North Star Spirits ‘The Fool’
Blended Scotch Whisky | 57.3% ABV
It's vital to pause and celebrate accomplishments
Throughout the past year, we've navigated a multitude of challenges and transitions, including new jobs, family changes, and parting ways with dear friends. Amidst the tumult of life, it's essential to pause and savour our accomplishments, regardless of their magnitude.
On the heels of a recent minor victory, I decided to indulge myself with a bottle of whisky.
My fondness for whisky is well known among my acquaintances. To me, whisky surpasses a simple beverage; it's an experience best relished by kindred spirits. So, when an occasion worth commemorating arose, I embarked on a quest to one of my preferred independent spirit merchants in Glasgow's Kelvinbridge, seeking the ideal bottle to celebrate the milestone.
Having successfully concluded my probationary period at my new job while simultaneously embracing fatherhood for the first time, I felt immense pressure. Hence, when my employer phoned to convey their satisfaction with my performance, it offered a welcome confidence boost.
Mindful of my budget, I ultimately selected ‘The Fool’ from North Star Spirits for £29. Their offerings have consistently impressed me time and time and again; this whisky would be my reward.
Whisky, in many respects, counteracts our frenetic modern lives. Its production, maturation, and enjoyment all demand time and patience. There's no need to hasten — merely relish the spirit in the here and now. The proper company, ambience, and occasion can elevate a whisky into an even more extraordinary experience.
In today's fast-paced world, self-compassion is often overshadowed. We habitually judge ourselves harshly and find it challenging to acknowledge our achievements, undermining our confidence and motivation. Nevertheless, reflecting on our accomplishments is vital for mental health and overall wellbeing. Be it through a dram, an outing with friends, or a weekend retreat, taking time to celebrate helps preserve balance in our lives.
Upon reaching a personal milestone, make sure to recognize and celebrate your triumph. Immersing ourselves in an experience can be an invaluable means of practising self-compassion and acknowledging our accomplishments. Besides, it's an excellent excuse to partake in some liquid luxury.
Whisky epitomises more than merely a drink; it embodies a celebration of self-compassion and a reminder that we merit the recognition of our own worth and achievements. Whether commemorating minor victories or significant milestones, we should all take a moment to appreciate the journey: a path strewn with sacrifices, hard work, and dedication.
So, let us toast to the journey, the victories, and the bottle of whisky awaiting us at the finish line. Let's remember to celebrate our accomplishments and acknowledge our worth. We’ve earned it.
Review
North Star Spirits, The Fool, blended Scotch whisky, 57.3% ABV
£29, still some availability
'The Fool' is a delightfully blended Scotch whisky, crafted with care and matured for six years in ex-oloroso refill butts. Priced exceptionally well, this solid dram will be appreciated by fans of grain whisky as a valuable addition to their collection.
North Star Spirits are renowned for their exceptional independent bottlings, and the ‘The Fool’ Blend is no exception. This small-batch blend features a 2016 vintage combination of malt and grain whiskies bottled at a robust 57.3% ABV. The anticipation for future additions to this series is high; I for one can’t wait to see what the next release from this series will be.
New entries are appearing in the blended category with increasing regularity. Could it finally be the year of the super-blend? With its attractive price point and rich flavour profile, this blend is a no-brainer. No one should feel foolish about a purchase…
Nose
Upon the first whiff, you're greeted with a pleasant wave of vanilla intermingling with the aroma of ripe pear. It's a straightforward yet enticing nose that beckons you to take a sip. It smells young, and the refill casks impart some sherry notes on the nose.
Palate
As you delve in, an interesting mix of spice and oak comes forth, followed by the familiar hint of vanilla. The flavours are well-rounded, creating a satisfying palate that keeps you engaged. The finish lingers longer than anticipated for a blend of this age. The ex-oloroso refill butts from an Edrington distillery impart a gentle warmth and subtle complexity, adding depth to the overall experience.
The Dregs
Composed of 80% grain whisky and 20% malt whisky, this blend offers a no-nonsense yet intriguing profile. It's a solid choice for those who appreciate the simple pleasures of a well-crafted whisky.
If this is a sign of things to come, I’m very happy. I’m really hopeful that North Star Spirits continue this series with the rest of the tarot deck. Whether the rest are blends like this one or not, this is a fantastic start to this series. The value on offer here is unreal. Cask strength, naturally presented whisky for under £30. More of this, please!
2023 really feels like it could be the year of the super-blend — hopefully bucking the trend of boring blends at 40% with E150a and chill filteration. Indeed, bottles like this will help change the perception of a whisky category that’s long been seen as “lesser than.”.
Score: 6/10
Tried this? Share your thoughts in the comments below. FC
Friday First
This is a debut piece. Occasionally we’ll use Fridays to present a new contribution to Dramface. In this case, Fingal has been our social media and digital marketing support since late 2022. Now moving on to an industry position, we hope he stays to share his future self-rewards.