North Star Orkney 12 year 2007

Tasting event in Sydney on July 18, 2019. Spirit #5 Smell straight: Initial scents are vibrant barley malt and the fresh apple aroma of fermentation. This doesn't smell yeasty, but has a lively grain character that's rare. Then, delicate floral honey, a bit of vanilla, and the gentle warmth of Orkney's signature heather peat emerge. Smell with water: Dilution softens the grain notes, adding a smooth, buttery feel. It also releases fruit scents (green apple, Asian pear, apricot), deepens the honeyed smoke, and brings to mind a faint memory of sea air drifting through the storage buildings above Kirkwall. Taste straight: The first impression is smooth, clean, and sharp, with a slightly slick, zesty citrus taste like rinsed preserved lemons. This quickly becomes sweeter, with white grapes and honey appearing against a backdrop of smoky ash. Taste with water: Adding water expands the mouthfeel and enhances the flavor. The briny citrus turns sweeter and more peppery, the grape notes become richer and rounder (more like sultanas, not raisins), the honey deepens, and the ashy smoke takes on a tarry rope quality. A subtle spicy wood hint appears, and the texture is rich and full, with a perfect balance of slickness and creaminess. Finish: Lasts a good while. Smooth and a little slick, with honey, light smoke, and a citrus-herb note on the lingering taste. An outstanding spirit that could only come from one place, and you won't need to guess which. It reminds you of a certain distillery the moment you smell it, and tasting it confirms the identity beyond doubt. The aroma develops in stages as it sits in the glass, and water amplifies this. It's not too intense when smelled neat, despite its strength; instead, it offers a subtle, uncomplicated complexity. The range of scents isn't vast, but each element – fruit, honey, smoke, etc. – has many nuances. The taste matches the aroma, representing cask-strength spirit from that specific distillery at its brilliant peak. If you've never tried this style, I highly recommend it, as it showcases the distillery's character in its most authentic and unadulterated form, often unlike the standard releases. A remarkable spirit, and for the price, it's a fantastic deal and strongly advised. Only a limited number of bottles were produced, so grab one if you see it, or you'll regret it. "Excellent": 89/100 (4.75 stars)