Each time you savour a Two Stacks whiskey, you are guaranteed not to lose your way, just like Polaris.

As the age-old adage suggests, “great things come in threes,” and this sentiment holds true when it comes symbols of significance. In Christianity, for instance, the number 3 embodies the essence of the Holy Trinity, while in Buddhism, it epitomises the Triple Gem or Three Jewels. Surprisingly, this numeric symbolism finds its way even into the world of whiskey, as exemplified by the recently acclaimed Polaris whiskey from Two Stacks, now in its eagerly awaited third iteration. Donal, Shane, and Liam, from Two Stacks, kindly extended their generosity by sharing with me a sample of this yet-to-be-released spirit, eagerly anticipating my impressions.

Since the release of their Polaris 1.1 edition in early 2022, Two Stacks has consistently embodied the essence of ‘Polaris’ by upholding “steadfastness, to always bring quality, adventure, and trust, that every time you pick up a Two Stacks whiskey, you won’t be lost”. While this connection is quite fitting, it also encompasses a deeper meaning rooted in tradition and heritage. Just as astronomers rely on precision to explore and comprehend galactic bodies such as Polaris, Two Stacks employs the art of bonding to craft their whiskey, a skill that runs parallel to the meticulousness required in studying these objects. When Polaris 1.2 made its debut last summer, it exemplified the unique characteristics of Irish whiskey, mirroring the individuality of stars, including the iconic Polaris.

The issue often encountered with trilogies, however, lies in an unwritten principle known as the ‘rule of threes,’ particularly evident in movies. Typically, the initial instalment garners positive reception, the sequel surpasses its predecessor, but the third and final chapter frequently disappoints (as exemplified, for instance, by the Matrix Trilogy). I bring this up because it relates to my experience with the Polaris series—Polaris 1.1 received a very respectable ‘7.5’ rating, while Polaris 1.2 saw a significant improvement, earning my first ever ‘9’. The trajectory appears to follow the aforementioned pattern. Although I am uncertain if Two Stacks intends to conclude the Polaris series here, it does raise concerns about the potential challenges in matching the excellence achieved in Polaris 1.2.

The Polaris 1.2 has received resounding acclaim, solidifying its reputation at the prestigious ‘Irish Whiskey Awards’. It achieved a remarkable triumph in the highly competitive ‘Single Pot Still 11 Years and Under’ category, surpassing even the renowned Old Comber. This exceptional achievement showcases the whiskey’s true excellence, proving that it stands up to the high standards set by Two Stacks in the previous year. But their newest Polaris whiskey is not just another release; it represents an interesting departure for Two Stacks, as it marks their first in-house blend. This is a strategic shift as previously they had entrusted the production to GND under their supervision. However, their success and the increasing demand for their products, both in cans and bottles, have led them to take this path, making it a more viable and practical option.

Anyway, let’s get on to the whiskey, shall we? As a quick reminder, the 1.1 was a 9-year-old Irish single malt aged in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel before a final 6-month finish in ex-Cabernet Franc Red Ice Wine cask. The 1.2 was a six-year-old pot still matured in an ice wine cask for 12 months. The 1.3 is 50% double distilled Single Malt 7-year-old with 50% near 7-year-old Pot Still (from 1.2) aged in red ice wine for 12+ months. So, what am I expecting from this? Possibly a little more refinement, a little more boldness and a touch more depth? Let’s get to it.

ABV: 58%

Price: The price has not yet been announced; expect to pay anything between £55-70.

Nose: Exquisite nuances of delicate red candied apple accompanied by the irresistible allure of giant strawberry sweets, reminiscent of fruitella and red chewits. As the nose unfolds, a tantalising hint of menthol-type spice delicately emerges, revealing its captivating charm.

Palate: Flat cherry coke, adorned with a dash of marzipan, creating a fusion of flavours on the palate. The spice gracefully emerges, starting subtly but building in intensity, enticing taste buds with notes of cinnamon and clove, adding depth to the spirit. Throughout, a beautiful sweetness prevails, just like fruit salad sweets and luscious candied strawberries. The texture is beautiful, creamy and velvety, similar to that of a macchiato coffee. There’s also a delicate bitterness of coffee, which enhances the overall profile.

Finish: There’s dark chocolate which combines with espresso beans. A subtle yet invigorating note of peppermint delivers a refreshing touch. Cinnamon reveals itself with a hint of clove which almost changes to chili; its refined spiciness adding depth and intensity.

Conclusion

When it comes to the whiskey, it’s the classic combination of sweetness and spice—a balance that can prove challenging to achieve. Yet, it does it really well, where the heat of chili intertwines with the summer fruits in a beautiful manner. While I did venture to explore it with a touch of water, I found that instead of enhancing the flavours, it somewhat dulled them. Therefore, I wholeheartedly advocate experiencing this whiskey in its unadulterated form. The highlight for me was the touch of bitterness imparted by the presence of coffee beans. This note reveals itself on the palate and throughout the finish, giving the whiskey quite the complexity.

I must admit, I approached this tasting with a hint of trepidation, having been astounded by the brilliance of Polaris 1.2. Whilst it was probably unfair to compare it to its predecessor and thus releasing that it may not quite reach the same levels, it still exudes an immense impression. Remaining true to the core principles of Two Stacks—meticulously sourced whiskey, masterful cask management, and a delightful symphony of robust, bold flavours—it encompasses everything your palate may desire. As for the price, yet to be determined, rest assured, it is bound to be commendably reasonable, considering it’s a single cask, cask strength, and, of course, its Irish essence.

This is another quality edition to the range and one that you should definitely opt to purchase when available.

Score: 8/10

Disclosure: As stated, the sample that informed this article was provided to the Water of Life team by Two Stacks free of charge. Two Stacks has not had any other input into this article, nor has the Water of Life team relinquished any editorial control