10 Year Old Single Pot Still Whisky

At ten years, whiskey reaches a balance where its initial liveliness starts to mellow out with age. Over this period, interactions with the oak barrel shape its character, resulting in a ten-year-old whiskey filled with layered subtleties.

Ireland boasts a unique whiskey category, the Single Pot Still, which has a rich history and a distinct flavour profile. Recognised for its distinctive Irish character, this ten-year-old whiskey echoes Ireland's tradition and the essence of its ingredients. The unique aspect of Single Pot Still whiskey is its mash composition. Instead of solely relying on malted barley, this whiskey incorporates both malted and unmalted barley. This choice, initially a response to the 19th-century tax on malted barley, has given the ten-year-old whiskey a unique, creamier texture with a touch of spice.

The term "pot still" points to its distillation process. After fermentation, the mash is distilled twice in large copper vessels. This method, employed for a ten-year-old whiskey, ensures the retention of flavours, giving the drink a fuller body. Copper's interaction with the spirit during this process is crucial, removing unwanted compounds and refining the taste.

A ten-year-old Single Pot Still whiskey typically showcases flavours like green apple, pepper, and some tropical fruits. The type of barrel used for maturation, whether ex-bourbon or sherry, further defines its taste by adding notes like caramel, vanilla, or even dark chocolate. Over the last century, Single Pot Still whiskey saw a dip in popularity, but recent times have witnessed its resurgence. Aficionados are now reacquainting themselves with this uniquely Irish spirit.

Popular distilleries, including Redbreast, Green Spot, and Powers, have been at the forefront of this revival, highlighting the versatility and depth of Single Pot Still whiskey. Each brand, with its ten-year-old expressions and other aged variants, reinforces the time-honoured traditions of Irish whiskey production. In its entirety, Single Pot Still whiskey encapsulates the rich tapestry of Ireland's past, its innovations, and its unyielding passion for crafting spirits.