Red Spot Irish Whiskey is a premium single pot still expression from the Spot Whiskey family, produced by the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. It’s part of a line of whiskeys that includes Green Spot and Blue Spot, each of which is named after the colour of a spot that was traditionally used to mark barrels during aging. Red Spot is one of the rarest and most sought-after expressions from the Spot range, offering a rich and complex profile that showcases the best of traditional Irish whiskey-making.

Key Characteristics of Red Spot Irish Whiskey:

• Single Pot Still Whiskey: Like Green Spot, Red Spot is made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley, a technique that is unique to Ireland. This traditional method of distillation in copper pot stills gives Red Spot a rich, full-bodied character, with a combination of fruitiness, spice, and creaminess.
• Aged for 15 Years: One of the standout features of Red Spot is its long maturation. It is aged for 15 years in a combination of American oak casks, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks. This extended aging process contributes to the whiskey’s complexity, adding layers of fruit, spice, and oak character.
• ABV: Red Spot is bottled at 46% ABV, giving it a bold, flavourful profile without being overpowering. The higher alcohol content adds intensity to the whiskey while maintaining its smoothness.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, Red Spot is rich and aromatic, with an inviting combination of dried fruits like raisins and sultanas, along with a touch of honey, vanilla, and oak. There’s also a hint of spice from the cask aging, with elements of cloves and cinnamon, and a subtle note of sherry.
• Palate: The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with a creamy mouthfeel. The rich fruitiness of raisins, apples, and pears is complemented by a layer of spices, including ginger and nutmeg. There’s a light vanilla sweetness, which balances the more robust oak and sherry influences. The addition of Marsala wine casks brings a unique, slightly winey and nutty note, adding depth to the overall experience.
• Finish: The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of spice, oak, and a light fruitiness. The sweetness from the honey and vanilla slowly fades, leaving behind a pleasant, smooth aftertaste.

Best Ways to Enjoy:

• Neat: Given its complexity and smoothness, Red Spot is best enjoyed neat. This allows you to fully appreciate its depth of flavours, from the fruitiness to the rich spice and oak notes.
• With a Splash of Water: Adding a few drops of water can open up the whiskey, enhancing the fruity and spicy notes. This can make the whiskey a little lighter and more approachable, especially for those who prefer a milder flavour.
• On the Rocks: Red Spot can be enjoyed on the rocks, though because of its complexity, it’s recommended not to use too much ice, as it can dilute the flavours. A single ice cube might be enough to slightly chill and mellow the whiskey without overpowering it.