North Star Spirits tasting, The Oak Barrel, Sydney, 9 March 2022. Whisky #1 Nose: Floral, fruity but shy when neat. A dash of water opens it a little but also elevates the prominence of alcohol on the nose and introduces a curious sweaty aroma. Palate: Spicy/sweet arrival but hot and tight when neat. There is a citric acidity to the palate and it intensifies with water. More spices in the development along with vanilla and raisins. The texture is lightly oily. Finish: Medium. Vegetal and a little sour with sweet spice as the final flavour. Not a particularly interesting or satisfying whisky. It has a limited profile (humdrum is probably the best descriptor) that does not inspire repeated nosing or sipping. I had half my tasting sample left at the end of the night and no inclination to finish it. There is little indication that this spent 14 years in an oloroso hoggie, and it’s also one of those drams that becomes hotter and more “spiky” with the addition of water, until you get to the point where it suddenly drowns. I didn’t think it was worth the asking price and I expect to see bottles of this on the shelves for a while to come. It’s not North Star’s finest hour. “Average” : 78/100 (2.75 stars)