Yellow Spot Irish Whiskey
A Refined Single Pot Still Expression – A Tribute to Tradition and Craft
Description:
Yellow Spot Irish Whiskey is a premium single pot still whiskey that embodies the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Irish whiskey. Produced by the Mitchell & Son family, this whiskey is a true representation of the classic style, offering a smooth, complex, and balanced profile. Yellow Spot is known for its depth of flavor, carefully crafted through a combination of cask types and the time-honored method of using both malted and unmalted barley in the distillation process.
The whiskey is aged for 12 years in a unique blend of casks, including American bourbon casks, sherry casks, and Spanish Malaga wine casks, each contributing its own distinct characteristics to the final product. The result is a well-rounded, fruit-forward, and spicy whiskey, with layers of flavor and a smooth finish.
Yellow Spot is a nod to tradition but remains fresh and vibrant, making it a perfect expression for those seeking a premium Irish whiskey with a complex and sophisticated profile.
History:
Yellow Spot has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 1900s. The Mitchell & Son family, an iconic wine and spirits merchant in Dublin, created the Spot Whiskey range. The name “Spot” refers to the practice of marking barrels with a colored spot to indicate the age or cask type of the whiskey inside. While Green Spot was the flagship product, Yellow Spot was first introduced as an aged whiskey, aged for 12 years.
For many years, Yellow Spot was a rare and exclusive whiskey, sold primarily in small quantities and only in Ireland. However, in recent years, the whiskey has been re-released and is now gaining recognition on the international stage. The relaunch of Yellow Spot was a major milestone for the Mitchell & Son brand, bringing back an iconic expression that had largely been forgotten outside of Irish whiskey circles.
Produced at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, which is also home to other legendary whiskeys like Jameson, Green Spot, and Red Spot, Yellow Spot is made with the same care, attention to detail, and masterful blending techniques that have made these whiskeys renowned worldwide.
Tasting Notes:
-
Nose: The nose of Yellow Spot is vibrant and fruit-forward, opening with a burst of fresh citrus notes, particularly lemon and orange zest. As it settles, there are deeper aromas of green apples, pears, and a touch of honey. The influence of the sherry casks can be detected with the presence of raisins and dried fruits, while the Malaga wine casks add a unique layer of tropical fruit and spice. A soft undertone of vanilla and a hint of almond round out the aromatic complexity.
-
Palate: On the palate, Yellow Spot is full-bodied and smooth, with a rich and balanced flavor profile. The citrus and green apple flavors from the nose come through prominently, providing a refreshing brightness. This is followed by honeyed sweetness and a subtle spice of cinnamon and cloves, which adds complexity to the experience. The sherry cask influence shines through with flavors of dried fruits, such as sultanas and apricots, while the Malaga wine casks contribute a unique, almost tropical sweetness with hints of pineapple and grapes. The combination of oak, spice, and fruit creates a wonderfully harmonious palate.
-
Finish: The finish of Yellow Spot is long, smooth, and satisfying. The lingering flavors of sweet fruit, oak, and a touch of spice remain on the tongue, providing a warm and welcoming aftertaste. The subtle sweetness of honey and toffee lingers, making it an enjoyable and refined experience.
Overall:
Yellow Spot Irish Whiskey is a refined and complex single pot still whiskey that showcases the beauty of traditional Irish whiskey-making. The unique combination of bourbon, sherry, and Malaga wine casks gives this whiskey a remarkable balance of sweet fruit, spice, and oak. It is a smooth, full-bodied, and layered whiskey, ideal for sipping and savoring on its own or with a splash of water to open up its flavors.
Perfect for those who appreciate the rich flavors of single pot still Irish whiskey, Yellow Spot offers a sophisticated profile with just the right amount of complexity and smoothness. It’s a whiskey that can be enjoyed by both newcomers and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts alike, providing a great introduction to the world of premium Irish whiskey.
