Vega 33 Year Old 1985 North Star Spirits

It’s no secret I have a soft spot for North Star Spirits. It has everything to do with the fact that Iain Croucher has a very good nose and so he releases top notch liquid. This is the 5th edition of his famous Vega, a blend 33 years of age, composed of juice from 1985.

The nose does not disappoint. After a short hint of gunpowder and sulfur (which evaporates before you know it, I promise) I get fresh popcorn (yeah!), sultanas, fresh figs and overripe oranges. Then some chocolate and almond paste join in. The whole evolves towards Jaffa Cakes. I love it! All the while it also shows some old school traits, making this seems like a much older whisky that it already is. Impressive nose.

The arrival is pretty sturdy, to be honest. The alcohol makes itself felt. There is also clearly a peaty element in there, because I get a lovely, somewhat sweet and sour smokiness that embraces the overripe fruit. Nicely seasoned on cloves, paprika and oregano. Hint of liquorice. Again a tad old school. If you taste this blind, you’d be forgiven for wondering if you are trying a 1970s Glen Garioch, I kid you not.

The finish is long, warm, spicy, dark, sweet and heavenly.

Not only is this a whisky to be impressed by, but also the price is (or was) that. It was initially released for some 120 EUR. Ridiculously cheap. Even if it cost 200 EUR, it would still be worth every penny.