Irish Distillers, makers of Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, has partnered with the Quails’ Gate winery in Canada to introduce the third instalment in the Green Spot Wine Geese Series, Green Spot Quails’ Gate. Joining permanent expressions Green Spot Château Leoville Barton and Green Spot Chateau Montelena, the series is a celebration of Ireland’s historic contribution to the wine world, as tribute to the group of Irish families known as ‘The Wine Geese’ who left Ireland and set up wineries across the globe.
Finished in Pinot Noir casks, Green Spot Quails’ Gate represents two stories of Irish endeavour from the two Irish families who inspired this special edition whiskey. Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey was originally produced exclusively for the Mitchell family, who commenced trading in 1805 in the heart of Dublin. This limited-edition expression reflects the colourful history of the Mitchell’s whiskey bonding business which commenced in 1887, whereby they sent empty wine, sherry and port casks to the local Jameson Distillery to be filled with new single pot still spirit for maturation in the Mitchell’s cellar warehouse.
The wine influence added an exciting new dimension to this whiskey already renowned for its excellent quality, and it was at this point that Mitchell & Son developed a reputation for creating some of the finest single pot still Irish whiskey to be found in the Irish capital.
Located on the shore of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, Canada, Quails’ Gate Winery was founded by the Stewart family in 1908 after Richard Stewart Sr immigrated to Canada from Kildare, Ireland. Today, they produce some of Canada’s most exquisite wines, including their award-winning Family Reserve Pinot Noir.
For whiskey and wine lovers alike, whether a budding enthusiast or a sommelier in the making, Green Spot Quails’ Gate adds a wonderful wine twist on the exceptional single pot still whiskey. Initially matured in American oak and ex-sherry casks, the liquid was then finished for 16 months in Pinot Noir casks to impart a delicate red wine bouquet to the nose, with notes of ripe cherry and juicy raspberries. The residual soft tannins from the pinot noir give a silky sweet texture to the palate with notes of dried cranberries that work in harmony with Green Spot’s signature tastes of red apple, sweet pear, vanilla and nutmeg. The result is a unique and vibrant flavour reminiscent of the shimmering blues of the Okanagan Lake and the green fields of Ireland.
Deirdre O’Carroll, Blender at Irish Distillers, commented on the new release: “Green Spot, with its distinctive blend of green apple, vanilla and toffee flavours, has been a beloved Irish whiskey since the 19th century, thanks to the Mitchell family.”
"Maturing Green Spot Irish Whiskey in the Pinot Noir casks from Quails’ Gate adds a fascinating and delectable assortment of rich red berries from the red wine seasoning that perfectly balances Green Spot’s orchard fruits and toasted wood finish for a flavoursome, complex expression. Whether a whiskey enthusiast or a wine connoisseur – or both – we hope this addition to the Spot family will be cherished by those in Ireland, Canada and everywhere in between."
Rowan Stewart, the winemaker at Quails' Gate winery, added: "The partnership between Spot Whiskeys and Quails’ Gate celebrates the best of both worlds: the deep roots of the whiskey tradition and our family tradition of winegrowing. Together, we have created an exciting collaboration that is both complex and memorable, honouring the legacy of both traditions.”
A non-chill filtered release bottled at 46% ABV, Green Spot Quails' Gate will be released from March 2023 in limited quantities at an RRP of €65. You can pick up a bottle at independent off licences around the country, or online from midletondistillerycollection.com
