islay_emissary
Red Spot 15 Year Single Pot Still
Single Pot Still — Ireland
Reviewed
October 13, 2019 (edited February 16, 2024)
The first stop on our recent golf trip to Ireland was Hotel Woodstock in Ennis. It was here at the Woodstock bar that I had my first taste of Mitchell & Son’s Red Spot, 15yo single pot still Irish whiskey. Established in 1805 as a confectionary and wine purveyor, they expanded into whiskey bonding in 1887 with distillate provided by Jameson’s historic Bow Street distillery in Dublin. The company is still managed by 6th and 7th generation Mitchell family members and their line of whiskies are now produced for their exclusive use in Ireland by Irish Distillers at Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was formed in 1966 by a merger of Cork Distilleries Company, John Jameson & Son, and John Power & Son, and was then acquired in 1988 by wine and spirits giant, Pernod Ricard. The new Midleton Distillery was built next to the old (now museum) in 1975 and currently produces whiskey brands Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, Green Spot, Yellow Spot, Red Spot, and Tullamore Dew (William Grant & Sons). Red Spot went out of production over 50 years ago with the recipe resurrected more recently when 5yo bourbon aged whiskey was placed in Marsala casks acquired in Sicily in 2004, then later vatted with Oloroso sherry aged whiskey and released in November 2018. Just as Old Head Golf Links in Kinsale was the golfing gem of our trip, Red Spot was the whiskey tasting highlight, prompting an immediate purchase upon our return of this now hard-to-find treasure. Bottled reddish amber at 46% ABV, the nose is an incredibly robust mixture of cooked fruits, nuts, caramel, and baking spices all swirling in a lively whirlpool of ethanol. Striking the tongue oily and smooth, the addition water would be a travesty. This rich concoction validates the nose, adding a touch of sweetness that fades into a dry winey finish sprinkled lightly in black pepper. A warm, lengthy aftereffect seems to emanate from everywhere, making for a superb encounter from start to finish. Islay bias and pricing has me pressing slightly against the door at 4.5 stars. This may change after a few more sittings. :)
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@Clarkebar - yes, my attendance here has been sparse as well. At our age, it’s hard to stay focused on anything for long. Cheers buddy! 🙂🥃🥃
Sorry to have been away so long. Missed everyone here. Missed the handle change for Rick completely. I feel like a newb. But no matter what handle Rick chooses to use this review is spot on. This whisky is as close as it comes for me to being just perfect.
@PBMichiganWolverine - and give up my caretaker job of a sprawling whisky collection? Seems counterproductive. :)
@PBMichiganWolverine - "let me guess: Costco at $40? 😄" Now that is funny! !!
@PBMichiganWolverine hahaha! I wish! $130 so I probably overpaid but it sold out in hours out here. We barely got an allocation and was lucky to even score one! Those sample should be there today so enjoy!
@dubz480 let me guess: Costco at $40? 😄
@Rick_M. This seems perfect...caretaker at Midleton distillery. You should apply!! https://pernodricard.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/pernod-ricard/job/Cork/Caretaker_JR-007776?src=JB-10500
Finally found one out in my market. looking forward to trying it later today!
@Rick_M I look forward to the review for the VR. I'd be interested in your review of the Dingle too - I have only had a portwood finish Dingle which was quite nice. Hop house 13 was Diageo's drive get get a slice of the rising craft beer market. Fantastic marketing and funny when you think about it.
@1901 - almost forgot. Brought back a bottle of Dingle Batch #4.
@1901 - yes, review coming on Midleton VR 2018. Also, sampled all the spots. Lots of Redbreast 12, since it was within budget for everyone. Jameson Black Barrel and Caskmates IPA. A few other single malts I’ve had before. Lots of Hop House 13 after golf and elsewhere. Don’t think there was a bar or restaurant that didn’t carry it. Shows you the influence of Diageo. Great trip, lots of fun!
@Rick_M Nice review. It is interesting that the Mitchell company started off as a confectionery and wine purveyor - I think that history is reflected in this sweet and fruity Spot. Any other interesting whiskeys sampled or purchased while over here?
Thanks for the comments guys! Was drinking this again last night. Great stuff but it goes down way too easy! 😊
@PBMichiganWolverine my preference is for Red, which in my opinion, has a slight edge over yellow. Similar sentiments as @Rick_m
I had some lovely nights at Ennis during 2017 Fleadh Nua. Good memories! :-)
Nice review. I didn't realise that Mitchell and sons were still in operation and own the label and distribution rights. I assumed Midleton has bought the rights.
@Rick_M Nice review, Red Spot has been on my list for a while. Rather hard to get outside UK/Ireland.
Thanks for the history lesson. Very informative!
@PBMichiganWolverine - They are all 4 star whiskies, but the nose on Red Spot really stands out. I’ll will buy yellow next and pass on the Green for reasons of principle (40%abv). :)
Out of the 3 spots, which was your favorite ?