The original Red Spot from Dublin’s Mitchell & Sons disappeared in the mid-1960’s, and after years of clamoring from Irish Whiskey lovers, this 15-year-old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is back! Like the original, the new Red Spot uses a combination of Marsala wine casks from Sicily along with ex-Oloroso Sherry and ex-Bourbon casks.

I was the first outsider to taste the new edition of Red Spot, and the nose is complex and aromatic with notes of toffee, fresh applesauce, subtle spices, sandalwood, leather, toasted oak, toasted vanilla, and dried fruits. The taste is tart and fruity at first, then the pot still spices kick in with notes of freshly ground peppercorns and clove that complement sweeter notes of mango, papaya, ginger snap cookies, and orange marmalade with subtle hints of honey and vanilla in the background. There’s an amazing balance on the palate, and the finish is long with gently fading spices and touches of dried fruits. Wow! (November, 2018)