North Star Tasting Set 2019 Release (30ml x 2)

North Star Tasting Set 2019 Release (30ml x 2)

• North Star 31 Year Old Sirius 2019 Release (30ml, 43.1%)
• North Star 28 Year Old Vega 2019 Release (30ml, 46.7%)

The North Star Spirits celestial series—named after stars like Sirius and Vega—has gained a cult following for offering incredibly well-aged whiskies at a fraction of the price of official distillery bottlings. Founded by Iain Croucher, North Star is known for its "honest" approach: high age statements, natural color, and a focus on the liquid's character over fancy marketing.

The 2019 releases of Sirius and Vega represent some of the most prestigious "old-and-rare" blends and malts currently in the archive.

Tasting Notes

North Star 31 Year Old "Sirius" (2019 Release)

Category: Blended Scotch Whisky | ABV: 43.1% | Cask: Bourbon Hogsheads

Named after the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius is a "top-tier" blended Scotch. At 31 years old, this is a masterclass in the "Old Blend" style—where the grain and malt components have had over three decades to meld into a single, seamless profile. Distilled in 1988, this release is prized for its waxy, tropical, and highly sophisticated character that simply cannot be replicated by younger spirits.

• Nose: Remarkably waxy and tropical. Notes of tinned pineapple, beeswax, and antique furniture. There is a soft floral undertone of pressed lilies and vanilla bean.

• Palate: Silky and delicate. Mango lassi, honeyed malt, and white chocolate. The wood is present but refined, offering a hint of parchment and soft ginger spice.

• Finish: Long and drying. A beautiful fade of passion fruit and cedarwood.

Why this bottle is special:

• The 30-Year Milestone: Crossing the 30-year mark transforms a whisky’s texture. This is a "contemplative" dram, perfect for those who enjoy the waxy, fruit-forward style of late 80s distillation.

• Exceptional Value: Finding any 31-year-old whisky with this level of tropical complexity is rare; finding one curated by Iain Croucher ensures a high-quality selection.

North Star 28 Year Old "Vega" (2019 Release)

Category: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 46.7% | Cask: American Oak & European Oak

While Sirius is a blend (containing grain), Vega is a Blended Malt, meaning it is composed entirely of single malts from various distilleries (rumored to include heavy-hitters from Speyside). This 28-year-old release focuses on the harmony between American and European oak. It is richer, spicier, and more robust than the Sirius, offering a "sherried" depth that balances the bright Speyside fruit.

• Nose: Rich and autumnal. Red apples, plump raisins, and cinnamon sticks. There is a deeper layer of toffee and old leather.

• Palate: Full-bodied and coating. Christmas cake, dark honey, and orange zest. The European oak brings a structural dryness with notes of clove and espresso.

• Finish: Warming and spicy. A lingering tail of walnuts, nutmeg, and dark chocolate.

Why this bottle is special

• The Blended Malt Purity: Because there is no grain whisky here, the "Vega" series acts like a super-aged Single Malt. It carries the weight and oily texture that malt lovers crave.

• The "Secret" Pedigree: North Star’s blended malts are famous for using high-quality components from distilleries that would normally cost five times the price if the name were on the label.

• Perfect Proof: At 46.7%, it has more "bite" and intensity than the Sirius, making it the preferred choice for those who like a spicy, sherried backbone.