We’ve been quite Scotch focussed in recent months. So this month we thought we’d turn our attention across the Irish Sea to a quartet of whiskeys from the Emerald Isle. An unusual Rye from Powers, something very special from Redbreast and a couple of Spots from that clever Mitchell clan.
Staff Picks - our choices for this month
Powers Irish Rye
Irish rye whiskey is a pretty rare thing. Bottled at 43.2% ABV, this whiskey offers a rich aroma of burnt orange, cherries, and vanilla. On the palate it has a peppery character balanced by a sweetness from being its maturation in American oak casks. Flavours develop with subtle notes of honey, ginger, and white pepper. Fantastic stuff!
£34.75 at www.thewhiskyexchange.com
Redbreast 27 year old
We love Redbreast whiskey, so this release has caused some excitement at Whisky Marketplace HQ. The 27-Year-Old Redbreast is a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, triple distilled and matured in bourbon, sherry and ruby port casks. Its aroma offers a succulent blend of exotic fruits such as mango, pineapple and blood orange, balanced with the scent of fresh herbs and toasted oak. The lavish, fruity palate teases with ripe red plums, black cherries and the kick of chilli oil, while the finish delivers a satisfying blend of ripe fruit and wood spices.
£509.95 at www.htfw.com
Blue Spot 7 Year Old
The Blue Spot 7 year old is a sophisticated example of Irish whiskey aged perfectly in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-Madeira casks. This bold spirit opens with the refreshing aroma of tropical fruit, toasted hazelnut and a hint of spice. On the palate, it offers a complex blend of black pepper, toasted cinnamon, and sumptuous milk chocolate.
£88.95 at www.htfw.com
Gold Spot
Celebrating the seven generations of the Mitchell family - creators of the original Green Spot whiskey, the 13 Year Old Generations Edition Gold Spot has an arresting bouquet of oak, blackberry, and vanilla. The palate marries flavours of juicy stewed fruit, sweet jam, and fresh raspberry. This whiskey began its journey in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, concluding in Valpolicella Riciotto Italian wine casks for a unique flavour evolution.
£124.95 at www.htfw.com