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What is Single Pot Still Whiskey?
Firstly, it has to be made in a Pot Still, which is a type of copper still that distills in batches. This is different from a Coffey still or continuous still, but more on that later.
One of the big differences between Irish pot still and single malt is that it is made up of a mash bill of both malted and unmalted barley. This gives it quite a spicy flavor profile.
It’s referred to as single as it has to be made at one distillery only.
It used to be some of the most popular malts in the world and even outdid Scotch at one point.
Where it all began?
In 1785 taxes on malted barley were raised, leading to indignation and disgust from Whiskey drinkers and distillers alike.
As such, single pot still Whiskey was created. By adding unmalted barley to the mash bill, they were able to avoid huge taxes.
What was originally supposed to be merely a good loophole for avoiding taxes, turned out to be rather fortuitous.
In fact, single pot still soon became the largest selling malt in the world, overtaking Scotch by a long shot.
The Coffey Still
Everything was going smoothly for pot still Whiskey until Aeneas Coffey came along.
An Irishman himself, he invented the Coffey Still in the 1830s, which was lauded as being more economical and efficient than the Pot Still.
It is what is now known as a continuous or column still, rather than a batch still. This means it continually distills, without the need to stop and refill it.
This type of still was roundly rejected by the Irish, who believed that the popularity of pot still Whiskey would continue and surely keep the industry going. The Scots, on the other hand, completely embraced the Coffey still and it became a main still type in Scotland.
The Fall of Irish Whiskey
Unfortunately the Irish were very, very wrong about the continued success of pot still Whiskey. While the industry did not immediately crash, this, along with a number of other factors caused its steady decline and eventual (all but) bust.
As well as the invention of the Coffey still came to the fight for independence from the British, which caused a trade war. This shut down access to Ireland’s biggest Whiskey importer.
Not long after this, prohibition and the Great Depression shut down trade on the other side of the country. Distilleries closed pretty swiftly during these events, and the art of single pot still Whiskey was almost lost forever.
Very few distilleries remained open, with only three brands remaining, Bushmills, Jameson and Powers.
The Rise of Irish Whiskey
That is until today. The Irish Whiskey industry is currently experiencing a boom, with the number of distilleries exploding across the country.
The industry crawled along over the last century, with a distillery or brand popping up every now and then. But in the past decade interest in Irish Whiskey has soared and new brands are being founded all the time.
Single pot still itself has seen a resurgence, with many brands turning to the old favorite, evoking nostalgia and reinvigorating old traditions.
Which Irish Whiskey to try?
Let’s take a look at some of the best:
#1 Redbreast 12 Year Old
Perhaps one of the best Irish Whiskies on the market as well as a brilliant example of a single pot still, you can’t go wrong with a Redbreast 12-Year-Old. This award-winning malt impresses year on year and has caught the eye of critics such as Jim Murray.
The nose opens with sweet nuts and citrus peels. The palate is rich and oily, with lots of spice and a Christmas cake-like appeal. It is packed with dried fruits, almonds, pecans, and marzipan. The finish is dry and smooth, with more spice and sweet nuts.
#2 Green Spot Single Pot Still
Another well-loved single pot still malt, Green Spot Single Pot Still is adored by many and has a robust flavor profile. Its most recent award was in 2017, where it was given Gold at the Irish Whiskey Masters in the Irish Single Pot Still category.
The nose opens with a refreshing note of cut grass and tropical fruit. The palate has honeyed smoothness, with menthol, oak wood, vanilla, and lots of spice. The finish is gentle and easy-going, with more vanilla and oak.
#3 Powers John’s Lane
Named for the distillery where it was first made that has now closed, Powers John’s Lane is an excellent example of a single pot still Whiskey. It has been matured in Bourbon and olosoro sherry casks, giving it plenty of sweetness and spice.
The nose begins with rich oak wood, vanilla, and a hint of malted barley. These develop on the palate where they are joined by coffee and dried fruit, with more vanilla and oak. The finish is long and soft, ending on oak wood and a slight caramel note.
Not sure where to start? Flaviar can help you with the tasting box with samples of selected single pot still Whiskeys.
Already had some? Share your tasting notes and suggestions with us! And don't forget to browse our selection of best Irish Whiskeys under $100!
