Green Spot Chateau Montelena Whiskey Review

Green Spot Finished In Zinfandel Wine Casks

2017 saw the release of an Irish whiskey with a little Californian twist. The second edition in the ‘Wine Geese’ series, Green Spot Chateau Montelena combines the efforts of the Midleton Distillery, Mitchell & Sons, and the Napa based Chateau Montelena winery. The series itself seeks to establish collaborations between international wineries of Irish heritage and Green Spot whiskey. The first edition, Green Spot Chateau Léoville Barton, saw Green Spot finished in wine casks from the Chateau Léoville Barton, a Bordeaux based winery of Irish origin. Check out our blog on Green Spot Chateau Léoville Barton here!

The connection between Ireland and Chateau Montelena dates back to 1972 when Jim Barrett, son of Waterford emigrant John Barrett, reintroduced life to the struggling winery. Today, Jim’s son Bo Barrett commands the helm of this beloved Napa winery still upholding the high standards set by his for-bearers. The bar had been set for the next release in this series after the success of Green Spot Chateau Léoville Barton. Thankfully we were anything but disappointed.

Green Spot Chateau Montelena Tasting Notes

Initially aged the Green Spot way – ex-Bourbon and sherry casks – the Chateau Montelena edition places Green Spot in French oak Zinfandel wine casks for a finishing period of one year. Green Spot Chateau Montelena is the only Single Pot Still whiskey to be aged with Zinfandel wine casks. Believe us when we say the wine plays a big role in this tipple.

NOSE

On the nose we uncover where the red wine has its say. All our pot still spice is accompanied by pomegranate, cranberry, and maraschino cherries.

TASTE

When consumed we are treated to a silkier version of traditional Green Spot, with a typical red wine dry mouth feel.

FINISH

The finish sees an indulgent chorus of pot still spices harmonising with our red wine influence. A zestier expression of the revered Green Spot, we here at The Whiskey Trail see ourselves settling down beside a warm fire this winter with a glass of Green Spot Chateau Montelena to beat the chill!

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#EatDrinkExplore – by Jonathan Dungan

*Disclosure: The Whiskey Trail has not been given any payment for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.