Blue Spot Irish Whiskey is a true gem in the world of premium Irish spirits. With a history dating back to the 19th century, this rare whiskey has earned its place among the most sought-after Irish whiskeys, revered for its unique craftsmanship, age statement, and rich flavor profile. Blue Spot represents part of the iconic “Spot Whiskey” series, and its rarity adds to its allure. For whiskey aficionados and casual drinkers alike, Blue Spot stands out as a must-try whiskey. In this article, we will explore the origins of Blue Spot, what makes it exceptional, and how you can enjoy this rare Irish spirit.
The Rich History of Blue Spot
Blue Spot is part of the long-established Spot Whiskey family, which includes Green Spot, Yellow Spot, and Red Spot. The Spot whiskeys originated from Mitchell & Son, a Dublin-based wine and spirits merchant founded in 1805.
- 19th Century Origins: In the late 1800s, Mitchell & Son began the practice of buying whiskey in casks from Jameson Distillery and maturing it in their own cellars. They marked these casks with different colored spots of paint to indicate their age, giving rise to the Spot Whiskey series.
- Resurrecting Blue Spot: Blue Spot was originally a 7-year-old whiskey, and it had disappeared from the market for decades. It was reintroduced in 2020 by Irish Distillers, bringing back the beloved whiskey to much excitement.
What Makes Blue Spot Exceptional?
Blue Spot Irish Whiskey is a rare find, but it’s not just its scarcity that makes it exceptional. The quality of the spirit itself, its distinct aging process, and its complex flavor profile all contribute to its greatness.
1. Single Pot Still Whiskey
One of the defining features of Blue Spot is that it is a single pot still Irish whiskey, meaning it is made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley distilled in copper pot stills. This traditional method, unique to Ireland, produces a rich and creamy texture, distinguishing it from other types of whiskey.
- Malted and Unmalted Barley: The use of both types of barley gives Blue Spot a depth of flavor, with a balance of sweet and spicy notes.
- Pot Still Character: The copper pot stills used in distillation enhance the flavor and aroma of the whiskey, imparting a signature creamy mouthfeel and spicy finish.
2. Cask Strength and Non-Chill Filtered
Blue Spot is released at cask strength, meaning it is bottled directly from the cask without dilution. This allows the whiskey to retain its full intensity and complexity, offering drinkers an authentic and powerful tasting experience.
- Non-Chill Filtered: Blue Spot is non-chill filtered, which preserves its natural flavors and mouthfeel, resulting in a whiskey with more depth and texture. Non-chill filtering also ensures that the natural oils and esters remain in the whiskey, adding richness and body.
3. Unique Aging Process
The aging process of Blue Spot is what truly sets it apart. While it retains its traditional 7-year age statement, it undergoes maturation in three different types of casks:
- Bourbon Casks: These add vanilla, caramel, and oak notes to the whiskey.
- Sherry Butts: Sherry butts impart dried fruit flavors, including raisins, figs, and dates, as well as a subtle nuttiness.
- Madeira Casks: Madeira wine casks are responsible for the sweet, fruity character that adds complexity and richness to Blue Spot.
This multi-cask aging process creates a whiskey with layers of flavor that evolve with each sip.
4. Complex Flavor Profile
Blue Spot’s flavor profile is one of its greatest assets. The combination of cask maturation, pot still character, and cask strength makes for a complex and memorable whiskey.
- Nose: On the nose, Blue Spot offers an enticing mix of orchard fruits, green apples, and tropical notes like pineapple and mango. There’s also a touch of spice and vanilla from the bourbon casks.
- Palate: The palate is rich and creamy, with flavors of sweet fruit, honey, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. The sherry and Madeira casks provide depth with dried fruits and subtle oak.
- Finish: The finish is long and warming, with lingering spice, oak, and a delicate sweetness.
How to Enjoy Blue Spot Irish Whiskey
Because of its rarity and premium quality, Blue Spot Irish Whiskey deserves to be enjoyed in a way that highlights its unique characteristics. Here are some tips for savoring this exceptional spirit:
1. Neat or With a Drop of Water
To fully appreciate the complexity and richness of Blue Spot, it’s best enjoyed neat or with just a drop of water. The cask strength nature of the whiskey may be too intense for some, so adding a small amount of water can help open up the flavors and aromas.
- Neat: For those who love a bold, full-flavored experience, drinking Blue Spot neat is the best way to enjoy the pure expression of the whiskey.
- Water: A few drops of water can help mellow the alcohol intensity and bring out the fruit and spice notes. This is a great way to explore the whiskey’s full range of flavors.
2. Whiskey Tasting Glass
Using the right glass can enhance your whiskey-drinking experience. A tulip-shaped whiskey glass, such as a Glencairn glass, is ideal for capturing the rich aromas of Blue Spot and concentrating them for maximum enjoyment.
- Aromatics: The narrow opening of the glass helps to concentrate the aromas, allowing you to fully appreciate the fruity, spicy, and oaky notes of the whiskey.
- Swirling: Gently swirling the whiskey in the glass helps release its complex bouquet, enhancing your tasting experience.
3. Pairing with Food
Blue Spot’s complex flavor profile makes it a versatile whiskey for food pairing. Whether you prefer savory or sweet accompaniments, this whiskey has the depth to complement a variety of dishes.
- Cheese: Aged cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, pair wonderfully with Blue Spot, as the creamy texture of the whiskey complements the richness of the cheese.
- Desserts: The sweet, fruity notes of Blue Spot make it an excellent pairing for desserts like apple pie, fruit tarts, or dark chocolate.
- Savory Dishes: For savory pairings, Blue Spot works well with dishes like roasted pork or grilled salmon, where the whiskey’s sweetness and spice balance the flavors of the food.
Where to Buy Blue Spot Irish Whiskey
Due to its rarity, Blue Spot can be challenging to find in local liquor stores, making online purchasing one of the best options for securing a bottle. However, because of its limited availability, it’s essential to know where to buy it safely and confidently.
1. Online Retailers
Some reputable online retailers specialize in premium whiskeys and often carry Blue Spot:
- Total Wine: Known for its extensive selection of spirits, Total Wine may occasionally stock Blue Spot.
- The Whisky Exchange: A go-to retailer for rare and premium whiskeys, The Whisky Exchange offers a reliable source for purchasing Blue Spot.
- Irish Distillers Official Website: If you’re able to purchase directly from the distillery, this is one of the most trustworthy sources.
2. Whiskey Auctions and Collectors
Blue Spot’s rarity has made it a prized item among collectors. Occasionally, bottles appear at whiskey auctions or within collector circles. However, prices may be higher due to its limited supply and high demand.
3. Whiskey Subscription Services
For those who love discovering new whiskeys, joining a whiskey subscription service can sometimes give you access to limited releases like Blue Spot. Some services offer curated selections of rare and premium whiskeys.
Final Thoughts on Blue Spot Irish Whiskey
Blue Spot Irish Whiskey in the UK is a rare and exceptional spirit that offers a true taste of Irish whiskey craftsmanship. From its rich history to its multi-cask maturation and bold flavor profile, Blue Spot is a standout in the world of premium whiskeys. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey collector or a casual enthusiast, Blue Spot deserves a place on your shelf—and in your glass.
Key Takeaways:
- Blue Spot is a rare and premium single pot still Irish whiskey.
- Its unique flavor comes from a blend of bourbon, sherry, and Madeira cask aging.
- Best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water to unlock its complex flavors.
- Due to its rarity, Blue Spot can be found at reputable online retailers or through whiskey auctions.
Savoring a bottle of Blue Spot is a journey into the rich tradition of Irish whiskey-making, offering a truly special drinking experience.