Friday Night Flights & Bites 4/11 & 4/18, Starting at 2pm
Irish Single Pot Still: Ireland's Signature Whiskey
At S&S, every pour has a story—and some stories are unmistakably Irish. This week and next, our Friday Night Flights series continues with a tasting dedicated to Single Pot Still whiskey: a bold, uniquely Irish style born from history, perfected through craftsmanship, and full of character.
While we explored the foundation of Irish whiskey’s early history in our Single Malt feature, this week we’re diving into the rebellious, full-bodied cousin that defines Ireland's whiskey heritage: Single Pot Still.
Whether you’re new to Irish whiskey or well into your journey, this flight delivers flavor and legacy.
What is Single Pot Still?
Single Pot Still whiskey is crafted from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, distilled in copper pot stills, and produced at a single distillery—and is uniquely Irish. According to Irish regulations, the mash must include at least 30% malted barley and 30% unmalted barley, with up to 5% of other grains such as oats or rye permitted.
Encouraged by the 1785 malt tax, the use of unmalted barley imparts a creamy mouthfeel, richer grain texture, and a distinctive peppery spice. This innovation gave Irish whiskey its signature character and set it apart from its Scottish and American counterparts.
The term “single” refers to a single distillery, preserving its unique house style. The traditional copper pot still contributes to a full-bodied, layered spirit—making Single Pot Still one of the most texturally engaging whiskeys in the world.
This is not a subtle spirit. It’s confident and complex.
A Brief History
In the 1800s, Single Pot Still whiskey was the most popular style of Irish whiskey and dominated the global market. It was considered richer and more complex than Scotch whisky and was widely exported. However, a combination of trade barriers, U.S. Prohibition, and internal industry consolidation led to a near-collapse of Irish whiskey in the 20th century.
Green Spot was one of the few Single Pot Still whiskeys to survive this downturn, bottled by Mitchell & Son throughout the lean years and preserving a style on the brink of extinction.
In the past decades, Single Pot Still whiskey has experienced a powerful resurgence. Historic producers like Midleton have elevated the category with award-winning expressions such as Redbreast and Yellow Spot, while modern distilleries like Teeling have introduced bold interpretations that honor tradition while pushing boundaries. Redbreast 12, in particular, has earned repeated recognition, including Best Irish Pot Still at the World Whiskies Awards and high praise from critics worldwide.
Today, Single Pot Still whiskeys are increasingly featured on the shelves of top bars and collectors' cabinets across the U.S., Japan, and Europe—valued for their boldness and authenticity. As the most distinctly Irish whiskey style, it’s once again capturing the global spotlight—not as a novelty, but as a serious player in the premium whiskey world.
What to Expect When Tasting
Single Pot Still whiskeys are known for their creamy mouthfeel, peppery spice, and deep grain complexity—a direct result of the mash bill, copper pots, and triple distillation process.
Common tasting notes include:
Green apple, banana, or dried citrus
Black pepper, clove, and nutmeg
Rich malt and toasty cereal
Hints of sherry, nuts, or dried fruit (depending on the cask)
Compared to Single Malt (which uses only malted barley), Single Pot Still often has more weight and spice on the palate—offering a richer, more layered experience. Various cask finishes—bourbon, sherry, Malaga, even virgin oak—add further complexity and diversity across the category.
Featured Whiskeys in Our Flight
This flight brings Ireland’s signature style into full view. From the richness of Redbreast to the legacy of Green Spot and the bold innovation of Teeling, this series is designed to allow you to compare like with like and truly grasp what defines the Single Pot Still style. Each bite was selected to either contrast or complement the whiskey in ways that elevate the tasting experience. Enjoy!
Redbreast 12 Year – The Gold Standard
Distillery: Midleton
ABV: 40%
Cask: Bourbon & Sherry
Redbreast 12 is celebrated for its balance and depth. Matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, it delivers notes of dried fruit, roasted nuts, honey, and warm spice. Its creamy texture and complexity make it a quintessential Single Pot Still whiskey.
Paired Bite: Cambozola cheese on a cracker — creamy, funky, and salty to lift the sherry richness
Green Spot – The Merchant’s Revival
Distillery: Midleton (bottled by Mitchell & Son)
ABV: 40%
Cask: Bourbon & Sherry
Originating from Dublin's Mitchell & Son, Green Spot has maintained continuous production since the early 20th century and played a crucial role in preserving the Single Pot Still tradition. With notes of orchard fruit, toasty oak, and a zesty pepper finish, it’s a vibrant, heritage-rich expression.
Paired Bite: Green grapes — juicy and fresh, complementing the orchard fruit notes
Teeling Single Pot Still – The Bold New Voice
Distillery: Teeling, Dublin
ABV: 46%
Cask: Virgin Oak, Bourbon & Sherry
The first whiskey distilled in Dublin in nearly 50 years, Teeling’s Single Pot Still marks a return to the city’s historic Liberties district. Made from 50% malted and 50% unmalted barley, and matured in a trio of casks, it brings ginger, sweet spice, roasted nuts, and citrus peel to the glass—a bold, modern voice in the single pot still tradition.
Paired Bite: Candied walnuts — a sweet contrast that tames its spice
Taste the Story
Special Price: $12 during Friday Night Flights (Regularly $18 without the bites!)
Includes: 3 x 0.5 oz pours — Redbreast 12, Green Spot, Teeling Pot Still
Next up: Single Grain Whiskeys — lighter, more modern, and just as deserving of a spotlight.
Join us Friday 4/11 and 4/18 starting at 2pm and experience Single Pot Still whiskey: textured, spicy, and proudly Irish.