Green Spot Single Pot Still Review

Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 04:11 pm

Unearth the complete essence of the Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey as we delve into my comprehensive review, leaving no questions unanswered.

Written by: J Highland

Green Spot: Smooth & Sweet Irish Whiskey

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Green Spot offers a well-balanced and enjoyable Irish whiskey experience, perfect for those seeking a smooth and sweet dram.

Silky Smooth and Flavorful

This expression boasts a luxurious mouthfeel and a flavor profile dominated by pleasant sweetness. It’s a delight to sip, free from any harsh notes.

Complex Despite Lower Proof

Green Spot showcases surprising complexity for a whiskey without an age statement and lower alcohol content. It delivers a rich texture and a journey of flavors.

Short Finish, Easy Sipper

The finish might be a bit short-lived for some, but it doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of this easy-drinking whiskey.

Pricier for NAS & Proof

Green Spot sits on the pricier end, especially considering it has no age statement and a lower proof.

Introduction to Spot Whiskies

For those curious about the Spot whiskey range, Green Spot serves as a good entry point. However, there might be better values within the Irish whiskey category at this price point.

Worth a Try, But Not a Must-Have

Overall, Green Spot is an enjoyable and smooth Irish whiskey. While not groundbreaking, it’s worth a try, especially for those who appreciate a sweeter and more luxurious dram. However, considering the price, explore other options before committing to a bottle, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

• Related: Top Irish Whiskey Selections under $50
• Learn more: Green Spot Whiskey Website

What’s unique about this whiskey?

• 100% pot still whiskey.
• Made from malted and unmalted barley.
• Triple-distilled in copper pot stills.
• Doesn’t provide an age statement but is matured for around 8 years.
• Aged using a combination of 75% bourbon barrels and 25% sherry casks.
• Bottled in Bond.
• The name comes from the dab of paint used to identify the barrels by age.

How does it taste?

• 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: Redbreast 12

The aroma is rich in apple notes, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of oak.

Upon tasting, the Green Spot offers a pleasing creaminess, creating a delightful mouthfeel.

The flavor profile presents a robust combination of toasted cereal at the forefront, followed by pear, sherry, oak, spicy grass, and a gentle hint of iodine.

The finish is relatively short, leaving behind a lingering aftertaste of cherry and citrus.

How does it rank?

These are my rankings:

Whiskey	Rank
Redbreast 12	82
Green Spot	82
Connemara Peated Single Malt	77
Slane Triple Cask	76
Writers’ Tear Copper Pot	76
Bushmills Peaky Blinders	72
Tyrconnell Single Malt	70

FAQ: Green Spot Irish Whiskey

A quick FAQ to address your doubts:

How to drink it?

• Neat: Green Spot is best enjoyed as is, as it makes a super easy drinker.
• Adding water: Adding water does very little for it, so it’s preferred to savor it neat.
• Cocktail preference: While not the favorite for cocktails, some may prefer using lower-shelf whiskeys like Jameson for such purposes.

Awards & Accolades

• 2022: Gold at the Irish Whiskey Masters.
• 2019: Gold Medal at the Irish Whiskey Awards.
• 2012: “Top Spirit” by Serious Eats.
• 2010: Silver at the International Spirits Challenge.
• Jim Murray describes it as “unquestionably one of the world’s greatest whiskies.”

Alternatives

• Consider trying the Redbreast 12, which is very similar as they are both 100% pot still whiskeys crafted at the same distillery.
• The difference lies in the Redbreast being barreled for 12 years and aged mostly in Sherry Casks, making it sweeter and more gentle on the palate.
• The pricing for Redbreast 12 and Green Spot is even, making some prefer the Redbreast option.

Pricing Guide

• United States: $55
• Canada: $90
• Britain: £54
• Australia: $129
• Ireland: €65

Alcohol content

• It has an alcohol content of 80 proof (40% ABV), similar to the majority of Irish whiskey.

Aging

• No age statement is provided, but it is matured for around 8 years using 75% bourbon barrels and 25% sherry casks from Spain.

Where is it made?

• It is sourced at the Jameson Distillery in Midleton.

Who owns it?

• The Spot Whiskey brand is owned by Mitchell & Son, headquartered in Dublin.

Does it expire?

• No, alcohol doesn’t expire.
• It will last for years if you store it in a cool place away from sunlight.
• However, it’s recommended to drink it once the content is down to 25% as liquors may develop awkward notes beyond this level.

How to store it?

• Store it in a cool place away from sunlight and keep the bottle upright without coming into contact with the stopper.

How is it made?

• Green Spot is crafted from a blend of malted and unmalted barley, which is then milled and mashed.
• The liquid is triple-distilled through traditional copper-pot stills.
• It is matured in a combination of 75% bourbon barrels and 25% sherry casks from Spain.
• The casks are blended together and brought to proof before bottling.

How did I review the Green Spot?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.

Green Spot Whiskey: Specs

Type of Whisky	Pot Still
Age statement	No
Proof	80
ABV	40%
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	No
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Yes
Warm?	No
Peaty?	No
Good for beginners?	Not the best
Good for cocktails?	No
Good with Coke?	No
Calories per shot	108
Gluten-free	Yes
Keto-friendly	Yes
Kosher	No