Review: Gold Spot Irish Whiskey Generations Edition 13 Years Old

The Spot Whiskeys introduced a new hue, Gold Spot, back in 2022 in celebration of the 135th anniversary of the Mitchell family’s entrée into the whiskey bonding trade. At the time, it wasn’t clear if that was a line extension for the Irish whiskey heavyweights or just a one-off, but now we know. The Spots are back with another shade of gold, this time dubbed Generations Edition. The details:

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 harmonization 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 Riciotto Italian wine casks for 16 months. 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.

So, to recap, this latest Gold Spot showcases a unique Italian wine finish in place of the original’s Port and Bordeaux finishing. It’s four years older than that first release but with a more traditional abv. How does it stack up? Let’s find out.

The aroma is soft and gently sweet with notes of shortbread, Bit-O-Honey candies, and cooked red fruit. As it opens, the fruit recedes a bit, replaced by a doughy, malty sweetness reminiscent of cookie batter. The palate is exceptionally balanced and round with top notes of crème brûlée, fresh berries and cream, and candied orange peel. An undercurrent of pot still spice adds some verve and a pleasant warmth. The midpalate offers up even more confections with cream puffs and Linzer cookies before a long, malty finish laced with cherry cordial, nougatine, and white chocolate.

Every bit as good as the 9-year-old release. Maybe even better. With back-to-back winners, these Gold Spots should be on every Irish pot still fan’s radar.

92 proof.

A / $165

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