Apogee XII 12 Years
The so-called Pure Malt Whisky (euphemism for blend) Apogee XII from the house of Bimber is described as a milestone of the London-based craft distillery founded in 2015. According to their own statements, they are reacting to the increasing demand and are extraordinarily convinced of their product.Bimber's 12-years blend consists of single malts from Speyside and the Highlands and is finished in Bimber's own ex-bourbon casks. If you believe Bimber, it took two years to give this whisky its character through the fine art of blending: "Over two years in development, Apogee stands at the apex of our blending prowess and offers a showcase of our ceaseless dedication to meticulous maturation." We are curious! The Pure Malt comes in an exciting bottle. Made from a haptic, hammered glass, it is meant to mimic the surfaces of Bimber's small copper stills.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A sweet scent of pear and brown sugar comes to us as soon as we pour it into the Glencairn glass. After a short time, nutty and caramel aromas become noticeable and push their way to the fore.
Palate
The oaky start lingers for a long time. Later it slowly gives way to a pleasant apple-cinnamon flavour, which gets a special touch with a slightly spicy mint.
Finish
A slightly fruity-sweet oak accompanies us here for a medium length.
Thoughts
Marcel 69/100
The Apogee XII is a quite drinkable whisky with sweet notes of pear and caramel, but the taste is somewhat dominated by the wood – almost like taking a stroll through a hardware store. For the price, we would have hoped for more depth and character; nevertheless, it’s enjoyable and invites you to have another glass.
Sascha 69/100
The Apogee XII shows a clear structure but suffers from a dominant wood note that shifts the balance in favor of oak and vanilla. Despite harmonious hints of apple and mint, the blend comes across as somewhat one-dimensional overall and rather expensive compared to the complexity offered.
Value for Money: Expensive
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What does the term “Pure Malt” mean for Apogee XII 12 Years?
“Pure Malt” is a term used for a blend of different single malts, in this case from Speyside and the Highlands. It is not a single malt from one distillery, but rather a carefully composed mixture made exclusively from malt whiskies.
How does the finish in proprietary ex-bourbon casks influence the taste of Apogee XII?
The finish in the house’s own ex-bourbon casks imparts the whisky’s pronounced oak notes and sweet-fruity aromas. This cask management supports the development of caramel and nutty nuances as well as a fine balance between apple-cinnamon and a subtle minty sharpness.
Why does the development of a blend like Apogee XII often take several years?
Maturation and blending require time to harmoniously unite the individual character of the different single malts. For Apogee XII, Bimber invested over two years to achieve a consistent and complex flavor through careful mixing and additional maturation.