The Whisky List (TWL) has been appointed as the exclusive importer and distributor for North Star Spirits in Australia.

The acclaimed Glasgow-based independent bottler is renowned for its distinctive single cask and small-batch Scotch whiskies. The announcement includes North Stars sub-brands, encompassing the Obscurities & Curiosities label and other experimental releases such as the Tarot series. 

Founded in 2016 by Iain Croucher (above), North Star Spirits has earned a cult following among whisky enthusiasts worldwide for its adventurous cask selections, transparency, and bold flavour profiles. Each release captures the character of its origin while delivering an unmistakably North Star signature — honest, flavour-first whisky with attitude.

North Star has also received an incredible array of accolades since its founding, including Independent Bottler of the Year three times at the Scotch Whisky Awards (in 2020, 2021, and 2023). 

The first Australian shipment will showcase a number of new and exciting bottlings from North Star’s current range of single cask Scotch Whiskies. The bottles inbound include several distillery favourites from the Islay region Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila and a secret Islay. Whiskies from Campbeltown will feature heavily alongside a handful of Speyside malts.

The Whisky List co-founder Oliver Maruda said: “We’ve admired North Star for years — the whiskies Iain selects consistently showcase balance, depth and a real sense of adventure. 

“For seasoned indie bottler fans and those curious to try their first, North Star bridges the gap between fun drams and rare releases.

“Our partnership feels like a natural fit. Both our teams are driven by a passion for great whisky, storytelling and building genuine connections with the whisky community.”

The announcement elevates The Whisky List as Australia’s largest importer of Independent Bottlers (IBs) from Scotland. North Star joins a growing portfolio of acclaimed names represented by TWL, including Decadent Drinks (Decadent Drams, Whiskyland, Equinox & Solstice), The Highlander Inn, Duncan Taylor, Woolf Drinks (Cut Your Wolf Loose, and Artful Dodger), Liquid Treasures, The Whisky Jury, Chorlton Whisky, and Seaweed & Aeons (Master of Malt).

TWL also maintains active partnerships with the importers of other leading IBs such as Maltbarn, Club Qing and WhiskyBlues/AGE, and is currently in discussions with several additional independent bottlers looking to expand into Australia’s rapidly growing whisky market.

The partnership with North Star will see The Whisky List manage all importation, distribution and marketing of its releases across Australia — including availability through The Whisky List’s online shop, select specialist retailers, premium bars and upcoming national whisky events such as The Whisky Show and Top Shelf Whisky Festival.

“We’re thrilled to be working with The Whisky List and bringing North Star to more whisky lovers down under,” said Croucher. “Australia has a vibrant and knowledgeable whisky scene, and TWL’s passion for connecting great whisky with great people makes them the ideal partner for us.”