Today, we take a break from the Bourbons and ryes and have a wee bit of Irish Whiskey. Specifically, Green Spot Single Pot Still Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey. Green Spot is made at Midleton Distillery, which, if you are into Irish Whiskey, you probably know that they also make the beloved Jameson. Green spot is one of four bottles that are “Spot” named, by age, Blue, Green, Yellow, then Red. In fact, the names come from the distiller’s practice of putting different color paints on different barrels to tell them apart.
Green Spot is 10 years old, 80 proof, sells for around $55, and is available wherever nicer Irish Whiskey is sold.
While we call ourselves Talking Bourbon, we are actually fans of tequila, gin, good rum, beer, wine, and, of course, Irish Whiskey. We look forward to tasting this because even though it has been around for a long time, we have never tried it. Also different today, we have a guest taster, Travis, who will be joining the three of us.
NOSE
Travis: Some vanilla, a little caramel, and a touch of wood and barley. Ice made it a little sweeter.
TB: Strong earthy aromas of wood and malt. This is followed by apples, barley, cloves, and a little oiliness. Ice brought out citrus fruit and sweetness.
TASTE
Travis: Barley and wood again with some honey and cinnamon. Ice just muted the tastes.
TB: Nice smooth flavors of malt, barley, cloves, and wood. Secondary tastes include crab or green apples, baking spices, orange, and tobacco. Ice again brings out citrus and sweetness, along with some more malt.
FINISH
Travis: Medium with a bit of honey.
TB: Medium long with a bit of light fruit, bitterness, and spice.
OVERALL
Travis: A nice-tasting bottle. I’m not a huge Irish Whiskey guy, but I could drink this.
TB: Very good Irish Whiskey for the price. Would definitely buy again.
Nose 4 out of 5
Taste 7.75 out of 10
Finish 4.25 out of 5
Total score 16 out of 20 barrels.
When a non-fan likes it, you know you have something good. We all liked the earthiness of it, along with the various tastes and smells you get. A very light and fruity whiskey with more depth than we anticipated.
If you are an Irish Whiskey fan, hell, even if you are not, give Green Spot a try. We liked it and we think you will too.