Blue Spot 7 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is a masterful cask strength release that exemplifies the art of Irish distillation. Aged for no less than seven years in a blend of Bourbon barrels, Sherry butts, and Portuguese Madeira casks, this non-chill filtered whiskey delivers a rich and complex flavor profile. Each sip unveils vibrant notes of tropical fruits like pineapple and kiwi, mingled with subtle spices, toasted wood, and hints of clove oil and black pepper. Sweet undertones of vanilla, cinnamon, and baked apple add balance to its bold character. Crafted from malted and unmalted barley and triple-distilled in copper pot stills, this rare expression pays homage to Ireland's heritage while offering a full-bodied, silky mouthfeel and a satisfyingly long finish.
Process & Profile
Blue Spot stands as a shining example of Ireland's legendary Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Its mash bill consists of a 50/50 balance of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills for a smooth, full-bodied texture. The whiskey is matured for a minimum of 7 years in an expertly curated blend of ex-Bourbon barrels, ex-Sherry butts, and Portuguese Madeira casks. Bottled at cask strength (58.7% ABV), this whiskey is non-chill filtered, preserving its robust character and complexity.
Tasting Notes
Nose: A tantalizing bouquet of tropical fruit, including pineapple, kiwi, and green banana, meets citrusy lime zest. These fresh aromas are complemented by classic pot still spices, baked apple, hazelnut, and a touch of toasted wood.
Palate: Luxuriously smooth with a velvety mouthfeel, the palate brims with layers of fruitiness, from candied orange and raisins to stewed apples. Subtle hints of clove oil, cracked black pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla harmonize with the nutty warmth of toasted oak.
Finish: The finish is long and lingering, offering a balance of exotic dried fruits, chili spice, and creamy textures that culminate in toasted nuts and faint dark chocolate.
What Makes It Special
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Cask Strength Craftsmanship: Blue Spot is the first cask-strength release in the Spot Whiskey lineup, delivering an unapologetically bold and vibrant flavor profile.
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Heritage and Legacy: Rooted in the Mitchell family's 19th-century tradition of aging whiskey in custom barrels marked with colored paint, Blue Spot reintroduces this storied 7-year-old whiskey after a 56-year hiatus.
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Unique Cask Combination: The interplay of ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry, and Madeira wine casks contributes to its rich complexity, showcasing innovative barrel-aging techniques.
How to Enjoy
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Neat: Appreciate the full intensity of its cask strength for a bold tasting experience.
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With Water: A splash of water can temper the alcohol and highlight its sweetness, nutty elements, and fruit-forward aromas.
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Pairings: Enjoy alongside creamy desserts, dark chocolate, or spiced apple tarts for a luxurious treat.
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Occasions: Perfect for whiskey aficionados, collectors, or as a centerpiece for celebrations, this whiskey also makes a thoughtful gift for connoisseurs.
Blue Spot 7 Year Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is not just a drink; it's a tribute to Irish whiskey heritage, masterfully reimagined for today's enthusiasts. Whether you're savoring its complex flavors or adding it to your collection, each sip tells a story of craftsmanship and legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Blue Spot 7 Year Single Pot Still unique?
Blue Spot is a cask-strength Irish whiskey, matured for no less than 7 years in a combination of bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and Portuguese Madeira casks. This unique maturation process imparts a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of tropical fruits, spices, and toasted wood.
What flavor notes can I expect from Blue Spot 7 Year?
On the nose, expect aromas of pineapple, kiwi, green banana, and lime zest, complemented by spices and toasted wood. The palate offers a smooth mouthfeel with flavors of clove, cracked black pepper, sweet spices, vanilla, and cinnamon. The finish is balanced with exotic fruits and peppery spices for a satisfying experience.
What does "Single Pot Still" mean?
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey refers to a whiskey made at a single distillery using a unique mash bill of malted and unmalted barley. It is triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, which results in a rich, creamy texture and a signature spiciness.
How should I enjoy Blue Spot 7 Year?
Blue Spot can be enjoyed neat to experience its full intensity and intricate flavors. For those who prefer a slightly milder profile, a few drops of water can be added to open up its aromas and balance the heat from its cask strength.
What is the alcohol content of Blue Spot 7 Year?
Blue Spot is bottled at cask strength, which means it is unaltered after maturation. The alcohol content is approximately 58.7% to 58.9% ABV, depending on the batch.
What is the history behind Blue Spot whiskey?
Blue Spot is part of the Spot Whiskey collection by Mitchell & Son, a family business that began aging whiskey in wine and sherry casks in the 19th century. The name “Blue Spot” refers to the paint mark used historically to indicate barrels aged for 7 years.
Is Blue Spot whiskey non-chill filtered?
Yes, Blue Spot is non-chill filtered. This means it retains more of its natural flavors, oils, and aromas, contributing to its robust character.
What does "cask strength" mean?
Cask strength means the whiskey is bottled directly from the cask without dilution, preserving its natural strength and complexity.
Is Blue Spot 7 Year a limited release?
Yes, Blue Spot 7 Year is a rare and sought-after release. Its small-batch production and unique cask strength profile make it a prized addition to any whiskey collection.