A single cask Red Spot whisky? those are very rare… well, this is the first single-cask Red Spot ever created exclusively for The Whisky Exchange. Aged entirely at Midleton distillery in County Cork and finished in Sicilian Marsala casks.
1991, sounds intriguing. and Marsala casks can be lovely. I was quite eager and thankful to try this one. let’s dram.
Red Spot 31 yo 1991 57,6%, Marsala cask #50768 , £945
Nose: Wow, this is intense—brimming with black fruits and jams. It begins with purple plum confiture, followed by sultanas, berries, and blackcurrant marmalade. There’s a nice zestiness that balances the sweetness perfectly. In the second wave, you’ll detect deep tobacco tones and spices like cinnamon, pepper, and perhaps some mint. The Marsala adds a slightly sour note, complementing the sweet backbone. It’s very deep and layered, as you would expect from a 31-year-old whisky.
Palate: Boom. A big spicy entry transitions into a fruitier profile with dark sweet fruits such as dates, plums, and prunes. It’s truly deep, with ripe black cherries. The aged wood brings out some tropical notes like mango and red guava. This whisky has a very complex palate with more spices, earthy notes, moss, and tobacco—along with wood bark.
Finish: The finish is very long, featuring more earthy and tobacco notes, spices, and deep wild honey.
Conclusion: This is an outstanding, well-aged Marsala cask whisky that truly lives up to my expectations. While it’s not inexpensive, it’s exceptional. If you can afford it, get a bottle as soon as possible.
Score: 92/100
Available on the TWE website