Irish Distillers has unveiled Green Spot Quails’ Gate Irish whiskey, the latest edition in its Wine Geese Series, finished in Canadian Pinot Noir Casks.

The limited edition release is the result of a partnership with the Quails’ Gate winery in British Columbia. 

Initially matured in American oak and ex-sherry casks, the liquid was then finished in Pinot Noir casks for 16 months to give a delicate red fruit-influence to the whiskey.

Green Spot Quails’ Gate joins permanent expressions Green Spot Château Leoville Barton and Green Spot Chateau Montelena, which celebrate the group of families, known as the ‘wild geese’ who left Ireland to establish wineries around the world. 

The Pinot Noir-finished release commemorates the Mitchell family, who Green Spot was originally produced for. Their whiskey bonding business was founded in 1887 when they sent wine, Sherry and Port casks to be filled by the local Jameson distillery. 

It also celebrates the Stewart family, who founded Quails’ Gate on the shores of Okanagan Lake 1908 after emigrating from Kildare, Ireland. Today their wines are celebrated across Canada and beyond, including the award-winning Family Reserve Pinot Noir. 

Green Spot Quails’ Gate is said to offer notes of ripe cherry, raspberries, cranberries, sweet pear, vanilla and nutmeg.

“Green Spot, with its distinctive blend of green apple, vanilla and toffee flavours, has been a beloved Irish whiskey since the 19th century, thanks to the Mitchell family,” said Deirdre O’Carroll, Blender at Irish Distillers.

“Maturing Green Spot Irish Whiskey in the Pinot Noir casks from Quails’ Gate adds a fascinating and delectable assortment of rich red berries from the red wine seasoning that perfectly balances Green Spot’s orchard fruits and toasted wood finish for a flavoursome, complex expression.

“Whether a whiskey enthusiast or a wine connoisseur – or both – we hope this addition to the Spot family will be cherished by those in Ireland, Canada and everywhere in between.”

Rowan Stewart, the Quails’ Gate winemaker, added: “The partnership between Spot Whiskeys and Quails’ Gate celebrates the best of both worlds: the deep roots of the whiskey tradition and our family tradition of winegrowing. 

“Together, we have created an exciting collaboration that is both complex and memorable, honouring the legacy of both traditions.”

Green Spot Quails’ Gate is a non-chill filtered release bottled at 46% ABV. It will be available in select markets, including global travel retail, from March 2023 priced at €65/$70/£54.

Last year, Irish Distillers parent Pernod Ricard opened its new The Malt Gallery at Delhi Airport.