Green Spot vs Redbreast 12

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:27 am

Explore the distinctions between Green Spot and Redbreast 12 in this detailed comparison and determine which Irish whiskey suits your taste!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Green Spot vs Redbreast: Comparison

Green Spot: A well-balanced, triple-distilled Irish whiskey with a creamy texture. Notes of apple, vanilla, toasted cereal, and a cherry-citrus finish. Aged up to 8 years, best enjoyed neat.

Redbreast 12: Smooth, rich Irish whiskey with a creamy texture. Features vanilla, caramel, ripe fruit, and a long spicy finish. Similar to Macallan 12, best enjoyed neat for its complex flavor.

Key fact: Green Spot and Redbreast are Irish whiskeys from the same distillery, but differ in maturation, resulting in unique taste profiles.

Verdict: Both Green Spot and Redbreast 12 offer unique, high-quality experiences. Green Spot is celebrated for its well-balanced, easy-drinking nature, while Redbreast 12 is noted for its smooth complexity. Both excel in their own right, catering to a range of whiskey enthusiasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Irish Whiskey under $50 Top Choices

Green Spot: Well-Balanced and Easy-Drinking

• Nose: Apple, vanilla, caramel, oak
• Palate: Toasted cereal, pear, oak, spicy grass
• Finish: Cherry, citrus
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Similar to: Yellow Spot

Aroma: Green Spot greets you with a rich and inviting nose dominated by ripe apple, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak.

Palate: This Irish whiskey boasts a creamy texture, followed by a blend of flavors including toasted cereal, pear, sherry notes, oak, and a touch of spicy grass. A subtle iodine note might be detected by some palates.

Finish: The finish is somewhat short, leaving a lingering aftertaste of cherry and citrus.

Overall: Green Spot delivers a well-balanced and pleasant taste experience. It’s easy to drink and lacks any harsh or off-putting notes, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced whiskey drinkers.

Additional Notes:

• Triple-distilled: This traditional Irish whiskey production method contributes to Green Spot’s thicker and more complex flavor profile.
• Aged up to 8 years: A combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks contributes to its unique character.
• Bonded Irish whiskey: This designation signifies that Green Spot meets strict criteria, guaranteeing a consistent and high-quality experience.
• Best enjoyed neat: Savor the full flavor profile by enjoying it neat, without ice or dilution.

Why Choose Green Spot?

• Smooth and easy-drinking: This whiskey offers a pleasant and approachable experience, making it a good introduction to Irish whiskey.
• Well-balanced flavor profile: The combination of fruit, spice, and sherry notes creates a delightful and enjoyable taste.
• Unique heritage: As a bonded Irish whiskey, Green Spot carries a legacy of tradition and quality.

Remember: The best way to discover your whiskey preference is to experiment and find what suits your taste. Green Spot stands out as a highly recommended option for those seeking a smooth, well-balanced, and easy-drinking Irish whiskey experience.

Redbreast 12: Smooth & Rich

Aroma: Redbreast 12 entices with a rich and inviting nose featuring vanilla, caramel, hints of ginger, and a touch of orange peel.

Palate: This whiskey boasts a remarkably creamy texture, followed by a symphony of flavors including ripe fruit, citrus, subtle sherry notes, baking spice, and a touch of oak.

Finish: The experience culminates in a long and satisfying finish characterized by warming baking spices and lingering hints of dried fruit.

Overall: Redbreast 12 transcends the boundaries of typical Irish whiskey expectations. It delivers a smooth, complex, and flavorful journey, offering a worthy rival to renowned Speyside Scotch whiskies.

Additional Notes:

• Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV): This moderate alcohol content allows the whiskey’s natural flavors to shine through.
• Best enjoyed neat: Savor the full flavor profile by enjoying it neat, without ice or dilution.
• Similar to Macallan 12: Redbreast 12 shares some characteristics with the renowned Macallan 12, making it a compelling alternative for those seeking a similar experience.

Why Choose Redbreast 12?

• Smooth and complex: This whiskey offers a delightful balance of smoothness and complexity, appealing to both novice and experienced drinkers.
• Rich flavor profile: The combination of vanilla, fruit, spice, and subtle sherry notes creates a truly captivating taste experience.
• Worth the price: While not inexpensive, Redbreast 12 delivers exceptional value for the quality and experience it offers.

Remember: The best way to discover your whiskey preference is to experiment and find what suits your taste. Redbreast 12 stands out as a highly recommended option for those seeking a smooth, flavorful, Irish whiskey experience.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Green Spot	$67
Redbreast	$70

What do Green Spot and Redbreast have in common?

These whiskeys originate from the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork, where Jameson whiskey is produced.

While they use the same malts, it’s essential to note that they undergo distinct maturation processes and durations, making them unique expressions.

Adding to the intrigue, the distillery is owned by Pernod Ricard, a French conglomerate with an extensive portfolio of brands, including Chivas Regal, Glenlivet, Avion Tequila, and Del Maguey Mezcal.

Are Green Spot and Redbreast the same whiskey?

These whiskeys are not identical; their distinct barrel management results in contrasting flavor profiles.

The Redbreast predominantly matures in Oloroso casks, while the Green Spot mainly utilizes sherry casks.