North Star Whisky Sample 28 Year Old Vega Limited Edition No.4 2019 Release (30ml, 46.7%)

North Star Whisky Sample 28 Year Old Vega Limited Edition No.4 2019 Release (30ml, 46.7%)

The North Star Vega 28 Year Old (Limited Edition No. 4) is a standout release from Iain Croucher’s Glasgow-based independent bottling house. Released in early 2019, this 1990 vintage blended malt became an instant classic for those seeking "old-school" Speyside luxury without the price tag of a single-distillery 30-year-old.

As part of the Vega series—named after the star that will eventually replace Polaris—it follows the theme of high-age, high-value blending.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich, inviting, and layered. It opens with stewed red apples, fragrant honey, and clover. A distinct "rancio" note of tobacco leaf and old leather develops, balanced by a fresh, herbal lift of menthol and Mediterranean herbs. There is a jammy undertone of forest fruits and a touch of clove-spiced orange.

Palate: Medium-bodied and silky. The arrival is dominated by creamy honey, golden raisins, and toffee apples. Mid-palate, it becomes more complex and spicy, with nutmeg, black pepper, and oodles of oak spice. A cooling note of fresh mint and eucalyptus cuts through the richness, providing a surprising and welcome brightness.

Finish: Long, warming, and drying. The wood influence takes center stage at the end, leaving notes of vanilla bean, bitter cocoa, and espresso grounds. It leaves a final, tannic grip that keeps the sweetness in check.

Why it's special

• The "Blended Malt" Secret: By vatting different Speyside distilleries, North Star can achieve a complexity that single casks sometimes lack. It combines the waxy fruitiness of one distillery with the nutty sherry of another.

• The Vintage Pedigree: 1990 was a stellar year for Speyside. At 28 years, the spirit has lost its youthful "prickle" and gained a sophisticated, polished character.