Yellow Spot 12 Years

Yellow Spot 12 Years | Whiskey Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Yellow Spot is an Irish whiskey from the renowned Midleton Distillery located in Cork, Ireland.
  • Type: It is a single pot still whiskey.
  • Distillation and Maturation Process: The whiskey undergoes triple cask maturation in Bourbon, Sherry, and Malaga (sweet wine) casks.
  • Age Statement: It is aged for 12 years.
  • Non-Chill Filtered: This attribute is particularly appreciated by whiskey enthusiasts.
  • Color and Clarity: While not explicitly described, the whiskey's maturation process suggests a rich, inviting color.
  • Bottle Design: The specific design details are not mentioned, but the whiskey is associated with the historical practice of marking casks with colored spots, which is reflected in its name.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: Yellow Spot 12 Years offers a nice combination of spiciness and fruitiness, with a balance that leans more towards ripe, juicy fruits.
  • Unique Characteristics: The whiskey has a distinctive fruity aroma, reminiscent of ripe grapes and possibly peach, with a juicy, grapey quality. It also features a bit of spiciness and oakiness, indicative of its age.
  • Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique triple cask maturation process and flavor profile set it apart from typical Irish whiskies.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Name Origin: The name "Yellow Spot" comes from a historical practice at the distillery of marking casks with colored spots to indicate age or type, with Yellow Spot being one of the notable marks alongside others like Green Spot.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Historical Context: The whiskey's naming convention harks back to a traditional method of cask marking at the Midleton Distillery, offering a glimpse into the historical practices of whiskey production in Ireland.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "It's kind of a whiskey for the nerds as they all like it – age statement and non-chill filtered."
  • "I don't remember Yellow Spot that good... I don't remember that it's pot still and it actually is not that kind of cheap... it's actually in Europe it's around 70 euros... so it's um I don't remember it has that premium. I like it."

Summary

  • Yellow Spot 12 Years is a premium Irish whiskey from the Midleton Distillery, aged for 12 years and featuring a unique triple cask maturation process.
  • It offers a rich flavor profile with a balance of ripe fruitiness and a hint of spiciness, along with a faint remembrance of smoke in the aftertaste.
  • The whiskey's name and the practice of marking casks with colored spots provide an interesting historical anecdote.
  • It is appreciated for its non-chill filtered process and age statement, making it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
  • Priced at around 70 euros in Europe, it is considered a premium offering in the Irish whiskey category.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the complexity of triple cask maturation and non-chill filtered whiskies will find Yellow Spot 12 Years particularly enjoyable.
  • History and Culture Buffs: Individuals interested in the historical and cultural aspects of whiskey production might be drawn to the unique story behind its name.
  • Premium Whiskey Seekers: Given its price point and quality, it's a suitable choice for those looking to explore premium Irish whiskies with a rich flavor profile.