Blue Spot Whiskey is part of the renowned “Spot” range of Irish whiskeys from Mitchell & Son, a family-owned wine merchant and whiskey bonders in Ireland. This whiskey has gained a reputation for its rich, complex flavors and unique cask maturation process. Blue Spot, in particular, has become highly sought after, making it a challenge to find in some areas, including the UK. If you’re on the hunt to buy Blue Spot Whiskey in the UK, this guide will help you navigate where and how to secure a bottle of this elusive whiskey.
Why Blue Spot Whiskey Is So Popular
The popularity of Blue Spot Whiskey stems from its quality, rarity, and unique heritage. Part of the Mitchell & Son’s Spot family, Blue Spot was reintroduced in 2020 after nearly half a century of absence from the market. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Cask Strength: Blue Spot is a cask strength, non-chill filtered whiskey, which means it is bottled straight from the barrel without dilution. This results in bold, full-bodied flavors.
- Unique Maturation: Blue Spot is matured in a combination of bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and Madeira casks, giving it a distinct flavor profile with notes of tropical fruit, spices, and rich oak.
- Limited Availability: Its limited production and high demand make Blue Spot hard to find, especially in countries outside of Ireland.
If you’re trying to get your hands on a bottle in the UK, you may face some challenges, but with the right strategy, you can find it.
Where to Buy Blue Spot Whiskey in the UK
There are several ways to purchase Blue Spot Whiskey in the UK, whether you’re looking for it in stores or online. Below, we break down the best methods to get this whiskey in your hands.
1. Specialty Liquor Stores
Your best bet for finding Blue Spot Whiskey in the UK is to search specialty liquor stores that carry a wide range of premium Irish whiskeys.
- The Whisky Exchange: Known for its impressive selection of rare and hard-to-find whiskeys, The Whisky Exchange is a great place to start your search. They frequently stock limited-edition and cask-strength whiskeys like Blue Spot.
- Master of Malt: Another UK-based whiskey retailer, Master of Malt, offers an extensive selection of whiskeys from around the world. They often have Blue Spot in stock, although it sells out quickly due to its popularity.
- Hard to Find Whisky: As the name suggests, Hard to Find Whisky specializes in rare and collectible spirits. Blue Spot is occasionally available here, so it’s worth checking their stock regularly.
2. Irish Whiskey Retailers with UK Shipping
Because Blue Spot originates in Ireland, some Irish retailers may have it in stock and offer shipping to the UK. Here are a few that often carry it:
- Irish Malts: This Irish-based retailer specializes in selling premium Irish whiskey, including the Spot range. They offer international shipping, including to the UK, making it a viable option for tracking down Blue Spot.
- Celtic Whiskey Shop: One of Ireland’s most famous whiskey stores, the Celtic Whiskey Shop frequently stocks Blue Spot. They ship to many countries, including the UK, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their inventory.
3. Online Whiskey Marketplaces
Several online marketplaces and auction sites are dedicated to rare and collectible whiskeys. These platforms often have bottles of Blue Spot available from private sellers and collectors.
- Whisky Auctioneer: If you’re struggling to find Blue Spot through traditional retailers, Whisky Auctioneer is an excellent option. This platform allows individuals to buy and sell rare whiskeys through an auction format. Blue Spot regularly appears on the site, but be prepared to pay a premium, especially if bidding wars occur.
- Whisky Hammer: Another online auction site for rare and collectible whiskeys, Whisky Hammer frequently lists Blue Spot bottles. Similar to Whisky Auctioneer, prices here can vary depending on demand, so it’s worth monitoring the auctions to get the best deal.
4. Search Local Whiskey Shops
While larger chains may not carry Blue Spot due to its limited availability, independent or specialty whiskey shops in your area could have it. Here’s how to approach your local search:
- Call Ahead: If you have any local liquor shops that specialize in premium whiskeys, give them a call and ask if they carry Blue Spot. Even if they don’t, they may be able to special order it for you or provide guidance on where to find it.
- Check Whiskey Festivals: Whiskey festivals or tasting events often attract distributors and retailers who bring rare bottles. Attending these events can give you a chance to find or even sample Blue Spot before purchasing.
5. Duty-Free Shops
If you’re traveling, airports often have duty-free shops with a selection of rare and premium whiskeys. While there are no guarantees that Blue Spot will be available, it’s always worth checking, especially at larger international airports with extensive whiskey sections.
6. Whiskey Subscription Services
Another creative option is to subscribe to a whiskey delivery service that specializes in rare or limited-edition whiskeys. Some services partner with distilleries to offer exclusive bottles, including cask strength and limited releases like Blue Spot.
- The Dram Team: This subscription service specializes in premium whiskeys and could offer limited-edition bottles like Blue Spot as part of its curated deliveries.
- Flaviar: Flaviar is a well-known whiskey subscription service that provides members with access to exclusive bottles and early releases. While Blue Spot may not be regularly featured, membership could give you a better chance of finding it.
What to Watch Out for When Buying Blue Spot Whiskey
When buying Blue Spot Whiskey, whether in-store or online, there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure that you’re getting an authentic product at a fair price.
1. Verify Authenticity
- Look for Official Packaging: Blue Spot Whiskey should come in its distinctive blue packaging with the official Mitchell & Son branding. Always verify that the bottle looks legitimate and that the seller is reputable, especially when purchasing from auction sites or private sellers.
- Be Wary of Counterfeits: Because of its rarity, Blue Spot Whiskey can sometimes be counterfeited. Only buy from trusted retailers or platforms with buyer protection.
2. Check Prices
- Retail Price Range: Blue Spot typically retails for £80-£120, but prices can fluctuate depending on availability. Auction sites or resellers may charge a premium for hard-to-find bottles, so it’s essential to compare prices across multiple platforms before making a purchase.
- Shipping Costs: If you’re buying from an international seller, make sure to factor in shipping costs, which can add significantly to the final price.
3. Check Shipping Restrictions
- UK Alcohol Shipping Laws: Some countries and retailers may have restrictions on shipping alcohol to the UK. Be sure to check the retailer’s policies and ensure they can legally ship Blue Spot to your location.
Trying Blue Spot Whiskey Before You Buy
If you’re curious about Blue Spot Whiskey but want to try it before committing to a full bottle, you may be able to sample it at whiskey bars, tasting events, or Irish pubs that specialize in premium whiskeys.
- Whiskey Bars: Many high-end whiskey bars in the UK feature rare Irish whiskeys like Blue Spot. Check with your local whiskey bar to see if they have it on their menu.
- Whiskey Tasting Events: As mentioned earlier, attending whiskey tasting events or festivals is a great way to sample Blue Spot and other limited-edition whiskeys before purchasing a bottle.
Conclusion
Finding Blue Spot Whiskey in the UK can be a challenge due to its limited availability, but with persistence and the right resources, you can track down a bottle. Whether you’re browsing online whiskey retailers, attending auctions, or searching through local specialty shops, there are several avenues to explore. Just remember to verify authenticity, compare prices, and be aware of shipping restrictions to ensure you’re getting the best deal on this coveted Irish whiskey.
Key Takeaways for Buying Blue Spot Whiskey:
- Specialty liquor stores like The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt are great places to start your search.
- Irish whiskey retailers such as Irish Malts and Celtic Whiskey Shop may offer shipping to the UK.
- Online auction sites like Whisky Auctioneer and Whisky Hammer frequently feature Blue Spot for sale.
- Always check for authenticity, compare prices, and be mindful of shipping restrictions before purchasing.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a glass of Blue Spot Whiskey, one of Ireland’s finest whiskeys.
