Bimber Distillery

History of Bimber Distillery

Bimber Distillery was founded in 2015 by Dariusz Plazewski in West London, UK. The distillery’s name, “Bimber,” is derived from the Polish word for moonshine, reflecting Plazewski’s Polish heritage and his family’s long tradition of distilling.

Early Beginnings and Vision

Plazewski’s vision was to create high-quality, traditional, handcrafted single malt whisky. He was inspired by the artisanal techniques used in Poland, aiming to bring this craft to a wider audience. The distillery began its production journey by using traditional methods, including floor malting, hand-mashing, and direct-fired copper pot stills.

Production Methods

Bimber Distillery prides itself on its meticulous production process. The barley used is sourced from a single farm, and the water is drawn from the South Downs. The distillery employs small-batch fermentation and distillation, which ensures the unique character and quality of its whisky. The use of direct-fired stills and long fermentation periods (up to seven days) contribute to the depth and complexity of the spirit.

Types of Whiskey Offered

Bimber offers a range of whiskies, each crafted with attention to detail and a commitment to quality. Their core range includes:

• Single Malt London Whisky: Aged in a variety of casks, including American oak, ex-bourbon, and sherry casks, this whisky is known for its rich, complex flavors and smooth finish.
• Cask Strength Editions: Bottled at natural cask strength, these editions offer whisky enthusiasts a more intense and robust experience.
• Limited Releases: Bimber also produces limited-edition whiskies, often aged in unique or experimental casks such as port, rum, or wine casks, adding distinctive flavors and aromas to the spirit.

Bimber Distillery stands out in the crowded whisky market due to its dedication to traditional methods and high-quality production. Founded by Dariusz Plazewski, it has quickly established itself as a producer of exceptional single malt whiskies. With its range of offerings and commitment to craftsmanship, Bimber continues to make a significant impact on the world of whisky.

Awards Won by Bimber Distillery

World Whiskies Awards: Bimber has secured multiple medals at the World Whiskies Awards. In 2020, they received both Gold and Silver medals for their whiskies. They followed this up with wins in the 2021 competition as well.

Icons of Whisky – Craft Producer of the Year (Rest of the World) (2020): This prestigious award from Icons of Whisky recognizes Bimber’s excellence as a craft producer on the world stage.

Other Accolades: In addition to the awards mentioned above, Bimber has likely received recognition from other spirits competitions or industry publications. However, specific details on these might be harder to find online.

Bimber Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Visiting Bimber Distillery is a captivating experience that immerses guests in the world of artisanal whisky production. Located in West London, the distillery opens its doors to whisky enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, offering a comprehensive and engaging tour that highlights its traditional methods and dedication to quality.

Guided Tour

The guided tour at Bimber Distillery is led by knowledgeable and passionate guides who provide an in-depth look into the whisky-making process. The tour typically lasts around 90 minutes and includes the following highlights:

• Introduction to Bimber’s History: The tour begins with an overview of the distillery’s history, including its founding by Dariusz Plazewski and the inspiration behind its name and mission.
• Grain to Glass: Visitors are taken through each step of the whisky production process, starting with the sourcing of barley from a single farm. The guide explains the importance of high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques in crafting Bimber’s whiskies.
• Mashing and Fermentation: Guests are shown the distillery’s hand-mashing process and the long fermentation periods that contribute to the whisky’s rich flavors. The tour includes a visit to the fermentation tanks, where the mash is transformed into alcohol.
• Distillation: One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to the still room, where Bimber’s direct-fired copper pot stills are located. The guide explains how these stills, along with careful distillation practices, produce the unique character of Bimber’s whisky.
• Maturation and Cask Selection: The tour continues to the maturation warehouse, where visitors learn about the various casks used for aging Bimber’s whisky, including ex-bourbon, sherry, port, and wine casks. The guide discusses how different casks influence the final flavor profile of the whisky.

Tasting Session

No visit to Bimber Distillery is complete without a tasting session. At the end of the tour, guests are invited to sample a selection of Bimber’s whiskies. The tasting typically includes:

• Core Range: Visitors can taste Bimber’s Single Malt London Whisky, experiencing its rich and complex flavors.
• Cask Strength Editions: Guests may also sample cask strength editions, offering a more intense and robust flavor experience.
• Limited Releases: Depending on availability, the tasting might include limited-edition whiskies, providing a unique opportunity to try rare and experimental expressions.

Visitor Center and Shop

After the tour and tasting, guests can explore the distillery’s visitor center and shop. The shop offers a range of Bimber’s whiskies, including exclusive bottlings available only at the distillery. Visitors can also find branded merchandise and whisky-related gifts.

Booking Information

Tours at Bimber Distillery must be booked in advance, as they are popular and space is limited. Tickets can be purchased through the distillery’s website. The distillery also offers private tours for groups and special events, providing a personalized experience for visitors.

The Bimber Distillery tour offers a fascinating journey into the art of whisky-making, showcasing the traditional methods and craftsmanship that define Bimber’s whiskies. With its informative guides, hands-on experience, and tasting sessions, the tour provides an unforgettable experience for whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Flask & Barrel Review of Bimber Distillery

I recently visited Bimber Distillery in West London, and let me tell you, it was an incredible experience. As a whiskey collector who’s been on countless distillery tours, Bimber truly stands out.

First off, the tour guides are fantastic. They’re super knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, which made the whole tour engaging and fun. We kicked things off with a bit of history about Bimber. Learning about how Dariusz Plazewski founded the distillery and his dedication to traditional methods was really inspiring.

The best part for me was seeing the production process up close. From the hand-mashing to the long fermentation periods, it’s clear that Bimber takes their craft seriously. Visiting the still room was a highlight – those direct-fired copper pot stills are a sight to see. Our guide explained how they impact the flavor, and it made me appreciate the whiskey even more.

Then came the tasting session. We got to sample a variety of their whiskies, including their core Single Malt London Whisky and some of their cask strength editions. Each one was rich and complex, with unique flavors that stood out. The limited releases we tried were especially exciting – you could really taste the creativity and expertise behind each bottle.

The visitor center and shop were also great. I picked up a couple of bottles that I wouldn’t find anywhere else, along with some cool branded merchandise.

If you’re planning to visit, make sure to book in advance. The tours are popular, and it’s easy to see why. Bimber Distillery offers a perfect blend of education and enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just curious, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the art of whiskey-making.

Overall, I’d give Bimber Distillery a 4.7 out of 5. It’s definitely one of the top distillery tours I’ve been on, and I can’t wait to go back. Cheers!

What To Do Nearby Bimber Distillery

Wembley Stadium (2.2 miles): Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of Wembley Stadium, a national treasure and architectural marvel. Take a stadium tour or catch a thrilling sporting event or concert.

Kew Gardens (4.8 miles): Escape the urban landscape and delve into the breathtaking beauty of Kew Gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a vast collection of plants, sprawling botanical gardens, and historic greenhouses.

Hampstead Heath (5.2 miles): Unwind and explore the natural beauty of Hampstead Heath. Hike or bike along scenic trails, have a picnic on the expansive grounds, or visit Kenwood House, a neoclassical mansion with stunning art collections and landscaped gardens.

Camden Market (5.3 miles): Unleash your inner shopper and delve into the vibrant chaos of Camden Market. Explore a labyrinthine network of stalls brimming with everything from vintage clothing and quirky souvenirs to handcrafted jewelry and international street food.

Regent’s Park (5.6 miles): Regent’s Park, one of London’s largest green spaces, offers a tranquil escape from the city bustle. Stroll along the picturesque waterways, rent a boat for a scenic cruise on the lake, or visit London Zoo, home to a diverse array of animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Bimber Distillery?

Alexander The Great: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 8 Plender Street, London NW1 0JT. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 20 7383 0808.

Taste of Nawab: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 97 Colney Hatch Lane, Muswell Hill, London N10 1LR. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 20 8883 6429.

Andy’s Greek Taverna: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 23 Pratt Street, Camden Town, London NW1 0BG. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 20 7485 3737.

What hotels are near Bimber Distillery?

Holiday Inn London – West, an IHG Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 4 Portal Way, London W3 6RT. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 20 8753 0800.

Dorsett Shepherds Bush: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 58 Shepherds Bush Green, London W12 8QE. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 20 3262 1026.

The Hide London: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 230 Hendon Way, London NW4 3NE. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 20 8457 3900.