Irish Whiskey, Lowland Whisky: Powers John's Lane 12yo Pot Still, Bladnoch 11yo Single Malt reviews

It's about darn time that I finally review the Irish pot still whiskey that I've pointed to on multiple occasions (e.g., at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8LRAEZpuR4 ) as the one which still represents real value for the category, and which I would buy with my own money without qualification. That whiskey is Powers John's Lane, the little 46% 12 year old that always gets lost in the shadow of fellow Midleton stablemates Redbreast and Green Spot - and also always outclasses them IMO, if only by sheer force of presentation (since it's 46% and unchillfiltered and they aren't). I've always loved this stuff, and despite its presence in such a loaded category (from the largest distillery in the country no less) I still think it's fully deserving of "different spirit" status.

The problem is finding a suitable sparring partner. Not the aforementioned Redbreast 12 or Green Spot, since I already know how that match-up goes. Redbreast CS? Too expensive, too much of a pain to find, and already reviewed. Bushmills? The present budget only gets you the 40% 12yo, which just can't quite keep up with this. The sherried Tyrconnell 10, or Teeling, or stock from a newer distillery? Getting there, but still. No, it seems like it might be more fun to find an opponent outside of Ireland. From a much smaller, much older distillery. Owned by a yogurt magnate, say...

- Powers "John's Lane" 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (Midleton distillery in County Cork, bottled circa 2022; triple-distilled, unchillfiltered; 46% ABV), 86/100
- Bladnoch 11 Year Old Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 2021 Release (Wigtown, Galloway; double distilled, aged in ex-bourbon barrels, unchillfiltered' 46.7% ABV), 86/100

Bladnoch from the Scottish Lowlands is another personal favorite, and another whisky I've been meaning to review here for a long time. And guess what? The two are in a dead heat. The Bladnoch is a bit more dense and focused and cerebral, while the Powers is more sprawling and fun. Both are excellent and highly recommended: if you're looking for a break from over-woody beasts or sherry bombs or peat monsters, here are two good ways to do it.

Extra special thanks to my Different Spirits on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/differentspirits) -

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