whiskies, "Shoulders of Giants" commemorates the achievements of historical figures whose impact resonates in our modern world. This special edition, limited to 300 bottles at 70CL with a robust 57% ABV, reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence.
In homage to Marie Curie's groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of radioactivity, we present an exceptional tribute with an additional maturation in a delightful single oloroso sherry cask. This distinctive release captivates the senses with notes of figs and raisins, intertwined with layers of caramel, dark chocolate, and subtle oak undertones, seamlessly blending our signature fruitiness with the authentic character of oloroso sherry aging.
COMING SOON TO SELECT POLISH RETAILERS.
Speaking on the significance of the 'Shoulders of Giants' series, Matt McKay, representing Bimber Distillery, remarked, “Our whisky making methodology is to take the learning of the past and to adapt it to make the whisky of the future. As such, it is entirely fitting for Bimber to be looking to historical figures who have shaped our societies and consciousnesses."
He further elaborated, "The Shoulders of Giants releases not only pay homage and celebrate the achievements of national heroes – they also demonstrate the growing maturity and complexity of our single malt whiskies, which are proving to be increasingly versatile in a wide range of cask types and styles. Going forward we have many more giants to explore, and we’re looking forward to telling their stories.”
Behind each expression lies a meticulous production process, starting with the distillation of spirit from Bimber's single farm barley, malted on-site at Warminster Maltings. This barley is then carefully fermented for seven days in bespoke American oak washbacks, yielding a fruit-forward base spirit that forms the canvas for each unique creation. Distillation takes place in Bimber’s traditional copper pot stills, renowned for imparting layers of complexity to the final product.
In a parallel development, Bimber and its sister distillery Dunphail in Speyside have experienced a transition in leadership following the departure of founder Dariusz Plazewski in February.
The highly anticipated UK exclusives of the 'Shoulders of Giants' series will be available for purchase on Friday, April 26th, via Bimber’s official website, priced at £94.00 each. Meanwhile, enthusiasts in Poland can look forward to securing their coveted bottles from selected retailers starting at the end of April 2024.
As Bimber Distillery continues to push the boundaries of innovation while honoring tradition, the 'Shoulders of Giants' series stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who have shaped the course of human history, one dram at a time.
About Bimber Distillery
Bimber Distillery is a craft distillery based in London, England, known for its dedication to producing high-quality spirits using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. Founded in 2015 by Darius Plazewski, Bimber Distillery has quickly gained recognition for its artisanal approach to distillation and its commitment to quality craftsmanship. The name "Bimber" is Polish for moonshine, reflecting the distillery's roots in Plazewski's Polish heritage and its focus on small-batch production.
At Bimber Distillery, the emphasis is on quality over quantity, with a focus on producing spirits that showcase the natural flavors and characteristics of the ingredients used. The distillery sources its grains from local farms and mills, ensuring the freshest and highest quality raw materials for its spirits. Bimber's whiskies are crafted using traditional methods, including copper pot still distillation and aging in oak barrels, resulting in smooth and flavorful expressions that reflect the distillery's dedication to craftsmanship.
In addition to its whiskies, Bimber Distillery also produces a range of other spirits, including vodka, gin, and rum, each made with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality. The distillery's products have received numerous awards and accolades, cementing its reputation as one of the leading craft distilleries in the United Kingdom.
Bimber Distillery also offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the distillation process firsthand and sample a selection of its spirits. The distillery's commitment to transparency and education ensures that visitors leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art and science of craft distillation. Overall, Bimber Distillery is a shining example of the craft spirits movement, combining traditional techniques with modern innovation to produce spirits of exceptional quality and character.
