Green Spot Single Pot Still

SPOT SHOWDOWN Green Spot Single Pot-Still Irish Whiskey Red Spot 15-Year Single Pot-Still Irish Whiskey While I’ve reviewed Green Spot before (August 25, 2022), I’ve never reviewed Red Spot, nor have I reviewed them side-by-side. Of the four broad whisk(e)y groups (American whiskey, Irish whiskey, Scotch whisky, and Japanese whisky), I’m least experienced with Irish Whiskey, which I’m attempting to rectify. Spot Whiskey gets its name from the distillery’s practice of making each barrel with a “spot” of green, blue, yellow, or red paint, based on its contents. Green Spot Single Pot-Still Irish Whiskey Clear Pantone 138 in color. Fruity but mild nose brings an initial hit of Granny Smith apples, along with a little melon and orange marmalade, a little coolness, and a whiff of ethanol despite the low ABV. (The “spot-on banana popsicle” from my previous review is there as well). There is an initial apple tartness on the palate, followed by sweet honey, a little cinnamon, toasted oak, and a slight bitterness on the finish. There’s a lot to like here. The biggest obstacle in the way of Green Spot is economics: 40% ABV will never make a great whisk(e)y. Of course, a whiskey must have the flavor profile to support a higher proof. Additionally, “great whiskey” may not be Green Spot's objective. It isn’t cheap; it currently retails for just under $60. (It should be noted that Middleton produces some special editions of Green Spot aged in various wine casks which are offered at 46% ABV). Would I buy it again? No, but purely on an economic and value basis. It’s very good, but expensive for a 40% ABV whiskey. 3.75 on the Distiller scale. 40% ABV. NAS. Red Spot 15-Year Single Pot-Still Irish Whiskey Virtually identical Pantone 138 in color, which is a bit surprising given the 15-year age statement. Dramatically different nose than the Green Spot, with much warmer tones of sandalwood, chocolate, banana bread, walnuts, vanilla extract, and biscuits, as well as some of the same orange marmalade that I picked up on the Green Spot, but more intense. The palate has a mouthcoating oiliness and amazing depth of flavor, mimicking the same items on the nose. There is some mild spiciness, and the alcohol is well-concealed. Long finish with papaya, vanilla, and a little bittersweet cocoa. Red Spot is a special whiskey—the best Irish Whiskey I’ve had thus far. It is by no means a daily sipper, but if you’re serious about whisk(e)y in general, and Irish Whiskey in particular, it’s a must-have. Red Spot can be found for about $200. Would I buy it? (Not again, as this one is on temporary loan from a friend). Yes. 4.5 on the Distiller scale. 46% ABV. 15-year age statement. Non-chill filtered. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

I'm currently watching the Sergio Leone classic "Duck you Sucker" which is basically about an Irish Terrorist and Mexican Gangster that blow a bunch of stuff up with dynamite. Seemed like a good time to pull something Irish and something Mexican out of the old collection for a taste. Green Spot and Don Julio Anejo it is. This will be the first of the "spot" whiskeys in my collection that I'll try. I've heard an awful lot about this one, and so we'll see if it lives up to the hype. Nose: Very malty, cereal grains, almond and dried cherries. Palate: Thick and oily mouthfeel, sweet and smooth. More cherries and almonds along with some spicy oak. Finish: Starts sweet but dries up to oak with a bit of leather which stays with you a while. I will say that it's a cut above Redbreast 12 and Writer's Tears with how refined the experience is. It's complex and yet also very approachable. If anyone ever tells me they don't like whisk(e)y, this would be the first thing I'd offer them.

Nose: caramel drizzle over vanilla ice cream, green apple, lemon zest, honey Palate: immediate banana and orange, followed by red apple and strawberry marmalade Finish: vanilla, baking spices, clove, honeydew, Value: A+, If you wanted to introduce a friend to Irish whiskey this is what I would choose. It has a very silky nose and a palate that tastes like a basket of light fruits with a finish of subtle sweetness and spice. I think the redbreast and this are even with a matter of preference. If you prefer the notes of cinnamon, cereal grain, and baking spices go for redbreast but if you enjoy light fruit and gentle sweetness this is for you. This is about as good of a value you can get for whiskey clocking in at only $50.

An intense, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey by Midleton Distillery aged from 7 to 10 years in new casks & ex-Bourbon barrels, as well as the ones that contained Sherry. It has a fresh & aromatic birth with notes of fruits, oils, sweet barley & toasted wood, hints of peppermint, malt, sugary porridge, creamy vanilla, papaya & citrus; while warm & spicy life adds notes of green apples, pears, apricot, mellow grain, coconut, bourbon oak, green woods, menthol & potpourri; that led to a long & creamy death with notes of vanilla, spice & a hint of copper. November 2018 / February 2019 / September 2022

Nose: Menthol, light fruits, oil, sweet barley Nose After Swirl: Warm peppermint, caramel, every-so-toasted wood Palate: Medium-thick mouthfeel. Extremely smooth, barely any heat. Creamy caramel, vanilla, wood, faint light fruit, mellow grain notes, green apple, apricot. Finish: Medium & creamy finish, it lingers but does eventually fade. Insanely, the finish gives off coconut, green apple, menthol, mulling spices.

NEAT NOSE - Sweet Green & Red Apple and Vanilla PALATE - For me, the apple note is the most dominant. The mouthfeel is so smooth, just slightly more “oily” or viscous than water. This is a great introduction to whiskey for anyone in my opinion. FINISH - Surprisingly long. BUY? It’s a must if you’re interested in Irish whiskey. BUY AGAIN?? Absolutely. This deserves to be one that gets restocked to stay on the shelf.