Three releases of Polaris whisky have graced us, swiftly disappearing and leaving Two Stacks Polaris as a fleeting treasure. Not a single drop is left available to buy other than trying your luck at an auction, where prices can double. This is a testament to their outstanding quality and craftsmanship, and to the values they hold dear. For those in pursuit of transparency, creativity, and innovation, let’s delve into the exciting narrative of how the free-thinkers at Two Stacks continue to script an adventurous chapter in the art of bottling and blending.

In my review of Polaris 1.3, I emphasised that when you indulge in a Two Stacks whiskey, assurance accompanies each sip, much like the guiding North Star, Polaris, signalling the whiskey’s quality. True to Two Stacks’ style, another edition has emerged, intriguingly marked by a partial name alteration. We’ve transitioned from the inaugural series and firmly entered the realm of the second series.

For those eagle-eyed among you, the latest release unveils a captivating maturation, prominently shaped by the infusion of Tokaji dry red wine casks, concluding a symphony with some expertly sourced Great Northern Distillery (GND) spirit. For those unaware, Tokaji red wine stands proudly as one of the sweetest wine varieties, typically esteemed by wine connoisseurs, with the sweet wines Tokaji Aszú and Tokaji Eszencia holding a revered status as precious noble wines; Two Stacks have chosen the former as their maturation cask. This is a wine once described by the Pope Pius X as “such wine is what is worthy of the Holy Father.”

Voltaire praised his favourite wine by saying: “Tokaj brings vigour to the smallest fibre of my brain and revives the enchanting sparkle of wit and good humour.” Imagine what a combination of that and Two Stacks expertly sourced spirit will do….

Shifting the spotlight to the realm of whiskey, a compelling marriage could unfold here as Tokaji red wine casks intertwine with the GND spirit, yielding a distinctive blend that hopefully honours the traditions of both worlds. Notably, the use of Tokaji wine finishes in the whiskey sphere, while not entirely novel, is gaining attention, shown by the Glasgow distillery, equally embracing innovation as one of their key tenets. This intersection of classic and contemporary in the whiskey landscape beckons enthusiasts to explore a nuanced and evolving palate, where tradition and experimentation converge in what could be a serious yet exciting symphony of flavours, a trait which seen Two Stacks cement their positioning as one of the most revered of bottlers.

Two Stacks has truly outdone themselves, introducing an exceptional touch to their meticulously crafted spirits. Not content with the ordinary, they have embraced a remarkably rare finish for their sourced spirit, setting themselves apart in the world of whiskey. What’s more, Two Stacks has elevated the art of bottling, a move that some might argue was unnecessary but speaks volumes about their unwavering commitment to excellence. This characteristic dynamism is the hallmark of Two Stacks—never complacent, always in pursuit of perfection.

The unveiling of their latest creation marks a significant milestone. The new bottle, a testament to Two Stacks’ dedication to sustainability, utilises up to 77% recycled glass. Its exquisite design, embossed with the distinguished Two Stacks name, is a visual feast that encapsulates the essence of their brand, something we’ve all come to know and expect from them.

The allure of this innovative packaging is irresistible, serving as undeniable proof of Two Stacks’ relentless quest for Irish whiskey superiority. It’s not just about crafting an exceptional spirit; it’s about doing so with an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. While Two Stacks may already boast impeccable green credentials, their ability to continually enhance and refine sets them apart. The introduction of this masterfully designed environmentally conscious bottle is nothing short of a triumph—a testament to Two Stacks’ ongoing mission to elevate the whiskey experience.

While all of this is massively reassuring, the real test is the spirit itself. It’s a seven-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey with a 68/32 split of malted and unmalted barley. Initial bourbon maturation and then finished off with a stint in Tokaji Hungarian Oak cask (law states the wine must rest in it for at least 18 months). I’m not going to lie and say that this hasn’t got the hallmarks of an absolute cracker, but I’m not sure there’s any other boxes to tick. As always, the true test lies in the whiskey itself, so let’s delve into it.

Price: £84.95 direct from Two Stacks’ webshop

ABV: 56.5%

Nose: An explosion of berry-infused notes, evoking memories of Ocean Spray cranberry. The presence of redcurrant and maraschino cherries is both vibrant and delightful. Amidst the sweetness, a beautiful interplay of spiced vanilla and hints of cinnamon lozenges. Adding a captivating layer of complexity, there’s a nuanced woody mustiness that lends a delightful depth.

Palate: The palate seamlessly carries on the momentum, with each note elevating its predecessor. The cherries take centre stage, reaching new heights reminiscent of cherry Tangfastics, blackcurrant Fruitellas and the delicate sweetness of strawberry laces dancing on the tastebuds. The texture is prominent with an oiliness, oddly accompanied by a subtle dryness. Amidst this there’s a touch of vanilla which resurfaces, joined by the return of cinnamon spice to add a final touch of warmth.

Finish: The finish extends remarkably, sustaining a pleasant warmth reminiscent of ginger nut biscuits. Abundant spices unfold further, unveiling nuances of peppermint and clove that add layers of complexity. The heat and vibrant spice contribute to a captivating conclusion that lingers long after each sip.

Conclusion

Before I dive in, it’s important to disclose that Two Stacks generously gifted me this whiskey. However, it’s crucial to note that this won’t influence my review. At the Water of Life, we maintain impartiality even when given complimentary items.

Now, let’s explore this whiskey. To begin, it’s an absolute delight. As someone with a sweet tooth, this whiskey caters perfectly to my preferences, engaging every one of my senses. The Tokaji finish has truly transformed it into a delightful, sweet sensation. While the bourbon maturation contributes to a well-rounded flavour, the Tokaji finish boldly elevates it to the next level. In many ways, this mirrors Two Stack’s approach – rejecting the ordinary and always striving for improvement.

Let’s delve into those delightful fruit notes – the cherries, strawberries, redcurrants, and blackcurrants are truly outstanding. They resonate with me, providing a genuine sense of joy. The sweetness is prominent but not overpowering, skilfully balanced with mellower notes such as vanilla and a touch of spice. This whiskey embodies the essence of a proper pot still, delivering everything one could desire from it. For a truly indulgent experience, I highly recommend opting for the bundle that includes NearyNogs chocolates – it’s a collaboration made in heaven. Regrettably, the initial four chocolates provided were simply not sufficient and led to me promptly purchasing an additional batch; For an additional £30, you have the enticing option to include four cans (yes, this is new) of the award-winning Double Cream Irish Liqueur along with a packet of NearyNogs premium 60% Ecuadorian Dark Chocolates. It seems almost absurd not to indulge in this irresistible offer.

Closing with thoughts on the bottle itself, it’s evident that the two-year development was well worth the effort. Every aspect is impeccably presented, from the embossed Two Stacks logo to the ‘Bonders & Bottlers’ association. The exquisite lid, likely crafted from  high-quality wood and engraved with the brand, adds to the overall premium feel. The attention to detail not only exudes quality but also contributes to their environmental efforts, making it a complete win-win.

I previously praised Polaris 1.2 for its high score, which ultimately went on to win the title of Best Single Pot Still 11 Years and Under. Similarly, I’m confidently sticking my neck on the line with this one too— it’s an absolute cracker.

Score: 8.5/10

Disclosure: the bottle 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