Bimber unveils Matusalem-finished whisky
London-based Bimber Distillery has partnered with British department store Selfridges to release a single malt whisky finished in Matusalem Sherry casks.
The limited edition release marks Bimber’s third partnership with Selfridges. Matt McKay, Bimber Distillery spokesperson, said: “We are thrilled to be releasing our third collaborative single malt whisky with Selfridges – and to be continuing to introduce Bimber’s whisky to the store's many spirit lovers. “The absorbing complexity and rich sweetness of the Matusalem is the perfect counterpart to our bright, fruit-forward, textural single malt whisky.” The whisky was matured for four years in American oak ex-Bourbon casks before being transferred for addition maturation in Matusalem Sherry sourced from Gonzalez Byass, Spain. Matusalem Sherry is created from a combination of Palomino and Pedro Ximénez grapes fermented, fortified and then aged in separate soleras for approximately 15 years before being combined at a ratio of 75% Palomino to 25% Pedro Ximénez. The blend is then aged for an additional 15 years within a Matusalem solera before being bottled as a deeply rich very old, rare Sherry (Vors). Finishing the spirit in Matusalem casks has resulted in a whisky that boasts notes of ripe cranberries and redcurrant jelly on the nose, as well as aromas of chocolate gateaux, cinnamon rolls and plump raisins. On the palate, it offers layered flavours of fruitcake, gingerbread and grated chocolate. Stone and tropical fruit notes may also be detected. Sherried fruits and balanced spice are present on the finish. Neil McDonald, beer, wine and spirit buyer, Selfridges, added: “We’re delighted with the result [of the finish in Matusalem casks], which offers the perfect harmony between the whisky’s naturally rich, fruit-forward character and the Sherry’s absorbing complexity.” The limited release of 965 bottles will be available for RRP £84.99 (US$102.77) from Monday 13 February. It will be on sale in Selfridges London, Selfridges Manchester and Selfridges Birmingham as well as Selfridges.com, where it will be sold jointly with bottles of the original Gonzalez Byass Matusalem Sherry. The whisky rests at 51.4% ABV. Last month, Bimber unveiled the fourth release from its Spirit of the Underground collection, produced in conjunction with Transport for London.
