Irish Distillers partners with Quails' Gate on limited-edition whisky
Green Spot Quails’ Gate is finished in Pinot Noir casks
Irish Distillers, makers of Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, has partnered with the Quails’ Gate winery in Canada to introduce the third installment 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," explains a press release.
"For whisky 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 whisky. 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 flavor 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 flavors, has been a beloved Irish whisky 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 flavorsome, complex expression. Whether a whisky 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 whisky tradition and our family tradition of winegrowing. Together, we have created an exciting collaboration that is both complex and memorable, honoring 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 in the US, Canada, Ireland, France, UK and Global Travel Retail at the RRP of €72 (US$80).
