Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Unlike other whiskeys named after the founders and important people in the whiskey world, Green Spot is a little different. The Irish whiskey is named after the colored “spot” that identifies how long the barrels should be matured.
Today, let’s go over Green Spot Irish Whiskey price, history, and other interesting facts about this fine spirit.
Table of Contents
ToggleAbout Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish whiskey has a long and rich history that started way back in 1805. The brand name is a good marketing use because it is a well-done historical flashback that is not too obvious.
The Single Pot Still Irish whiskey does not bear an age statement, but it is aged between seven to ten years in two cask types.
It came from the Midleton Distillery and was created exclusively for the Mitchell family.
Key Facts
History & Origin
Green Spot Irish Whiskey is named after the markings used by the Mitchells to identify the length of maturation of a barrel.
Originally, there were four Spot whiskeys (red, yellow, blue, and green), and Green Spot whiskey was aged for a maximum of ten years.
In 1805, William Mitchell founded a bakery in Dublin, and by 1887, they had expanded and included a spirits shop at the storefront.
Mitchell bought raw spirits from Jameson distillery, previously marketed as Pat Whisky. It was rebranded as “John Jameson & Son 10-Year-Old Green Seal” in 1933 before becoming known as Green Spot.
How It’s Made
Green Spot Irish Whiskey uses a unique combination of malted and unmalted barley for a silky mouthfeel. After the base ingredients are milled, fresh Irish water is added and fermented to create the alcohol.
After the fermentation, it is triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills [1] to bring out the classic flavor profile of a Single Pot Still Irish whiskey. It is then aged from seven to ten years before blending and bottling.
Aging Process & Age Statement
Mitchell & Son has developed a great reputation for creating the finest Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, and one of their not-so-secret-strategy is maturation.
The Green Spot whiskey is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon cask and ex-sherry butts for seven to ten years.
It is relatively made in small batches, making it in high demand and rare. It does not bear an age statement, but the brand disclosed the range of maturation of the whiskey.
Mash Bill & Alcohol Content
Based on the Irish Whiskey Act of 1950, distillers can make Irish whiskey from a mash of malt and cereal grains [2] that are ordinarily grown in Ireland.
Green Spot Irish whiskey uses a combination of malted and unmalted barley on its mash bill.
Green Spot Irish Whiskey contains 40% ABV (80 Proof), the average alcohol content of most Irish whiskeys. But what’s the best Irish whiskey to drink straight?
Packaging
Green Spot Irish Whiskey has a well-done label- historical background on how the Mitchells label their barrels before maturation.
The labeling is crisp and clean and comes with a cardboard sleeve. It is well packed and labeled with the necessary information about the whiskey and manufacturer.
However, we believe that Green Spot can improve the details of the label because the white background on the label obscures the nice appearance of the whiskey.
Tasting Notes
- Palate – Bold, spicy with hints of cloves, fruity sweetness of green apples, honey, toasted oak, spices, barley, dried fruit, and light notes of citrus zest
- Color/Hue – Pale gold
- Nose – Fresh spices and aromatic oils with barley, toasted wood, orchard fruits, caramel, butterscotch, and dried berries
- Finish – Malty, smooth, long with notes of dark sweets, oak, and fruit
Awards
Green Spot Irish Whiskey has gathered awards from different award-giving bodies in the spirits world.
In 2016, the label gathered a silver award from International Spirits Challenge, 91 points in the Beverage Tasting Institute, and 95 points Finalist in Ultimate Spirit Challenge.
Green Spot received 89 points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2017. Also, the brand is well-praised by Mick Jagger, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Michael Parkinson. But what makes Irish whiskey different?
What’s The Best Way To Drink It?
You will appreciate the influence of the maturation process of Green Spot Irish Whiskey when you consume it neat.
Since it is aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, it has an interesting flavor profile. Generally, drinking it neat will give you a fruity and sweet experience without any kick or bitterness.
Common Green Spot Irish Whiskey Price
Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
Green Spot Irish Whiskey | 750 ml | 40% | Around $67 |
*Average prices are based on Drizly. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
Compared to Other Irish Whiskeys
Jameson Irish Whiskey
If you want a cheaper alternative, you can try Jameson Irish whiskey, which costs around $30.79 for a 750ml bottle in Drizly.
Like Green Spot Irish Whiskey, it is triple distilled and has a signature smoothness and nice tasting notes as it is matured for a minimum of 4 years.
Bushmills Irish Whiskey
Another budget-friendly Irish Whiskey is Bushmills, and compared to Green Spot; it is relatively cheaper.
A 750ml bottle of Bushmills Irish Whiskey costs approximately $26.99 in Drizly, almost twice the price of one Green Spot Irish Whiskey.
Knappogue Castle Irish Whiskey
Knappogue Castle Irish Whiskey is cheaper than Green Spot Irish Whiskey but not as affordable as Jameson and Bushmills.
You can score a bottle of Knappogue Castle 12 YO in Drizly for $48.39, which is a good deal.
Popular Green Spot Irish Whiskey Cocktail Recipe
Irish Whiskey & Apricot Highball Cocktail
Prep Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 8 mins
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Green Spot Irish Whiskey
- Atomized Cinnamon Tincture
- Dried Apricot
- Dickie’s Dried Apricot Soda
Instructions:
Get an ice-filled highball, then pour the Green Spot Irish whiskey. Top it off with Dickie’s Apricot Soda and spray some atomized Cinnamon Tincture. Lastly, garnish the drink with dried apricot, and enjoy!
Serving: 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Green Spot made by Jameson?
Green Spot Irish whiskey is not directly made by Jameson, but both brands share a historical connection through the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. The Midleton Distillery is renowned for producing a variety of Irish whiskey brands, including Jameson, as well as other well-known labels such as Redbreast, Powers, and Green Spot.
Green Spot whiskey has been traditionally produced by the Mitchell family, who operated a wine and spirits business in Dublin. The Mitchell family sourced whiskey from distilleries across Ireland, including the Midleton Distillery, and bottled it under their own brand, Green Spot.
While Jameson and Green Spot are separate brands, they both have ties to the Midleton Distillery, which is known for its high-quality Irish whiskey production. Green Spot is often considered a premium Irish whiskey and is highly regarded for its unique flavor profile and heritage.
Is Green Spot whiskey hard to find?
At times, Green Spot Irish whiskey can be somewhat challenging to find due to its limited availability and popularity among whiskey enthusiasts. While it is not as widely distributed as some mainstream whiskey brands, Green Spot can typically be found at well-stocked liquor stores, specialty whiskey shops, and online retailers that specialize in premium spirits.
Due to its reputation for quality and its distinctive flavor profile, Green Spot often garners a dedicated following, leading to increased demand and occasional shortages in certain markets. However, with persistence and patience, whiskey enthusiasts can usually locate Green Spot at select retailers or through online channels.
How old is Green Spot Irish whiskey?
The age of Green Spot Irish whiskey refers to the length of time it has been matured in oak casks before being bottled. Traditionally, Green Spot does not carry an age statement on the label, indicating that it is a blended whiskey composed of various aged components. However, some expressions of Green Spot may include whiskey that has been aged for a minimum of 7 to 10 years.
While age can be an important factor in whiskey production, the focus with Green Spot is often on the blending process, which combines whiskies of different ages to achieve a balanced and complex flavor profile. As a result, Green Spot is renowned for its smoothness, depth of flavor, and character, rather than solely for its age.
Overall, Green Spot Irish whiskey is celebrated for its heritage, craftsmanship, and distinctive taste, making it a sought-after choice among whiskey connoisseurs and enthusiasts around the world.
How do you drink Green Spot Irish whiskey?
Green Spot Irish whiskey is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, depending on personal preferences and taste preferences. Here are some common ways to drink Green Spot:
Neat: Pour a measure of Green Spot into a whiskey glass and enjoy it neat, without any additional ingredients. This allows you to fully appreciate the whiskey’s aroma, flavor, and complexity.
On the rocks: If you prefer a slightly chilled drink, serve Green Spot over ice cubes in a whiskey glass. The ice will gently dilute the whiskey and mellow its flavors while keeping it refreshing.
With water: Adding a few drops of water to Green Spot can help open up its flavors and aromas, making it more approachable and nuanced. Experiment with the amount of water to find the balance that suits your taste.
Whiskey cocktails: Green Spot can also be used as a base spirit in whiskey cocktails, such as an Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Irish Coffee. Its smooth and complex flavor profile can add depth and character to various mixed drinks.
Ultimately, the best way to drink Green Spot Irish whiskey is whichever way you enjoy it most. Whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Green Spot offers a rich and flavorful drinking experience.
Is Green Spot a single malt?
No, Green Spot Irish whiskey is not a single malt whiskey. It is classified as a single pot still whiskey, which is a unique style of Irish whiskey made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley and distilled in pot stills. Single pot still whiskey is known for its distinctive flavor profile, which includes notes of spice, fruit, and creamy texture.
Green Spot is produced using this traditional method of pot still distillation and is aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, resulting in a complex and balanced whiskey with layers of flavor. While Green Spot is not a single malt whiskey, it is highly regarded for its quality, craftsmanship, and heritage within the world of Irish whiskey.
What does Green Spot taste like?
Green Spot Irish whiskey is celebrated for its complex and well-rounded flavor profile, which includes a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and fruity notes. Common tasting notes associated with Green Spot include:
Honey: A subtle sweetness reminiscent of honey or golden syrup.
Orchard fruits: Notes of ripe apples, pears, and citrus fruits, adding a refreshing and fruity character.
Spices: Warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, providing depth and complexity.
Oak: Subtle hints of oak from the whiskey’s maturation in bourbon and sherry casks, contributing to its smoothness and balance.
Creaminess: A creamy texture that coats the palate and enhances the whiskey’s overall richness.
Overall, Green Spot is praised for its smoothness, depth of flavor, and well-integrated complexity, making it a beloved choice among whiskey enthusiasts seeking a high-quality Irish whiskey experience.
How do you drink Green Spot?
Green Spot Irish whiskey is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preferences and taste preferences. Here are some common ways to drink Green Spot:
Neat: Pour a serving of Green Spot into a whiskey glass and enjoy it neat, without any additional ingredients. Sipping it neat allows you to fully appreciate the whiskey’s aroma, flavor, and complexity.
On the rocks: If you prefer a slightly chilled drink, serve Green Spot over ice in a whiskey glass. The ice will gently dilute the whiskey and mellow its flavors while keeping it refreshing.
With water: Adding a few drops of water to Green Spot can help open up its flavors and aromas, making it more approachable and nuanced. Experiment with the amount of water to find the balance that suits your taste.
Whiskey cocktails: Green Spot can also be used as a base spirit in whiskey cocktails, such as an Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Irish Coffee. Its smooth and complex flavor profile can add depth and character to various mixed drinks.
Ultimately, the best way to drink Green Spot Irish whiskey is whichever way you enjoy it most. Whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Green Spot offers a rich and flavorful drinking experience.
What is Green Spot Irish whiskey made of?
Green Spot Irish whiskey is made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley, which is mashed, fermented, distilled, and aged according to traditional Irish whiskey production methods. Specifically, Green Spot is classified as a single pot still whiskey, a unique style of Irish whiskey known for its distinctive flavor profile and creamy texture.
In the production of Green Spot, the malted and unmalted barley is combined and distilled in traditional copper pot stills, resulting in a rich and flavorful spirit. The whiskey is then aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, allowing it to develop its characteristic complexity and depth of flavor over time.
Green Spot is highly regarded for its quality, craftsmanship, and heritage within the world of Irish whiskey, and it is cherished by whiskey enthusiasts for its smoothness and well-rounded flavor profile.
What proof is Green Spot?
Green Spot Irish whiskey typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 40%, which is equivalent to 80 proof. This ABV level is common for many standard whiskies and is considered the standard strength for most spirits.
At 80 proof, Green Spot delivers a balanced and flavorful drinking experience, with enough alcohol content to carry its complex flavors and aromas without overwhelming the palate. The proof of Green Spot contributes to its smoothness and drinkability, making it a popular choice among whiskey enthusiasts seeking a high-quality Irish whiskey experience.
Overall, Green Spot’s 80 proof allows it to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails, showcasing its versatility and appeal to whiskey drinkers of all preferences.
Which whiskey is the best?
The question of which whiskey is the best is highly subjective and ultimately depends on individual taste preferences, as well as factors such as the occasion, budget, and desired flavor profile. Whiskey comes in various styles and expressions, each offering its own unique characteristics and qualities.
Some whiskey enthusiasts may prefer the smoothness and complexity of Irish whiskey, with its notes of fruit, honey, and spice, while others may gravitate towards the rich and smoky flavors of Scotch whisky, or the bold and spicy profile of American bourbon.
Ultimately, the best whiskey is the one that you enjoy most, whether it’s a well-known brand or a lesser-known gem. Exploring different types and styles of whiskey can be a rewarding journey of discovery, allowing you to develop your palate and find the expressions that resonate with you.
In Summary
Green Spot Irish Whiskey is good value for money because it is a tasty Irish whiskey with great character and an interesting flavor profile.
The Green Spot Irish whiskey price is reasonable for its production and maturation process, not to mention its rich history and amazing taste.
Sláinte!
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