For fans of Irish whiskey, the name Midleton Distillery carries significant weight. Located just outside of Cork, this distillery is the birthplace of many beloved brands, including Jameson, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, and the Spot Whiskeys. Recently, the Spot Whiskeys portfolio has expanded with a remarkable addition: the oldest Red Spot release to date. This 31-year-old single-cask whiskey is now available exclusively through the Whisky Exchange.
The exclusivity of this release can be traced back to its acquisition by Pernod Ricard in 2021. Pernod Ricard owns Irish Distillers, which operates Midleton Distillery. This intricate connection ensures that unique and rare offerings like this Red Spot are made available through select channels. According to a representative from the Whisky Exchange, this is the first single-cask expression from Red Spot and, at 31 years old, the oldest whiskey they have ever released.
Distilled and aged entirely at Midleton, this whiskey spent its initial years in bourbon and sherry barrels before being finished in a Marsala wine cask. This maturation process differentiates it significantly from the standard Red Spot expression, which is aged for 15 years in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and Marsala casks.
Chris Bolton, the label and brand product manager at the Whisky Exchange, expressed excitement about the release. “In our continued exploration of the Mitchell & Sons Spot series, we’re delighted to introduce our latest single cask exclusive, this time under the Red Spot label,” he said. “Distilled back in 1991 and aged for 31 years, this wonderfully complex whiskey was finished in a Marsala cask before bottling. Given that only three distilleries were operating in Ireland when it was distilled, it’s safe to say casks of this age and profile are becoming exceptionally hard to find.”
The official tasting notes highlight a vibrant palate featuring fresh fruit such as apricots, peaches, plums, and blackcurrants, complemented by soft tannins and herbal undertones on the finish. This complexity is a testament to its lengthy maturation process and careful cask selection.
This release is part of a series of noteworthy offerings from the Whisky Exchange. Last spring, they introduced a 13-year-old Gold Spot expression called Generations Edition. Initially aged in bourbon and sherry casks, it was finished in Valpolicella Classica wine barrels for an additional 16 months. Earlier this year, a 1999 vintage of Yellow Spot was released, aged for 23 years in bourbon, sherry, and Malaga wine casks.
Additionally, the Whisky Exchange has expanded its American whiskey portfolio. This month, they introduced a single barrel rye from Kentucky’s New Riff distillery, and in August, they will offer a 10-year-old Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon.
The 31-year-old Red Spot Irish whiskey is available for purchase now at the Whisky Exchange, priced at $1,032. This rare and complex whiskey is sure to be a coveted addition for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
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About Red Spot
Red Spot is a distinguished name in the world of Irish whiskey, recognized for its rich history and exceptional quality. Originating from the Mitchell family's wine and spirits business established in Dublin in 1805, Red Spot has a storied past that intertwines with the history of Irish whiskey itself. The Mitchells initially started as purveyors of fine wines and confectionery, and by the late 19th century, they had expanded into the whiskey bonding business, purchasing spirit from various distilleries and maturing it in their own casks.
Red Spot was part of a series of "Spot" whiskeys, which included Green Spot, Yellow Spot, and Blue Spot. These names were derived from the practice of marking casks of different ages with a spot of paint, with Red Spot indicating a 15-year-old whiskey. The whiskey itself is a single pot still Irish whiskey, a style that involves a mix of malted and unmalted barley distilled in traditional copper pot stills. This method imparts a distinctive, full-bodied character to the whiskey, setting it apart from other styles.
After a long period of dormancy, Red Spot was reintroduced to the market in 2018, much to the delight of whiskey enthusiasts. The revived Red Spot retains the high standards of its predecessors, offering a complex and richly layered drinking experience. Aged for a minimum of 15 years in a combination of American bourbon casks, Spanish sherry butts, and Sicilian Marsala wine casks, Red Spot boasts a unique flavor profile. This intricate maturation process results in a whiskey with notes of ripe fruit, spices, toasted oak, and a subtle sweetness, culminating in a long and satisfying finish.
The reintroduction of Red Spot has been part of a broader revival of the Mitchells' historic range of Spot whiskeys, reflecting a renewed interest in traditional Irish whiskey production. Red Spot's return has been met with critical acclaim, solidifying its status as a premium offering in the world of Irish whiskey. Its rich heritage, combined with the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into its production, ensures that Red Spot continues to be celebrated by both long-time aficionados and new enthusiasts alike.
Overall, Red Spot represents a bridge between Ireland's rich whiskey-making traditions and the modern era, embodying the craftsmanship, heritage, and quality that have made Irish whiskey beloved around the world. Its unique character and storied past make it a standout choice for those seeking a truly exceptional whiskey experience.
