Red Spot Irish Whiskey
A Rich and Complex Expression of Tradition and Craftsmanship
Description:
Red Spot Irish Whiskey is a premium, single pot still expression from the renowned Mitchell & Son distillery, a name that has been synonymous with exceptional Irish whiskey for centuries. As one of the rarest expressions in the Spot Whiskey family, Red Spot is a luxurious and full-bodied whiskey that showcases the traditional style of Irish whiskey-making while incorporating a carefully crafted blend of malted and unmalted barley.
This exceptional whiskey is aged for 15 years in a combination of three distinct cask types: bourbon casks, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks. The maturation process in these casks imparts layers of depth and complexity, producing a whiskey that is rich in flavor yet exceptionally smooth, making it a standout among Irish whiskeys.
Red Spot is the latest release in the historic Spot Whiskey range, which includes Green Spot, Yellow Spot, and Blue Spot. As the oldest expression in the line, Red Spot offers a deeper, more complex profile and is revered by whiskey connoisseurs for its elegant balance and refined finish.
History:
The Spot Whiskey brand was originally established in Ireland in the early 1800s by Mitchell & Son, a family-owned wine and spirits merchant in Dublin. The name "Spot" comes from a historical tradition of marking barrels of whiskey with colored spots, each representing a different age or cask type. Red Spot was first introduced in the early 20th century and was the oldest expression in the Spot range, aged for 15 years.
For many years, Red Spot was a rare bottling and not widely available, often reserved for special occasions and private collections. However, in recent years, it has been reintroduced with great fanfare, adding to the prestige of the Spot Whiskey collection. The revival of Red Spot was driven by the success and growing popularity of the other expressions in the Spot range, and it has since earned a devoted following for its premium quality and exceptional depth.
Produced at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, where other celebrated brands like Jameson and Green Spot are also produced, Red Spot continues the legacy of craftsmanship and tradition passed down through the generations of the Mitchell family.
Tasting Notes:
-
Nose: Red Spot opens with an inviting, rich nose that is immediately captivating. The first wave of aromas includes dark fruit notes, such as blackberries, figs, and plums, alongside a gentle sherry influence. There is a soft spiciness of cloves, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of oak that enriches the complexity. The Marsala cask influence adds an intriguing depth with aromas of raisins, dates, and a slight wine-like sweetness. This is all balanced by a soft undercurrent of toasted nuts and vanilla.
-
Palate: On the palate, Red Spot is full-bodied and smooth, with a rich mouthfeel that coats the tongue. The fruitiness from the nose carries through, with notes of ripe cherries, blackcurrants, and baked apple, alongside the spicy warmth of cinnamon and black pepper. The bourbon cask influence provides a lovely vanilla sweetness, while the sherry cask adds depth and complexity, contributing flavors of dark chocolate, honey, and caramelized fruits. The Marsala cask imparts a lovely wine-driven sweetness with subtle hints of raisins and dried fruit, balancing the spiciness and making the whiskey feel very layered and well-rounded.
-
Finish: The finish of Red Spot is long, warm, and satisfying, with lingering flavors of dark fruit, spicy oak, and a gentle sweetness from the Marsala cask. There is a pleasant toasted nut character that fades gracefully, leaving a final note of vanilla and dark chocolate.
Overall:
Red Spot Irish Whiskey is a refined and complex expression that demonstrates the craftsmanship and tradition of Irish whiskey-making at its finest. The 15-year maturation in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and Marsala wine casks has created a whiskey with depth, complexity, and a harmonious balance of fruit, spice, and oak.
This whiskey is a luxurious choice for those who appreciate rich, full-bodied flavors with a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and woodiness. The distinctive Marsala cask finish adds an extra layer of refinement and depth, making it stand out among other premium Irish whiskeys. It is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to open up its full flavor profile.
Whether you are an experienced whiskey drinker or just beginning your journey into the world of premium Irish whiskeys, Red Spot offers a refined and satisfying experience that captures the essence of both tradition and innovation in every sip.
