The production process of Blue Spot whiskey begins with carefully selected malted barley, which is ground and mixed with hot water in a process known as mashing. This releases the sugars from the barley, creating a sweet liquid called wort. Yeast is then added to the wort, starting the fermentation process. This converts the sugars into alcohol, resulting in a liquid known as wash.
After fermentation, the wash is distilled in traditional copper pot stills. These stills play a crucial role in shaping the character and flavor of the whiskey. The first distillation, known as the wash distillation, produces a liquid called low wine. This is then distilled for a second time, known as the spirit distillation, resulting in a clear, high-strength distillate known as new make spirit.
The new make spirit is then matured in a variety of casks to develop its unique flavor profile. Blue Spot whiskey is matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels, Sherry butts, and Madeira casks. Each type of cask imparts its own distinct characteristics to the whiskey, contributing to its complexity and depth of flavor.
Bourbon barrels, often made from American oak, add notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak spice. Sherry butts, which previously held fortified wine, bring rich, fruity flavors such as raisins, figs, and dark chocolate. Madeira casks, sourced from the Portuguese island of Madeira, introduce a unique sweetness and a touch of tropical fruitiness.
The maturation process takes time, as the whiskey slowly absorbs flavors from the casks and undergoes chemical changes that mellow its harshness and enhance its complexity. Blue Spot whiskey is typically aged for a minimum of seven years, allowing it to develop a well-rounded character and a smooth, refined taste.
Once the whiskey has reached its desired level of maturity, it is carefully blended by the master distiller. This involves selecting and combining different casks to achieve the desired flavor profile. The master distiller's expertise and palate play a crucial role in ensuring the consistency and quality of each bottle of Blue Spot whiskey.
The whiskey is bottled at cask strength, which means it is not diluted with water before bottling. This allows the consumer to experience the full intensity and complexity of the whiskey as it was when it left the cask. Cask strength whiskies are highly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the full-bodied, powerful flavors they offer.