Red Spot 15 Year Single Pot Still

SPOT SHOWDOWN Green Spot Single Pot-Still Irish Whiskey Red Spot 15-Year Single Pot-Still Irish Whiskey Although I've reviewed Green Spot previously (August 25, 2022), I haven't reviewed Red Spot, nor have I tasted them together. Of the four major whiskey categories (American, Irish, Scotch, and Japanese), I have the least familiarity with Irish Whiskey, which I'm actively trying to change. The name "Spot Whiskey" originates from the distillery's practice of marking barrels with a painted "spot" of green, blue, yellow, or red, indicating their contents. Green Spot Single Pot-Still Irish Whiskey Clear, light gold color. The aroma is fruity but delicate, starting with Granny Smith apples, then notes of melon and orange marmalade, a hint of coolness, and a touch of alcohol despite the low proof. (The "spot-on banana popsicle" from my earlier tasting is also present). The initial taste is of apple tartness, followed by sweet honey, a little cinnamon, toasted oak, and a faint bitterness on the finish. There are many positive aspects. The primary drawback for Green Spot is its price-to-value ratio: a 40% ABV will never result in a truly exceptional whiskey. Naturally, a whiskey needs the right flavor profile to justify a higher proof. Furthermore, "great whiskey" might not be Green Spot's goal. It's not inexpensive, currently selling for just under $60. (It's worth noting that Middleton offers special Green Spot editions aged in various wine casks at 46% ABV). Would I buy it again? No, solely based on financial considerations and value. It's very good, but costly for a 40% ABV whiskey. Score: 3.75. 40% ABV. NAS. Red Spot 15-Year Single Pot-Still Irish Whiskey Virtually the same light gold color as Green Spot, which is somewhat unexpected for a 15-year-old. The aroma is vastly different from Green Spot, featuring warmer notes of sandalwood, chocolate, banana bread, walnuts, vanilla extract, and biscuits, along with the same orange marmalade detected in Green Spot, but more pronounced. The palate is rich and oily, with remarkable flavor depth, mirroring the aromas. There's a gentle spiciness, and the alcohol is well-integrated. A long finish with papaya, vanilla, and a subtle bittersweet cocoa. Red Spot is an exceptional whiskey—the finest Irish Whiskey I've encountered so far. It's certainly not an everyday drink, but for anyone serious about whiskey in general, and Irish Whiskey in particular, it's a must-have. Red Spot is available for approximately $200. Would I purchase it? (Not again, as this bottle is on loan from a friend). Yes. Score: 4.5. 46% ABV. 15-year age statement. Non-chill filtered. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Nose: Dried apricots, cherries, berry juice, wine, brandy, apples, caramel, spiced cookies, and a whisper of sandalwood. A warm, fruity aroma with supporting baking spices. Water enhances the caramel. Palate: Rich barley on the palate with forest fruit jam, cookies, and fortified wine initially. As it develops, oak spice, tannin, black pepper, and walnut skins emerge, but the red fruit character remains dominant and constant. Adding water boosts the fortified wine flavor, softens the texture to silky, and intensifies the pepper spice. Finish: Lingering for a medium duration, featuring oak, spices, fortified wine, and red fruit. While all the “spot” whiskies share a family resemblance, this Red Spot distinctly showcases the influence of fortified red wine. Its captivating fruitiness is both subtle and strong. It skillfully avoids becoming a wine-heavy disaster, maintaining a powerful character. The oily pot-still spirit seems crucial, suggesting it might not work as well with solely malted barley spirit. While the specific marsala casks used for Red Spot are unknown, I suspect they held sweet red marsala, or possibly a blend of casks. I’ve never been keen on Green Spot, and I adore the 12-year-old Yellow Spot with its full-bodied Malaga wine notes, preferring it to this dram. However, this is subjective, and I recognize another palate might favor Red Spot. It’s akin to choosing between Sauternes or Port for dessert after a fine meal – both are excellent options. My assessment is based on a single glass, and I’d like to experience Red Spot more. My intuition suggests these are distinct yet related expressions of Midleton distillate, expertly crafted for varied preferences. The age difference is minor, but Red Spot’s maturation is more expensive and intricate, explaining its higher cost. This is a delightful whisky, a fitting choice for my 1,200th review. It receives the same score as Yellow Spot. Sampled as a 25 ml serving at Midleton Distillery Bar on May 20, 2024. Rating: “Very Good” - 87/100 (4.25 stars)

In comparison, the aroma of Red Spot is mild and sweet, unlike Yellow Spot. Delicious apricots, apples, and cherries are prominent on the nose, with a hint of slightly smoky, charred oak that's barely perceptible and a gentle touch of leather on the finish of the aroma. It creates a very sweet and fruity nose, but with just enough variation to invite another sniff, as it's quite distinct from the numerous other sherry cask whiskies available. The taste begins very fruity with some tart and sweet raspberries; incredibly lively. As the whiskey progresses, a touch of spicy and tingling black pepper underlies the flavor, and just the slightest bit of tannic oak introduces the finish. It has significantly fewer tannins than Yellow. The finish brings back sweet fruit after the tannic oak fades, along with a little baking spice. Red Spot appears to be the most fruit-forward among the standard Spot whiskies. However, while other wine cask whiskies aggressively force red fruit flavors upon you, this excellent selection doesn't force-feed you cherries and raspberries, overwhelming you with red fruit. Thank goodness for that. Instead, this fruity, sweet, and complex Irish whiskey truly redefines what a wine cask whiskey can achieve. Well done, and definitely a must-try.

Nose: Smells of shortbread cookies, caramel, toffee, malt, red berries, and baking spices. Palate: An oily, savory, and semi-sweet profile, featuring butter cookies, dried red fruits, cereal, baking spices, toffee, caramel, and walnuts. Finish: Extended and smoldering, with malt, cereal, red fruits, baking spices, and a bittersweet walnut essence that nicely complements the palate. These observations are merely the beginning. It's incredibly intricate and highly enjoyable! I've truly relished this extensive exploration over nearly five years, trying numerous types and styles of distilled spirits. I've pushed my boundaries and palate, venturing beyond the comfort of sweet red wines and rum and coke, into the bold realms of rye whiskey, Islay whiskey, and mezcal. However, old habits die hard. I consistently find myself drawn back to the sweeter segment of distilled spirits. That's my comfort zone. It's good to know oneself, I suppose.

The aroma is superb and potent for its proof, with notes of candied nuts, white grape, butter, green apple, fig, malt, leather, and fresh, soft wood. There is virtually no ethanol presence. On the palate, the sherry cask is evident with a variety of fruits (apple, pear, grape), alongside powdered sugar, cola, marzipan, butterscotch, and hazelnut. It's rich yet delicate. This finish elevates the experience; the fruits become darker, like plum, date, and fig, contrasted by slightly tannic oak. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, complementing the flavors beautifully. A truly first-class Irish whiskey. I paid $139, which I understand is a bargain compared to the secondary market, and it feels like a fair price given the quality. I would definitely buy it again at anything close to retail.

Deeply colored with a ruddy copper hue. The legs form slowly and are unevenly spaced, appearing quite viscous. The nose is full of malty sweetness, abundant ripe fruit, and a whisper of honeysuckle. It is smooth, sweet, and easy to enjoy. The initial sweetness gives way to a back-and-forth between woody barrel notes and a fruity sweetness, presumably from the Sherry and Marsala casks. An anise-like quality emerges late in the finish, adding a richness to the flavor profile that's unusual for Irish whiskeys I've encountered. It has a long finish and is a very engaging drink. A true pleasure. It ranks among my top three Irish whiskeys to date.