The Red Spot 19 Year Old Single Pot Still Single Cask Irish Whiskey is a testament to the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of Irish whiskey. Distilled at the renowned Midleton Distillery in County Cork, this expression embodies the traditional Single Pot Still style, a distinctive method unique to Ireland. This style involves a mash bill of malted and unmalted barley, triple-distilled in copper pot stills, resulting in a whiskey of remarkable depth and character.
Initially matured in a combination of Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks for four years, the whiskey was then transferred on December 10th, 2008, into a 500-litre Marsala butt (Cask No. 217213). This cask, made from American white oak and seasoned with Marsala Superiore from Grillo and Catarratto grapes, imparted unique flavours and complexity. After aging for over 15 years in this cask, it was bottled on March 7th, 2024, at a cask strength of 58.5% ABV, preserving its full-bodied essence.
Producer History
Mitchell & Son, established in 1805, is a family-owned wine and spirit merchant based in Dublin. Their legacy in whiskey began in the late 1800s when they started maturing distillate from Jameson in their own casks, marking the inception of the Spot Whiskey range. The colour-coded Spot series—Green, Yellow, Blue, and Red—denoted the aging potential of the whiskeys. The Red Spot, originally a 15-year-old expression, was reintroduced in 2018, reviving a cherished part of Irish whiskey history.
The Midleton Distillery, where Red Spot is produced, is Ireland's largest distillery, known for crafting some of the country's most esteemed whiskeys, including Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers. The collaboration between Mitchell & Son and Midleton Distillery continues to uphold the tradition of producing exceptional Single Pot Still whiskeys.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep amber with golden hues, reflecting its extended maturation and Marsala cask influence.
- Aroma: Opens with rich and warming notes of freshly stewed fruits, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Earthy and herbal aromas, accompanied by hints of tobacco leaf, add depth and complexity. The Marsala wine seasoned oak imparts vibrant notes of liquorice and cracked walnut.
- Flavour: The palate is greeted with fresh apricot and cooked apple, complemented by delicate herbal undertones of freshly picked garden mint. Sweet notes of crème brûlée and honeycomb provide balance to the delicate oak tannins and robust pot still spices.
- Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and velvety, with a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice, leading to a long-lasting finish where the influence of the wine seasoning and pot still spices linger, while the oak gently fades.
Food Pairings
The Red Spot 19 Year Old's complex flavour profile makes it an excellent companion to a variety of dishes. Its rich fruit notes and spice complement savoury meats such as roasted duck or lamb, while the sweetness from the Marsala cask pairs beautifully with desserts like crème brûlée or apple tart. For cheese enthusiasts, it harmonises well with aged Gouda or blue cheese, enhancing the umami and creamy textures.
Serving and Cocktail Suggestions
To fully appreciate the nuances of this whiskey, it is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up the aromas. For a refined cocktail, consider a classic Old Fashioned, where the whiskey's depth and sweetness can shine, complemented by a dash of bitters and a twist of orange peel. Alternatively, a Whiskey Sour made with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup can highlight its fruity and spicy characteristics.
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