Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, have proudly unveiled Gold Spot The Generations Edition, which pays tribute to the generations of colourful family history behind the Spot Whiskeys. This limited-edition single pot still Irish whiskey stands as the second offering in the Gold Spot series, following the previous nine-year-old Gold Spot inaugural launch, and will be available from 11th March at RRP €150.
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 Classica 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.
The Mitchell family's whiskey bonding journey began in the 1800s when empty wine and fortified wine casks were sent to the local Jameson Distillery in Bow Street to be filled with new single pot still spirit for maturation in its underground cellars. Once filled, these casks were adorned with a daub or 'spot' of coloured paint, signalling the age of the whiskey within and inspiring the cherished name of this coveted bonded and bottled whiskey.
In further celebration of generational winemaking, this expression is matured in Italian wine casks from Valpolicella Classica, selected from the Secondo Marco winery, a company founded by Marco Speri whose passion stems from the oenological heritage of his family, who have worked the soils of Valpolicella for seven generations to produce world-class wines.
Secondo Marco's casks, sourced from Fumane in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica winemaking region, infuse this Gold Spot expression with distinctive floral, spicy and wine-driven notes. A 16-month maturation period creates layers of complexity that enhance Gold Spot’s more traditional, fruit-forward flavour profile. With both families boasting generations of expertise, Gold Spot The Generations Edition pays tribute to a long line of dedication to both wine and whiskey across two families and pays homage to their legacy.
Marco Speri, Founder at Secondo Marco expressed his excitement about this collaboration, stating: "The partnership unites generations of family tradition and is a statement of heritage. We are thrilled with the opportunity to collaborate with the Midleton Distillery Team and the Mitchell family to add a Valpolicella Edition into the Spot whiskey collection”.
Katherine Condon, Distiller at Irish Distillers, remarked: “This isn't just a whiskey; it's a celebration of our shared commitment to tradition and innovation. The incorporation of Italian wine casks, alongside our own pot still whiskey, produces a complex and vibrant character - a true tribute to generations of dedication.”
Condon continued: “The unique aspect of this release lies not just in its thirteen-year age statement but in its maturation process. The pot still whiskey already matured in bourbon and sherry casks undergoes a finishing period of sixteen months in Valpolicella Classica wine casks, contributing floral and quintessentially wine-driven notes to the flavour profile, creating a truly distinctive offering.”
Gold Spot 13YO Tasting 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.
A non-chill filtered release bottled at 46% ABV, Gold Spot The Generations Edition will be released from March 2024 in limited quantities in the USA, Ireland, UK, France, Travel Retail Ireland, and Brand Homes at the RRP of €150.
Slán go fóill.