I didn't had the 1997 Spica, I heared from people that one was too grainy; well, the good news is this isn't! North Star nailed it again, this is a great whisky and I can't imagine this will be on the shelf for a long time. I know there are lots of self named experts avoiding blends as some kind of desease, for this one that is a mistake. I'm pretty sure this one will get even better when times goes by, but there is a big sherry cask influence on both nose and palate, but not overpowering. Fortunately it's age gives both nose and palate a somewhat old skool feeling, you can tell you're nipping a respectable aged whisky.
So, dark fruits, some raisins and vigs, blueberry pie and that hard to discribe old skool feeling on nose. Palate; lot's of the same with a nice peppery mouthfeel. Finish doesn't dissapoint either, long lasting, as one might expect from a 29 yo. North Star either made a choice to have the level of grain minimized, had a grain that was simply great, or a grain that is way older than 29 yo, or they used a grain that matured on ex sherry wood. Anyhow; great stuff!

Much more balanced Spica compared to the earlier released younger version which was quite on the burned caramel side. I do think it misses some power but it makes up with decent complexity and lots of aromas to be discovered. Nice one!

Lots of flavors and good depth in the nose. For me loses some points as i think the structure seems a little thin in the mouth.

In the nose an interesting earthy note.. Dried mushrooms or something?
Whisky itself seems nicely balanced with wood sugars mixing with sherried notes. Medium to Long after taste.
Tasted from a sample