Few Irish whiskeys are as near and dear to my heart as Green Spot. I have a massive soft spot for the entire Midleton style, but Green Spot was the dram that truly captivated me years ago. I was so baffled by its tropical character that I once traded a collection of rare cask samples just for a taste. When the 100th Anniversary 10 Year Old edition was announced, I knew I had to find out if this special release could elevate a whiskey I already held in such high regard.
This anniversary bottling brings one crucial change to the table: a bump in strength to 46% ABV, up from the standard 40%. This seemingly small adjustment makes a world of difference. On the nose, it is an absolute fruit bomb, bursting with fresh red apples, papaya, mango, and a hint of grapefruit. This is layered beautifully with what I call classic Midleton notes of butterscotch, toffee, and creamed fudge. It’s a nostalgic and incredibly inviting aroma that promises complexity and richness.
The palate delivers on that promise immediately. As soon as it hits your tongue, you get that unmistakable black pepper fizz from the unmalted barley, providing a rich textural element. Then, the fruit explodes, just like opening a tin of fruit salad. Flavours of pineapple chunks and sugary juice are everywhere. As it develops, the influence from the Oloroso sherry casks emerges, adding a delightful savory spice, a touch of dark chocolate, and a hint of raisin that provides flawless balance to the sweetness.
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The finish is where the higher ABV truly shines. It’s long, creamy, and wonderfully moorish, leaving a lingering butterscotch character reminiscent of a Werther’s Original. While I’d score the excellent regular Green Spot a 7 out of 10, this anniversary edition is a solid 8. It’s a wonderful, decadent, and delicious tribute. If you are a fan of single pot still whiskey, this is an absolute must. What are your favourite anniversary bottlings from iconic distilleries?
Check out my review in full on YouTube.
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