Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:37 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the distinctions between Green Spot and Yellow Spot in this comprehensive comparison, helping you determine the superior Irish Whiskey for 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 Yellow Spot: Comparison
Green Spot: Light and refreshing with a blend of apple, vanilla, and caramel on the nose; toasted cereal and spicy grass on the palate. The finish is quick with cherry and citrus notes.
Yellow Spot: Rich and complex, offering ripe fruit and caramel on the nose, with a palate of fruity notes and baking spice. The finish is long, with baking spice, ripe fruit, and oak.
Key Difference: Green Spot ages up to 8 years with 75% ex-bourbon barrels and 25% ex-sherry casks.Yellow Spot ages for 12 years in a mix of ex-bourbon, Spanish sherry butts, and Spanish Malaga casks. Malaga wine is made with Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel grapes.
Verdict: Green Spot delights with its light, fruity, and approachable profile, making it a great entry point or a daily sipper for those who appreciate subtlety and balance. Yellow Spot, on the other hand, offers complex flavor profile, appealing to those seeking depth and a long finish in their whiskey, states spirits expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Spot Whiskey Picks
Green Spot: A Charming Sip with Enticing Depths
- Nose: Apple, vanilla, caramel, oak
- Palate: Toasted cereal, pear, oak, spicy grass
- Finish: Cherry, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Jameson
Green Spot opens with a delightfully rich aroma, showcasing juicy apple as the star of the show. Delicate hints of creamy vanilla, buttery caramel, and a touch of toasted oak add complexity and intrigue, inviting you to explore further.
On the palate, the experience continues with a smooth and creamy texture that caresses your tongue. The initial flavor wave delivers a delightful toasty cereal note, reminiscent of a comforting breakfast. As it unfolds, ripe pear, sweet sherry, and aged oak join the dance, balanced by a touch of spicy grass and a whisper of iodine that adds intrigue.
The finish, while not overly long, leaves a pleasant and lingering memory of sweet cherry and citrus. It may not linger for hours, but it provides a satisfying conclusion to the journey.
Balance in a Bottle:
Green Spot strikes a harmonious balance between sweetness and spice, making it appealing to various palates. The subtle oak presence allows the other flavors to shine, creating a truly intriguing experience.
Aroma Allure:
While the flavor profile remains enjoyable, it’s worth noting that Green Spot’s aroma is arguably its most captivating aspect. The enticing combination of fruit, sweetness, and oak sets the stage for a delightful journey.
Sipping Simplicity:
This whiskey truly shines when enjoyed neat. Its smooth texture and balanced flavors don’t require the interference of water or ice. Simply pour, sip, and savor the experience.
A Minor Blip:
The only potential drawback lies in the finish, which may feel slightly short to some. However, its pleasant aftertaste and overall smoothness compensate for this minor detail.
Ultimately:
Green Spot is a charming and enjoyable sipper that offers a delightful and balanced flavor profile. While its aroma surpasses its taste, both remain pleasant and inviting. If you’re seeking a smooth and approachable whiskey with subtle complexities, Green Spot is definitely worth exploring.
Green Spot facts:
- Green Spot is a triple-distilled whiskey made from malted and unmalted barley in copper pot stills.
- It ages for up to 8 years, utilizing 75% ex-bourbon barrels and 25% ex-sherry wine casks.
- It is one of the few remaining bonded Irish whiskeys, indicating its strict production requirements.
Yellow Spot: A Symphony of Fruit, Spice, and Pure Delight
- Nose: Ripe fruit, caramel, barley
- Palate: Fruity notes, toasted barley, baking spice
- Finish: Baking spice, ripe fruit, oak
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
Yellow Spot’s aroma instantly draws you in with its exceptional fragrance. Imagine a luxurious bouquet brimming with sun-ripened fruits and decadent caramel, all delicately balanced by a touch of warmly toasted barley. It’s an invitation to a truly special sensory experience.
On the palate, the journey continues with a velvety caress, as the whiskey envelops your tongue with its full and luxurious texture. You’re immediately greeted by a beautiful chorus of fruits, with notes of sweet peach, creamy banana, and juicy apricot taking center stage. The harmony is further enriched by the subtle toastiness of barley and a hint of warming spice, creating a depth and complexity that keeps you intrigued.
The finish lingers beautifully, leaving a warm impression of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly intertwined with the lingering sweetness of fruits and a gentle kiss of oak. The intriguing drying effect adds a unique touch, leaving you wanting to return for another delightful exploration.
A Masterful Balance:
Yellow Spot achieves an exquisite balance of flavors. The sweetness of the fruit notes beautifully complements the warmth of the spices and the gentle oak presence, creating a truly harmonious and memorable experience.
Smoothness Unrivaled:
The remarkable smoothness of this whiskey makes it incredibly approachable and enjoyable. There’s no need for water or ice to disrupt this perfect symphony of flavors. Simply pour, savor, and immerse yourself in its pure delight.
A Treasure to Appreciate:
Yellow Spot is not just a whiskey; it’s an experience to be appreciated in its full form. Its exceptional aroma, luxurious texture, and intricately balanced flavors make it a true gem in the world of Irish whiskey.
Yellow Spot facts:
- Aged for 12 years and made up in part from spirit matured in Malaga casks.
- 2016 “Irish Whiskey of the Year” by Whisky Advocate.
- 2016 Gold in the Wizards of Whiskey.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Green Spot | $67 |
| Yellow Spot | $115 |
Key Points
- Green Spot and Yellow Spot are under Mitchell & Sons, founded in 1805 in Dublin, Ireland.
- Both are crafted at the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork, which also produces Jameson whiskey.
- Malted and unmalted barley combine to make these whiskeys, triple-distilled through a traditional pot still for a thick and creamy result.
- The name originated from marking barrels of different ages with a colored paint spot.