Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Previously Head of Bars at Callooh Callay in London, a multi-award winning cocktail bar, Emily is a whisky specialist.

Green Spot bursts with apple and pear flavours, thanks to its maturation in a combination of new bourbon and refill bourbon as well as sherry casks. Its fresh fruit flavour and sweetness come from its relative youth: although it has no age statement, it comprises whiskies between 7 and 10 years old. Pot still whiskies are also known for adding spice and body thanks to the combination of malted and unmalted. Did anyone say apple pie?

The key to my love for Green Spot is its versatility. It is a staple in my home bar as I feel confident serving it all year around and for all kinds of occasions - from drinking it neat on a cold winter’s night or in a long cocktail on a hot summer’s day.

This is the ideal choice for introducing somebody to Irish whiskey and would appeal to either newcomers to the style, or Irish whisky aficionados, thanks to its versatile flavour profile.

Green Spot’s approachable flavour profile means it adds a great dimension to cocktails. It works well in a hot toddy during winter months, neat after dinner or over ice in the summer as an aperitif or paired with a meal. I like to pair its orchard flavours with others that complement them, such as a fruity soda water in a Highball, or in an Old Fashioned with rapadura sugar and ginger bitters.

Ice will depend on the occasion: if you’re looking at exploring the spirit itself, diluting it with water is your best option. If you’re looking to explore this spirit’s full potential by mixing it into a Highball or Old Fashioned cocktail, just remember - the more ice you use, the less the ice will dilute. Common to popular belief, more ice will keep your drink at the perfect temperature, without over diluting the flavours.

If you are drinking it neat, any glass with an opening narrower than its base will help concentrate all the aromas for nosing. When making a cocktail, the proportion is important: if you use a Highball that’s too large, you might end up with too much mixer and not be able to taste the whiskey anymore. Same with an Old Fashioned: if you use a Rocks Glass that’s too small, you might end up with too little ice which will melt too quickly and dilute/ warm your drink before you’ve had a chance to enjoy it. I also have a soft spot for Túath glasses. They are an Irish brand who designed a new take on a Glencairn and it is the only glass I use at home.

Green Spot works perfectly paired with a cheese board. The maltiness of the whisky complements the cheese, but its sweet orchard notes will also work with sweet or savoury chutneys. It won’t overpower the food which is key to a good pairing.