Four Irish Whiskeys, One Distillery: Exploring the Art of Single Pot Still

Some souvenirs are meant to sit on a shelf. Others are meant to be opened, poured, and enjoyed. During my recent trip to Ireland, I spent some time exploring Dublin's whiskey scene. One particularly memorable experience was at The Temple Bar Whiskey Bar, where Agustín introduced me to several Irish whiskeys, including Green Spot.

There's something special about exploring whiskey with someone who knows its history, understands its character, and genuinely enjoys sharing that knowledge. Beyond what was in the glass, the conversation and the chance to learn made the experience memorable.

Before returning home, I picked up a tasting collection featuring four expressions of traditional Irish single pot still whiskey from Midleton Distillery, and Green Spot was among them.

I was curious to see how it would compare with the other three expressions, especially now that I could taste them side by side, away from the atmosphere of a Dublin whiskey bar. As it turned out, my palate was remarkably consistent.

What Exactly Is Single Pot Still Whiskey?

When people think of Irish whiskey, they often think of smoothness. But Irish whiskey isn't just one style. You will find single malts, single grains, blends, and a category closely tied to Ireland's whiskey-making heritage: single pot still.

Single pot still whiskey is distinctive for its blend of malted and unmalted barley, distilled in traditional copper pot stills. Unmalted barley helps create the creamy texture and characteristic spice often associated with this style.

It's a tradition with deep roots in Ireland, one that nearly disappeared before experiencing a remarkable revival.

What I find particularly fascinating is how much variety can exist within a single category. Even whiskeys from the same distillery can taste remarkably different, depending on the grain recipe, distillation choices, the types of casks used for maturation, and the expertise of the people who bring the final whiskey together. And that's exactly what I wanted to explore.

Four Whiskeys, Four Personalities

I decided to taste all four whiskeys neat, without water or ice, allowing me to experience each expression as it came from the bottle. I started with Green Spot, then moved on to Redbreast 12, Powers John's Lane, and finally Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy.

With the distillery's tasting descriptions available, I wanted to focus on my own impressions rather than search for flavors someone else had identified. After all, one of the things we emphasize at Cork & Copper is that tasting isn't about getting the right answer. It's about discovering what you enjoy and understanding why.

Green Spot: A Familiar Favorite

I had already been introduced to Green Spot during my travels in Ireland, so I was particularly curious to revisit it at home. Known for its fresh orchard fruit character, Green Spot often reveals notes of green apple, pear, vanilla, and gentle spice. Maturation in a blend of bourbon and sherry casks contributes to its distinctive flavor profile.

Once again, what stood out to me was its smoothness and, especially, its finish. It was particularly enjoyable how it lingered after each sip. I could taste the fruit character and long, smooth finish.

As I moved through the remaining whiskeys, I used Green Spot as my point of comparison. Even after tasting all four expressions, it remained my favorite. Sometimes a second tasting confirms what you already suspected: you've found a whiskey that genuinely suits your palate.

Redbreast 12: Richer and Spicier

Next came Redbreast 12, one of the most recognized names in Irish single pot still whiskey. Matured in bourbon and oloroso sherry-seasoned casks, Redbreast is known for its rich character, dried fruit, and warming spice.

I was particularly interested in revisiting Redbreast because, during my time in Ireland, I'd tasted the Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition. I enjoyed that expression enough to bring a bottle home with me!

For someone who appreciates both wine and whiskey, the influence of wine casks on whiskey maturation is especially fascinating. The Moscatel expression was a wonderful example of how a different cask treatment can create a distinctive experience, even within the same whiskey family.

But back to the Redbreast 12: compared with Green Spot, I found it noticeably richer and spicier, but less smooth to drink. It had more intensity, but I missed the easy elegance and finish of that first glass.

It was an interesting reminder that even within a brand you enjoy, different expressions can appeal to your palate in very different ways.

Powers John's Lane: A Familiar Kind of Spice

Powers John's Lane 12 Year Old was third in my tasting lineup. Named after the historic Powers distillery on Dublin's John's Lane, this whiskey is known for its robust character and distinctive pot-still spice. My immediate reaction was that it reminded me of rye whiskey.

It had a bold, spicy quality that felt familiar, especially compared with the softer expressions I'd already tasted. That resemblance made it interesting, but it also placed it firmly outside my preferred profile for this tasting.

Of the four, Powers ultimately finished last in my personal ranking. Not because it lacked character, but because I didn't enjoy its character as much as the others. Maybe the reminder of a rye bourbon came to mind, and my brain immediately said, let’s move on.

Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy: Smooth, with Caramel and Oak

I saved Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy for last. Named in honor of Midleton's former Master Distiller, Barry Crockett, this expression is particularly associated with American oak maturation and a refined, elegant style.

And elegant is certainly how I would describe my experience.

It was beautifully smooth, with caramel notes and a woody character that gave it a distinctly different personality from Green Spot.

I enjoyed it very much, and it earned second place in my lineup.

But even after tasting this celebrated expression, I found myself returning to the memory of Green Spot’s finish.

Sometimes your favorite reveals itself early, and nothing that follows quite changes your mind.

And the Winner Is…

After tasting all four, my personal ranking was:

1. Green Spot — My favorite for its smoothness and particularly enjoyable finish.

2. Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy — Beautifully smooth, with caramel and woody notes.

3. Redbreast 12 Year Old — Richer, spicier, and more intense, but less smooth to my palate.

4. Powers John's Lane 12 Year Old — Bold and spicy, with a character that reminded me of rye whiskey.

What surprised me most wasn't necessarily how different the four whiskeys were. It was that the one I enjoyed most wasn't the most prestigious expression in the collection. Green Spot simply appealed to my palate, and that, to me, is one of the most valuable lessons in tasting.

The Best Whiskey Is the One You Enjoy

It's easy to assume that an older, more expensive, or more celebrated bottle must automatically deliver a better experience; but tasting doesn't work that way. Our palates are personal. Some people gravitate toward bold spice and intensity. Others appreciate rich, layered flavors. And some, like me in this tasting, are drawn to smoothness and a satisfying finish.

None of those preferences is wrong. What makes a side-by-side tasting so interesting is the opportunity to recognize those differences. A whiskey you enjoy on its own can reveal an entirely different personality when you compare it with another.

Sometimes the biggest discovery isn't about the whiskey at all. It's about your palate, and that's one of the reasons why we created Cork & Copper. We believe that exploring wine and whiskey should be approachable, engaging, and, above all, enjoyable. A little education helps us understand what's in the glass, but the real discovery happens when we begin identifying what appeals to us personally.

You don't need an expert palate or an extensive vocabulary of tasting descriptors. You simply need curiosity and a willingness to explore. My little souvenir from Ireland turned into an enjoyable tasting experience and a reminder of why I love discovering what's in the glass.

And as for Green Spot? What began as a discovery in Dublin has now become a confirmed favorite back home.

Cheers,