Several single pot still whiskies are produced at the new Midleton Distillery, one of which is Yellow Spot. The name is derived from a practice used by Mitchell & Son Wine Merchants, where the brand originated.
They marked their maturing casks of whisky with a spot of paint to determine the age potential of the whiskey. Blue Spot was a 8yo, Green Spot a 10yo and Yellow Spot a 12yo, Red Spot a 15yo. Nowadays, only the Green Spot and Yellow Spot brands remain.
The Yellow Spot is slightly older than Green Spot, and a mixture of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-malaga wine casks were used to mature this whiskey.
Yellow Spot 12yo Single Pot Still Whiskey (46%, OB)
Nose: Apricots and ripe bananas, as well as a touch of cardboard. Some sweet grains and toffee too, followed by mild notes of milk chocolate and vibrant orange zest, with finally a whisper of aniseed.
Taste: Creamy and rich, this has that classic Irish pot still profile, with some cough syrup, menthol, dried red fruits, and bitter oranges. Of course a good amount of spiciness also, mainly nutmeg, pepper and clove. Some almonds too. Big-bodied.
Finish: Lingering spices, slightly herbal.
Score: 86
Big, bold, spicy. Exactly what I’d want from this style of whiskey. However, at its current price, the Green Spot is better value for money, I think.
