The pantheon of Irish Single Pot Still Whiskies is small, but I personally consider the style to be one of my favorites. Something about the distillation of malted barley (as in single malt) with unmalted barley in the same pot still plumbs the depths of that grain’s capacity for complexity while offering more body and an almost inherent polish that’s hard to find equaled even in the world of single malt scotch. I’ve reviewed a book on the subject, and my original review of Redbreast 12 contains my thoughts on the style as a whole.
Despite the “Powers” name, this release bears little resemblance to the bottom-shelf Powers blend, which is a typical Irish blended whiskey containing both pot-still whiskey and cheap grain whiskey. The John’s Lane bottling is 100% single (formerly “pure”) pot still Irish whiskey. It has as much relation to blended Powers as Aberfeldy single malt has to Dewar’s, or Mortlach to Johnnie Walker.
It’s worth pointing out that Powers John’s Lane and Redbreast are almost the same whiskey. Both are triple-distilled in copper pot stills by Midleton from a recipe of both malted and unmalted barley and both aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, although Redbreast uses a far higher percentage of sherry. John’s Lane boasts a lack of chill filtration and a slightly higher bottling proof (46% versus 40%), but also a substantially higher price tag. Recipes are hard to come by, but it appears that John’s Lane uses a heavier “mod pot” distillate than Green Spot or Redbreast. (Midleton is known for being able to produce a virtuosic range of distillates from the same pot stills.)
Let’s see how they compare in the glass.
Nose: Rich! Dense honey, dried apricots, nutmeg, brown sugar. Decadent and full. Only a very light touch of the single pot still signature oiliness, which usually smells to me like soot and engine grease (but in a good way?). A rest in the glass develops the hearty coconut note that I find in Redbreast 12.
Palate: Medium oily body. A surge of coconut water greets the tongue, which burns almost imperceptibly. The flavors then unfold as promised by the aroma – decadent caramelized sugars, gingerbread and spice cookies, candied nuts, and chewy nougat.
Finish: A hint of soot, a sparkle of sweet green barley, and a total lack of bitterness accompany the fading remnants of the palate notes. Turns drier as it departs, but without much tannin.
With Water: A few drops of water release a flurry of grassy notes, licorice (anise), black pepper. The palate gains a slight tartness – apricot again – but is more muddled. The finish may be brighter, with a hint of mint. Water is a curiosity here, but definitely taste without the water first.
Overall: This is very similar to Redbreast 12, although with a few marked differences: It lacks some of the chewy body and industrial oils that make Redbreast (and this style) distinctive, but it trades on those weaknesses to offer heightened sweetness, mellow balance, polish, and a total lack of “off notes” like raw green barley or vegetal bitterness. I’ve started to think of John’s Lane as “dessert Redbreast”, but the truth is that a beginner to the style is unlikely to notice (or care about) the differences. Considering that Redbreast is $47 at my local store, and John’s Lane is $70, I would only suggest this to lovers of the style who are bored with Redbreast and find Green Spot too mild. At $70 this is definitely a “splurge” bottle for me. Note that some retailers appear to be discounting this to the $55 range – I’d consider that a steal.
I’m calling this a “Must Try” only if you’ve already tried (and appreciated) Redbreast 12. If not, think of that one as a “Must” first.
I agree with your review. I’m not sure if I like this or Redbreast better. I alternate bottles of the two. One day I would like to try them at the same time for a head to head comparison. Where I live Redbreast 12 goes for $60 and Powers Johns Lane goes for $65. To me that makes them interchangeable. I agree with you that only a person who truly loves the style should go out and buy this for an additional $20+ dollars. $55 is an absolute steal for this and anyone who enjoys whisk(e)y should grab it if they see it at that price.
I would like to give Redbreat 12 another go, since my palate has matured significantly since I last tried it. But it’s $70 where I live, and there are just too many better options available for less IMHO
Interesting review. I like Redbreast a lot, but for me John’s Lane is an essential whiskey, one that I incorporate in many tastings. Interestingly, I find that fans of American rye often especially like it.
American Rye? Thought it was a Canadian thing.
Great review, huge fan of this one myself. One of my favourite Irish whiskeys. I would definitely take it over standard Redbreast 12.
Great review. My favourite whiskey is pot still. And of pot stills available Johns Lanes is probably my favourite. (Method and madness French chestnut is sublime but that’s a one off) Powers also have a wonderful whiskey called “signature” release which was 90% as good but a lot cheaper. Sadly they discontinued that
For some reason I find yellow spot too smooth compared to Johns lane. And red breast does have that oily or leather taste that puts me off. I think Johns lane less thick? But my friends prefer red breast but I’m a Johns lane guy
Which is annoying as you can’t get it in Canada so I only get to have it when I make it back to Ireland
I agree on the Yellow Spot (and Green for that matter). It’s tasty whiskey, but it reminds me more of a subtle, elegant single malt instead of a powerful and flavorful single pot still.
I was lucky enough to get a bottle of Blue Pot 7yr. cask strength earlier this year when it was released. I have to say it’s as good or better any of the Redbreast 12 cask strengths that I’ve had over the years. Think of it as the A’bunadh of Irish whiskey. If you love this style and the opportunity to try it comes your way, don’t pass on it.