Yellow Spot is a 12-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey, matured in a combination of bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and Malaga casks. It revives a tradition that dates back to the 1800s when Mitchell & Son, a wine merchant in Dublin, would mark casks with coloured spots of paint to indicate the age and type of whiskey inside. Green Spot (no age statement) became the most widely known, but Yellow Spot marked something even more special: a more mature whiskey with added complexity and depth.
Yellow Spot was reintroduced to the market in 2012 and has since become a must-try for whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate a well-aged, well-crafted Irish whiskey with unique cask influence.
Table of Contents
Why Buy Yellow Spot?
1. Unique Flavour Profile
What truly sets Yellow Spot apart is its triple-cask maturation, especially the Malaga casks, which add a sweet, honeyed, slightly exotic edge that you won’t find in most other Irish whiskeys.
Expect notes of:
- Honeycomb and dried apricot
- Toasted oak and baking spice
- Red apples, vanilla, and rich fruitcake
It’s rich and rounded on the palate, with a smooth but full-bodied mouthfeel and a long, warming finish. Perfect for sipping neat or with a drop of water.
2. Premium Single Pot Still Craftsmanship
Yellow Spot is made using Ireland’s signature single pot still method, which combines malted and unmalted barley distilled in traditional copper pot stills. This style gives it a creamy texture and spicy depth that’s quite different from typical Scotch or bourbon.
If you’re new to single pot still whiskey, Yellow Spot is an excellent entry point into the upper tier of this uniquely Irish style.
3. Aged 12 Years for Added Maturity
The 12-year age statement gives Yellow Spot an edge over many NAS (non-age statement) whiskeys. It’s been allowed to rest and mature, resulting in a more developed, nuanced flavour than younger counterparts.
4. Great for Gifting
Because of its eye-catching packaging, well-regarded heritage, and sophisticated profile, Yellow Spot makes a fantastic gift for a whiskey lover — especially someone who already enjoys Green Spot and is ready for the next step.
How Much Does Yellow Spot Cost in Ireland?
Yellow Spot typically retails for €85–€95 in Ireland, depending on the retailer and availability. It’s positioned as a premium bottle, but it offers strong value given the age statement, pot still pedigree, and unique cask finish.
While prices may vary, the best place to buy Yellow Spot, particularly if you’re looking for reliable availability and fast shipping:
👉 The Single Malt Shop
They are one of the leading online retailers of premium Irish and world whiskeys and often have Yellow Spot in stock at a competitive price. They ship throughout Ireland and internationally, and their service is highly rated by collectors and casual drinkers alike.
How Does Yellow Spot Compare to Other Whiskeys?
If you’re considering Yellow Spot, you might also be comparing it to similar Irish or international expressions. Here’s how it stacks up:
Green Spot
- No age statement, younger and fresher
- Fruit-forward and vibrant
- More affordable (~€60)
- Great introduction to single pot still whiskey
Upgrade to Yellow Spot for more complexity and richness.
Redbreast 12
- Also 12-year-old single pot still
- Matured in bourbon and sherry casks (no Malaga)
- Heavier and slightly spicier than Yellow Spot
- Similar price point
Redbreast is a great alternative if you prefer richer spice and more sherry influence.
Redbreast 12 Cask Strength
- Bold and high-proof version of Redbreast 12
- More intense, more expensive (~€105)
- Not as approachable for beginners
Go for Yellow Spot if you want balance over intensity.
Midleton Very Rare (Entry-Level Vintage)
- Prestigious, but higher price point (~€200+)
- Much more delicate and oak-driven
Yellow Spot offers more personality at half the price.
Who Is Yellow Spot Best For?
- Irish whiskey fans wanting to explore beyond Green Spot or Jameson
- Single pot still lovers looking for variety and balance
- Gifting options for someone who enjoys smooth, premium spirits
- Whiskey explorers who appreciate unusual cask finishes
If you enjoy nuanced, layered whiskeys with a slightly sweet twist and a smooth, warming finish, Yellow Spot will not disappoint.
Final Thoughts
Yellow Spot is a stand-out bottle in the premium Irish whiskey category. With its triple cask aging, rich heritage, and smooth, honeyed character, it offers something genuinely distinctive, a bridge between approachability and complexity that suits both newcomers and seasoned drinkers alike.
Whether you’re building a collection, buying a gift, or just treating yourself, Yellow Spot is worth every drop, and the best place to buy it is The Single Malt Shop, where you can often find it competitively priced and reliably stocked.
