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North Star Spirits has earned a respected place in the world of Scotch whisky since its founding in 2016. Based in Glasgow and led by founder Iain Croucher, the company has built its reputation on a clear philosophy: to seek out exceptional casks from across Scotland and bottle them with honesty, transparency, and a sense of exploration. In a relatively short time, North Star has become known for limited-edition whiskies that celebrate individuality rather than uniformity, offering drinkers a view into the breadth and diversity of Scotch whisky.

A brief history

North Star Spirits began as a small, family-run operation with a focused aim. After working in the industry, including time at independent bottler A.D. Rattray, Iain Croucher set out to create a company that combined traditional whisky values with a contemporary outlook. From the earliest bottlings, the approach was clear: no artificial colouring, no chill filtration, and most whiskies presented at cask strength. Each would be chosen for character, not volume.

The company has grown steadily, releasing several batches each year. Standout whiskies have included 1990s Springbank single malts, 1980s Bunnahabhain casks, and the Vega blended malts, one of which reached 41 years of age. In 2021, North Star introduced the Periodical range, a series of small-yield releases presented in 50cl apothecary-style bottles at 50% ABV and priced under £50 to remain accessible.

How North Star approaches whisky

North Star does not distil whisky – it sources casks from distilleries across Scotland, selecting those that show depth, maturity, or distinctive character. These are bottled as single cask or small-batch expressions, each allowed to speak for itself.

The company works to simple principles. Whisky is bottled at cask strength whenever possible, chill filtration is avoided to retain natural oils and texture, and colour is never adjusted. The result is whisky that feels vivid and full of individuality. A coastal Islay malt may bring sea-spray and smoke, while a mature Speyside cask may lean towards orchard fruit and honeyed richness.

Distinctive characteristics

North Star’s identity is defined by philosophy rather than geography. Instead of creating a single house style, the company presents a curated cross-section of Scotland’s whisky landscape. Its bottlings often include long-aged single malts from well-known distilleries, rare grain whiskies, and occasional blended malts and rums. Each one reflects the qualities of a specific cask, or small selection of casks, at a specific moment in its life.

Packaging supports this modern approach: broad, rounded bottles with clean, graphic labels designed to stand out without distracting from the whisky itself.

Product range and notable bottlings

North Star’s catalogue changes with each batch, but several categories define the brand. Single cask single malts often span 10 to 30 years or more, and are bottled at natural strength. Long-aged grain whiskies appear in occasional small parcels, offering lighter, sweeter profiles. The Vega blended malts focus on mature stock, with vatting ages often extending into the fourth decade. The Periodical series offers limited, lower-yield whiskies in smaller bottles at a consistent strength. Rum and gin appear occasionally, sourced with the same level of selectiveness as the whisky.

Flavour profiles vary greatly, but the common thread is clarity of cask influence – whether from sherry, bourbon, Port, or more unusual finishes.

Visiting North Star Spirits

North Star is not a distillery and does not offer public tours. However, the company regularly appears at whisky festivals, trade shows, and tasting events, where visitors can sample upcoming bottlings and learn more about the cask selection process.

How to enjoy North Star bottlings

Many expressions are bottled at cask strength, so a small amount of water can help reveal hidden layers of flavour. Because each bottling is limited, they are often enjoyed within comparative tastings – either alongside official distillery bottlings or other independent releases – allowing drinkers to explore how cask type, age, and distillery character interact.

Final thoughts

North Star Spirits represents a recent chapter in Scotland’s independent bottling tradition, but its values – craft, integrity, and curiosity – are rooted in the history of Scotch whisky. By allowing each cask to speak for itself, the company offers whisky drinkers the chance to explore Scotland one bottle at a time. Whether discovering cask-strength whisky for the first time or seeking a particular vintage, North Star encourages exploration and rewards patience, proving that some of the most interesting stories in whisky are still being written.