As the cold and blustery nights roll in, you might expect me to reach for something bold, smoky, and high in ABV to ward off the chill. But surprisingly, I’m craving something else entirely—an old favourite that I haven’t reached for in a while. It’s often the whiskies that bring a sense of inner warmth, nostalgia, and quiet joy that offer the deepest comfort. Tonight, I’m pouring myself a Green Spot, and I couldn’t be happier.

Spot Whiskey has a rich and storied history, driven by survival, innovation, and tradition. Originating from the Mitchell family, who have kept the brand alive for seven generations, Spot Whiskey began as part of a Dublin bakery in the early 1800s. The family transitioned into wine importing and later whiskey bonding in 1887, maturing their whiskeys in fortified wine casks. Each whiskey was named after a spot of paint used to indicate its age. Despite challenges such as Prohibition and World War II, the Mitchell family’s perseverance ensured the continued production of their whiskeys. Today, the brand is revered worldwide, with offerings like Green, Yellow, and the special Château Léoville Barton editions, continuing to grow in popularity.

I first discovered Green Spot around the same time I began my whiskey journey, largely because it was one of the few options available alongside Redbreast 12 at my local Sainsbury’s. Luckily for me, it turned out to be a great choice! However, what’s truly remarkable is how much the Spot Whiskey range has expanded over the years. Jonathon reviewed the Gold Spot 9 last year, and since then, a 13-year-old Gold Spot has been released, albeit controversially at a lower than ideal ABV. Originally, there were only the Green and Yellow Spot whiskeys, but as their popularity grew, Blue and Red Spot followed, with higher ABV and special editions (more on that later…). This expansion is a clear testament to the drinkability and quality that have propelled these whiskeys to massive popularity.

Returning to the essence of what makes Green Spot so comforting, it’s not just nostalgia at play. There’s a genuine warmth that comes from the whiskey itself, and I believe a lot of that can be attributed to its Pot Still nature. Made at the renowned Midleton Distillery, it stands as a classic example of what Pot Still Irish whiskey should be. However, with the growth of the Irish whiskey industry in recent years, there’s now even more competition for that title. Revisiting Green Spot after trying many incredible Pot Still whiskeys—often referred to as ‘mixed mash bills’—makes for a timely and interesting review.

Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

ABV: 40%

Price: £33 (Amazon prime deal)

Nose: A beautiful crisp and fresh nose with granny smith apples and chocolate limes. There’s also some orange oil and green grapes. Extremely light. Also some biscuity type notes too.

Palate: Soft and velvety texture, the whiskey is quick to give me the heat. There’s some clove and light pepper too. Not a lot of heat, but it does deliver. There’s lots of sweetness with Apple Chewits and Drumsticks sweets.

Finish: There’s the remnants of some spice, but fades quickly. There’s comfort of vanilla and honey too, it’s soft and comforting.

Summary

Maybe I’ve been spoiled by the abundance of quality Pot Still whiskeys now available, but Green Spot just doesn’t seem to hold the same weight it once did. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still buy another bottle, but it feels a bit like that old friend you barely keep in touch with. You don’t see them anymore, and you don’t really want to, but you keep them on Facebook, send the obligatory birthday message, and move on—nothing to write home about.

I think the ABV speaks to that feeling as well. Back then, I was more than satisfied with Green Spot’s 40% ABV, but these days I find myself craving that extra kick, something with a bit more oomph. While Green Spot is still perfect for those times when you just want to pour a glass and not overthink it, it falls short when you’re in the mood for a whiskey that truly makes its presence known.

One undeniable positive is the price. At £33, it’s tough to find a better whiskey, especially considering it’s often priced above £40. Even at its regular price, it’s phenomenal value for money. I’m not sure what other Pot Still whiskeys you could get at that price that would hold the same appeal as Green Spot.

Don’t get me wrong, this is still a great whiskey in my book. And if it keeps getting reduced to £33, I’d pick up a bottle every time.

Score: 6/10