Green Spot Single Pot Still

About a bajillion years ago, in 1887, there were 28 distilleries in Ireland, and only one did not produce single pot still whiskey. Today it's almost the reverse - Midleton is the one Irish distiller (not there are many more) that produces single pot still. What is unique about Green Spot is that the brand is owned by the last Irish whiskey bonder, Mitchell & Son. You see, back in the day, Irish whiskey was sold by companies (whiskey bonders) that provided distillers with casks to fill, and when those casks came back they were matured in warehouses owned by those bonders. When matured, the bonders then sold those whiskies under their own brands. So while the Scots were building global brands like Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal, Irish distillers were entrusting their spirit to local companies that had absolutely no ability to attract consumers beyond their local geographic influence. It's no wonder that by the 1960s Irish whiskey commanded a scant 1% of the global whiskey market. That has changed in recent years, as Irish whiskies such as Jameson and Bushmills have been growing internationally by leaps and bounds, thanks to excellent marketing, celebrity endorsements and a general growth in whisky consumption.

Mitchell & Son identify the casks in their warehouse by a splash of variously coloured paint - and until recently (with the newly rebranded 12 year old Yellow Spot), Green Spot (with no age statement) was the last surviving expression (and historically was always the most popular). The newest release features much more elegant package design than previous releases.

The colour is a bright light gold. The nose is fresh cut grass and anise; herbal, clean and fresh. Eucalyptus and menthol. Water brings out more of that fresh eucalyptus but with more spice.

The palate is even more herbal (oil of oregano), more anise, and some cinnamon. Almonds and pears. Spicy and nutty. Classic pot still, absolutely lovely. Water generally dilutes the palate, but gives a creamier mouthfeel.

The finish is light and brisk, medium length, with lots of lingering spice and fruitiness. As far as pot stills go, this is excellent, though I gravitate toward Redbreast 15 and John's Powers Lane (grab either immediately if you get the chance). But grab this too, as it is not easy to obtain. It's an excellent introduction to what I think is the pinnacle of Irish whiskey styles.

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