Blue Spot Whiskey stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich whiskey-making heritage, embodying the classic Irish pot still style that has made the country’s whiskeys renowned across the globe. Produced by the Mitchell & Son distillery, Blue Spot is part of the historic “Spot” range, which traces its origins back to the early 19th century. With its deep, complex flavors and rich history, Blue Spot has captured the attention of whiskey aficionados and casual drinkers alike. In this article, we explore the history, production process, and unique qualities that make Blue Spot a standout in the world of Irish whiskey.
The History of Blue Spot: A Legacy Reborn
The Origins of the Spot Whiskeys
The story of Blue Spot begins with Mitchell & Son, a family-owned wine and spirit merchant in Dublin, Ireland. Established in 1805, Mitchell & Son initially sold wines, but by the mid-1800s, they began selling their own branded whiskeys, marking the start of their involvement in Ireland’s whiskey-making tradition.
The “Spot” range of whiskeys originated from Mitchell & Son’s tradition of labeling casks of whiskey with different colors of wax, a practice that helped them keep track of aging whiskeys. The name “Spot” comes from the colored wax dots placed on the casks, which indicated the age and characteristics of the whiskey inside. Blue Spot, in particular, was a 7-year-old pot still whiskey that had earned a loyal following before it was discontinued in the 1960s.
After a hiatus of several decades, Blue Spot was resurrected in 2017, much to the delight of whiskey enthusiasts. The revival of Blue Spot is part of a broader movement to rediscover and celebrate the traditional Irish pot still style, which had fallen out of favor in the mid-20th century in favor of blended whiskeys. The return of Blue Spot marks a renaissance for pot still whiskeys and is a nod to Ireland’s rich whiskey-making history.
What Sets Blue Spot Apart: The Pot Still Process
Irish whiskey is known for its smooth, approachable flavor profile, and much of this character comes from the pot still distillation process. Blue Spot, like many traditional Irish whiskeys, is made using a combination of malted and unmalted barley, which is key to the distinctive flavors of pot still whiskey.
The Pot Still Method: A Time-Honored Tradition
The use of pot stills, as opposed to column stills, is central to the production of Blue Spot and other pot still whiskeys. Pot stills are large copper stills that are traditionally used in Irish whiskey production to distill the mash into a spirit. The use of pot stills allows for a more hands-on, craft-based approach to distillation, resulting in a whiskey with greater depth and complexity compared to other distillation methods.
The production process begins with the creation of the mash, which consists of a mixture of malted and unmalted barley. The unmalted barley is particularly important in pot still whiskey, as it contributes to the full-bodied, spicy character that is a hallmark of Irish pot still whiskeys. After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper pot stills, with the distillers carefully monitoring the temperature and the cuts made to the spirit during the distillation process. This attention to detail ensures that only the best part of the distillation process, known as the “heart,” is used for the final product.
The Role of Cask Aging
Once distilled, Blue Spot whiskey is aged in a combination of casks, primarily bourbon and sherry casks, which impart their flavors to the whiskey over time. The whiskey is matured for a minimum of seven years, but some releases may see longer aging periods, adding additional complexity. The bourbon casks contribute vanilla, caramel, and oak flavors, while the sherry casks add dried fruit, spice, and nutty undertones. The aging process allows Blue Spot to develop a deep, multi-layered character that sets it apart from other whiskeys.
Tasting Notes: The Flavor Profile of Blue Spot Whiskey
Blue Spot is known for its rich, bold flavor profile, which combines the signature spiciness of Irish pot still whiskey with layers of sweetness, fruitiness, and complexity. Whether you’re a whiskey novice or a seasoned connoisseur, the flavor of Blue Spot offers something for everyone.
Key Tasting Notes:
- Nose: The nose of Blue Spot is rich and inviting, with aromas of dried fruit, honey, and soft spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The influence of the sherry casks adds a layer of complexity, with notes of raisins, figs, and dark chocolate.
- Palate: On the palate, Blue Spot is full-bodied and smooth, with a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice. There are flavors of ripe orchard fruits, such as apples and pears, along with hints of toffee, vanilla, and a touch of citrus. The pot still character shines through with a slight peppery heat and a creamy texture.
- Finish: The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of oak, dried fruit, and a gentle spice. There is a satisfying dryness to the finish, which rounds out the whiskey’s profile and invites another sip.
Blue Spot: A Modern Take on Tradition
Although Blue Spot maintains its roots in traditional Irish pot still whiskey-making, it also embraces the modern whiskey market, offering a product that appeals to both new drinkers and experienced enthusiasts. The whiskey’s revival in 2017 was met with enthusiasm, as it represented a return to a classic style that had long been absent from the market. Since then, Blue Spot has garnered a loyal following and earned numerous accolades, becoming a standout example of what Irish whiskey can offer.
Blue Spot in the Whiskey World
Since its revival, Blue Spot has earned praise for its balance of tradition and innovation. It has played a pivotal role in bringing pot still whiskey back into the spotlight, helping to reestablish Irish whiskey’s reputation as a category defined by quality and craftsmanship. The whiskey’s bold flavors and rich history have made it a must-try for anyone interested in the full spectrum of Irish whiskey styles.
Blue Spot is often compared to other premium Irish whiskeys, such as Redbreast, which is also a renowned example of pot still whiskey. However, Blue Spot’s unique blend of cask maturation, age, and production process gives it a character all its own, making it a distinctive choice for whiskey lovers.
Blue Spot and the Revival of Pot Still Whiskey
The resurgence of Blue Spot reflects a broader trend in the Irish whiskey industry: the rediscovery of the traditional pot still style. For many years, blended whiskeys dominated the market, with pot still whiskey relegated to the background. However, over the past two decades, there has been a renewed interest in pot still whiskeys, with distilleries like Mitchell & Son leading the way. The success of Blue Spot is a reflection of the growing appreciation for these high-quality, craft-based whiskeys that embody the full range of flavors and aromas that Irish whiskey is known for.
As more distilleries embrace the pot still method and experiment with different cask finishes and aging techniques, the future of Irish whiskey looks bright. Blue Spot, as one of the standout examples of this tradition, will continue to be a key player in the revival of pot still whiskey and the evolution of the Irish whiskey landscape.
Conclusion: A Tribute to Tradition and Craftsmanship
Blue Spot Whiskey Online is more than just a premium bottle of whiskey—it is a celebration of Irish whiskey’s rich history and craftsmanship. By resurrecting the beloved Blue Spot label, Mitchell & Son has brought back a piece of whiskey history that was nearly lost to time. The result is a whiskey that combines the best elements of tradition, innovation, and artistry.
With its complex flavor profile, rich history, and dedication to the pot still tradition, Blue Spot is a whiskey that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Irish whiskey. Whether you’re savoring it neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Blue Spot offers an exceptional drinking experience that will continue to be enjoyed by whiskey lovers for generations to come.