Mitchells Red Spot
The Mitchell family in close collaboration with Midleton Distillery have, after 50 years of absence, reintroduced Red Spot back into much admired Spot family. This is a triple-distilled, Single Pot Still Irish whiskey that has been matured for a minimum of 15 years in a combination of casks pre-seasoned with Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry and Marsala fortified wine. Bottled at 46% ABV and without chill-filtration. RRP of €115.
Omar Fitzell Notes
Instantly you can tell this is a complex whiskey. The nose is wonderous. It’s one of those whiskeys whose nose evolves each time you go back. Stewed apples were to the fore for me. A slight caramel sweetness giving way to creamy vanilla with an almost bourbonesque oakiness.
Palate:
An explosion of fruit, tropical fruit making a decent charge in there. Mango maybe and some pink lady apples. Black pepper spice along with some Christmas spices and cloves that you expect from an aged single pot still.
Finish:
Nice long spice that produces a surprising honey and strawberry note! (Yes strawberry…credit to Peter White for picking that out as I scratched my head trying to work it out!)
Overall:
An exceptionally well-balanced whiskey that has a completely different character than any other single pot still whiskey on the market. Totally different from the Green and Yellow spots, this will be hard to beat and has gone to become my second favourite whiskey this year. This is not only a must try, it is also a must buy.
Al Higgins notes
Nose:
A curious mix of classic pot still aromas, some herbaceous/minty notes and citrusy fruit.
Palate:
Mouthwatering and juicy. Nice mouthfeel and fruity flavours of red grapes, strawberries, citrus and vanilla.
Finish:
On the short side. It finishes with some peppery spice.
Overall:
Yellow Spot remains my favourite in the range but this is a welcome addition. However, there are some elements that do not quite hang together seamlessly for me. It doesn’t really taste like a 15 year old whiskey and at this price I would expect more complexity.
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