Elevate your whiskey experience with Yellow Spot 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, a masterful creation steeped in tradition and innovation. This exquisite whiskey is aged for a full 12 years in a unique combination of American bourbon barrels, Spanish sherry butts, and rare Spanish Malaga casks, imparting layers of complexity and elegance. On the nose, it reveals enticing notes of mown hay, black pepper, clove oil, and green tea, harmonized with sweet honey and peaches from the Malaga influence. The palate offers a luxurious journey of honey sweetness balanced with pot still spices, creamy milk chocolate, Crème Brûlée, red apples, and toasted oak. Its sophisticated finish lingers with delightful hints of red grape and dry barley. Bottled at 46% ABV, this rare and meticulously crafted whiskey represents the pinnacle of Irish distilling heritage, making it a must-try for discerning connoisseurs.
Process & Profile
Yellow Spot is crafted using a unique combination of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills at the iconic Midleton Distillery. Aged for a full 12 years, it matures in three distinct cask types: American bourbon barrels, Spanish sherry butts, and rare Spanish Malaga wine casks. This meticulous maturation process imparts unparalleled depth and sweetness, making it a truly special expression. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV, it offers a silky mouthfeel and balanced profile that captivates whiskey enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes
Nose: A captivating bouquet of mown hay, cracked black pepper, and nutmeg, complemented by the sweetness of honey, peaches, and tropical fruits from the Malaga casks.
Palate: Layers of honeyed sweetness, toffee, and creamy milk chocolate unfold alongside pot still spices. Hints of red apples, fresh coffee, and Crème Brûlée create a luxurious and indulgent flavor experience.
Finish: Sophisticated and lingering, with notes of red grape, toasted oak, and dry barley. A tangy and sweet finale ensures a memorable conclusion to every sip.
What Makes It Special
Yellow Spot distinguishes itself with its rare use of Malaga casks, which add exotic sweet notes that elevate the whiskey to new heights of complexity. Revived in 2012 after its initial production ceased in the mid-20th century, Yellow Spot reflects the heritage of Mitchell & Son's whiskey bonding tradition. Its limited availability further enhances its appeal as a collectible and must-try spirit for connoisseurs.
How to Enjoy
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Neat or On the Rocks: Appreciate its full spectrum of flavors by sipping it neat or over a single ice cube to slightly mellow the spice notes.
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Pairings: Pair with dark chocolate, aged cheeses, or rich desserts to complement its honeyed and oaky undertones.
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Cocktails: While best savored on its own, Yellow Spot adds an elegant touch to classic whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
Yellow Spot 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is more than a drink—it's an experience steeped in history and crafted with care. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to Irish whiskey, this is a bottle worth savoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Yellow Spot 12 Year Old whiskey unique?
Yellow Spot is matured for a full 12 years in a combination of three cask types: American bourbon barrels, Spanish sherry butts, and Spanish Malaga casks. This triple-maturation process contributes to its rich and complex flavor profile, with the Malaga casks adding distinctive sweet and exotic fruity notes.
What does Yellow Spot 12 Year Old taste like?
The whiskey offers a honeyed sweetness with pot still spices and flavors of fresh coffee, creamy milk chocolate, and Crème Brûlée. Notes of red apples and toasted oak are followed by a sophisticated and sweet finish, featuring red grape and dry barley.
What are the aroma notes of Yellow Spot 12 Year Old?
The nose reveals mown hay, cracked black pepper, red bell peppers, nutmeg, clove oil, and green tea, complemented by sweet honey and peaches derived from the Malaga casks.
What is the alcohol content of Yellow Spot 12 Year Old?
Yellow Spot 12 Year Old has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 46%.
How is Yellow Spot classified as a single pot still whiskey?
Single pot still whiskey is uniquely Irish and made from a mash bill of malted and unmalted barley. The whiskey is triple distilled, resulting in a smooth texture and pronounced spiciness, which are characteristic of this style of whiskey.
What is the history behind Yellow Spot 12 Year Old?
The Yellow Spot whiskey was inspired by a historic bottle discovered in a Dublin museum, allowing the distillery to recreate this treasured expression. It is produced by the Midleton Distillery, a renowned name in Irish distilling since the 1800s.
What foods pair well with Yellow Spot 12 Year Old?
This whiskey pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, cheddar cheese, and dark chocolate. The spiciness and sweetness of the whiskey enhance the flavors of these foods.
Why is Yellow Spot considered a premium whiskey?
Yellow Spot is produced in limited quantities, making it a rare and collectible whiskey. Its meticulous 12-year maturation in diverse casks and its unique flavor profile position it as a luxury offering in the world of Irish whiskey.
What awards has Yellow Spot 12 Year Old won?
Yellow Spot has earned several prestigious awards, including 99 points and the Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017, as well as gold and silver medals at international spirits competitions.
How should Yellow Spot 12 Year Old be enjoyed?
Yellow Spot 12 Year Old is best enjoyed neat or with a small splash of water to unlock its complex aromas and flavors. Its smoothness and balance make it suitable for savoring on special occasions or as a refined everyday indulgence.
