Blue Spot
Blue Spot has been released after an absence of 56 years, Irish Distillers have joined forces with the Mitchell family to reintroduce the Blue Spot Single Pot Still back into the Spot range of whiskeys. Matured for a minimum of 7 years this cask strength release, 58.7% ABV retails at a RRP of €80.
Omar Fitzell Notes
A burst of fruit and spice. Tropical fruits such as mango and banana, berries and citrus develop nicely alongside a pleasant nutmeg spice.
Palate
Oily mouth coating that initially bursts with a white pepper spice that develops into green apples, a touch of grapes and a hint of dark chocolate.
Finish
That spice returns and lingers for a medium to long, sweet finish.
Overall
This seems to have divided palates. You either really like it, or you don’t. There is no in between. I am in the really like it camp. A touch of water is not necessarily needed, but it does draw back those white pepper notes revealing more of the fortified wine influence.
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Concentrated and richly aromatic with notes of dried cherries, red apples, fruit cake, marzipan, almond oil, vanilla and muscat grapes.
Palate
Good weight and depth with some gentle wood tannins. Vibrant red fruits and spice with cherries, red apples, cranberry and sultanas leading to ginger spice, pepper and vanilla.
Finish
Spice laden and oaky with good length and just a slightly bitter flourish at the end.
Overall
Very enjoyable with a complex palate and rich depth or flavour. A new candidate for my favourite in the Spot series. Tastes older than seven years old and the alcohol is well-balanced when sampled at full strength.
Omar Fitzell
Omar has been lurking in the background of the Irish Whiskey Industry since 2010 when he started his journey through tasting, enjoying and collecting whiskey. In January 2018 he launched the online blog “That’s Dram Good” which, in those few short months, has become one of the most popular whiskey blogs in Ireland.
You can find him on:
• Twitter – @thatsdramgood
• Facebook – ThatsDramGood
Al Higgins
Over 20 years of experience in drinks retail and a member of the team at the Celtic Whiskey Shop since 2003. Alastair is chief tester and taster at the shop and is also coordinator for the Irish Whiskey Awards. When he is not working he is either training for ultra-marathons, parenting or drumming with his band Le Galaxie.
You can find him on:
• Twitter – @mostlydrinking