The bottler North Star Spirits hasn’t been around for a long time but they have certainly claimed a spot in the list of bottlers to look out for. There were some very nice releases in the past like the Bunnahabhain 1980 or 1986 and the Orkney 2000. But the real star was the previous Vega release. This was a stellar blend and was also sold for a very fair price. So when the new Vega appeared I knew I had to be fast.
After missing out on a few occasions I finally managed to buy one, and couldn’t wait to open the bottle. Usually I’m not the person to drink sherried whiskies in a summer period as I seem to enjoy them less with this hot weather, but I have high hopes for this 41 year old Vega!
This Vega has matured in Spanish & American oak and is bottled at 46,1% ABV. There were 400 bottles available.
Vega 41 year old tasting notes:
Nose: It starts with a combination of dark fruit and red fruit; blueberries, blackberries and strawberries. There is a hint of menthol. Chocolates (chokotoff), caramel, and leather. But then it leans towards some fruity freshness that reminds me of fresh oranges. Also some dried fruits here, like figs. And some nutmeg and cloves.
Taste: Sweet, dark fruits again, prunes, and there is again a menthol aspect too. This is followed by resin. It’s spicy, leathery and has some oak notes too. A layer of honey. And then it goes back to cacao and dark chocolates.
Finish: The finish is long! With spices, vanilla. Some salted caramel, liqourice and dark chocolate. Mouth watering!
I don’t exactly know what this blend is made of except that it contains liquid from Speyside and Islay. But it is good, very good and I can see myself enjoying this during some of the rainy days in autumn or winter time. Right now it is not what I am looking for in whisky. But I am sure I will have enough left for winter time (I hope). 🙂
