North Star Bothy by Ralfy 10th Anniversary 11yo

North Star Bothy by Ralfy 10th Anniversary 11yo 

Region: Scotland

ABV: 54.1%

Price: £68.00

A blended malt Scotch whisky created live in the Whisky Bothy by Ralfy in collaboration with North Star Spirits, then bottled in 2025 to mark North Star’s 10th anniversary. The recipe combines 2013 Teaninich from sherry octaves, 2013 secret Campbeltown from refill barrels, 2015 Caol Ila from refill hogsheads, 2010 secret Speyside from first fill sherry hogsheads, and 2007 Auchroisk from refill sherry hogsheads. Bottled without chill filtration or added colour. A limited charity release supporting Macmillan Cancer Support. Outturn of 1,320 bottles. 

Nose

Palate

The palate opens with a big hit of sherry, bringing chocolate, blackcurrants, and coffee, alongside apple pie, orange rind, and honey. These notes are joined by a fair amount of peat on the medium length finish. That peat really sneaks up on you and wasn’t something we were expecting given the nose. The mouthfeel is just slightly lacking.

Nose (with water)

Water intensifies that musty note and the dram takes on a slightly stale character. There is also more honey now. Other than that, the pre-dilution notes are still present, though somewhat dimmed.

Palate (with water)

Water brings out a little more spice on the palate, along with a touch more bourbon sweetness. The pre-dilution notes have not really disappeared so much as softened. The finish remains medium in length, and the mouthfeel is relatively unchanged.

Conclusion

One where we would personally avoid adding water. Undiluted, it has some interesting aromas and flavours. That said, while it is an interesting dram, it is not without flaws, most notably that it feels like it is lacking just a little something in the mouthfeel department. It is always a little harder to score a charity bottle fairly, but after a bit of debate we are settling on a 7.

Score: 7/10

Value

£68 for some good cask strength whisky that also benefits a great charity. Buy a bottle now!

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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