Gold Spot The Generations Edition 13 Years Old
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
46% ABV
$175-300
Website
What the Distillery Says
The latest addition to the Gold Spot’s series is a thirteen-year aged whiskey, once again championing the use of wine casks in whiskey, transcending tradition, and demonstrating the harmonisation of heritage and innovation. The extraordinary expression marries Gold Spot’s established use of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, with a unique maturation in Valpolicella Riciotto Italian wine casks for 16 months. This final maturation elevates Gold Spot’s subtle spice notes, with the red wine adding layers of dark fruits, berry compote and creating a softly textured sweetness, finishing with a touch of oak and sweet wine. This special whiskey, the perfect balance between Irish whiskey and Italian wine, celebrates the exceptional story of seven generations of the Mitchell family, guardians of Spot Whiskey and one of Ireland’s premier wine families.
Matured in casks sourced from the Secondo Marco winery of Italy, which infuses this Gold Spot expression with distinctive floral and wine-driven notes.
Nose: Red apples and dark fleshy fruits at first, accompanied by fragrant blossom notes with sweet and woody undertones. Spices of clove and light dustings of nutmeg along with subtle hints of almond slowly come to the fore, complementing the fruits.
Taste: Luscious and sweet with generous servings of red berry compote, toffee apple and raisin. The wine seasoned casks and oak continue to impart delicate tannins, working in tandem with the pot still spices and fruits, while the sweetness adds further intricate flavours, balancing this wonderfully intriguing whiskey.
Finish: Lingering finish which sees the oak slowly fading, allowing the sweet wine and pot still spices to have the last word.
What Gary Says
Nose: Grains, apples, sultanas, honeysuckle, subtle baking spices and notes of sweet (ice?) wine.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with caramel, dried fruits (especially berries), butterscotch, honey, oak, nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon.
Finish: Moderately long with honey, spices, wine notes and oak.
Comments: A completely solid Irish whiskey, where the wine cask maturation is quite evident. Nothing objectionable other than the price. For my palate, Irish whiskey often is more subtle and nuanced (although then when you get one that’s intense – it really stands out), and this fits into that bucket. A delightful dram to sip and ponder.