When whiskey lovers talk about the soul of Irish whiskey, Powers John’s Lane 12-Year-Old Single Pot Still always enters the chat. Revered globally and adored by seasoned enthusiasts, this isn’t just a bottle, it’s a benchmark.
Powers Whiskey started turning heads all the way back in 1791, at the original John’s Lane Distillery in Dublin. That site is now home to the National College of Art & Design, but if you swing by, the old pot stills still stand tall, a monument to Dublin’s deep distilling roots. And while production today happens at the Midleton Distillery down in County Cork (famed for making Jameson & Redbreast), this whiskey hasn’t lost its Dublin swagger.
The Powers John’s Lane Release is Powers’ tribute to its origin story full of rich character, bold spice, and a weighty mouthfeel that only traditional single pot still whiskey can seem to deliver.
About Powers John’s Lane Single Pot Still
What makes it so beloved? First, the single pot still style which is a uniquely Irish method using a mash (recipe) of malted and unmalted barley which they say gives the whiskey a creamy texture, spicy backbone, and layers of depth. It’s old-school craft, revived with distilling precision. Then there’s the 12 years of aging, mostly in American oak with a touch of sherry cask a recipe that produces a beautiful spirit forward whiskey.
Is it the best Irish single pot still whiskey? For many, it absolutely is. It’s not just a great introduction to the category it’s seen by some as the gold standard. Bold yet balanced, complex yet comforting. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a full-blown whiskey nerd, there’s something here that hits deep.
Rate That Pop:
First up, let’s rate that pop.
On the Nose of Powers John’s Lane
Right as you bring the glass to your nose, you’re greeted with a light but complex aroma of leather and tobacco, the kind of scent that makes you think of old libraries and antique armchairs. There’s a delicate undercurrent of light oak that’s beautifully balanced with soft fudge and toffee notes. It’s inviting but not over powering.
The Palate
Oh, yes! Take a sip of Powers John’s Lane, and that classic single pot still mouthfeel wraps around your palate like a warm hug. Take a second sip to really let the flavours seep deep into your tongue. Rich honey and creamy vanilla dance on the palette, while those quintessential pot still baking spices, a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg maybe give it character. But wait, there’s more! Right at the end, like a graceful encore, a note of fresh, juicy apricot comes through. It’s light, vibrant, and pairs beautifully with the sweet, oily texture.
That 46% ABV carries the flavours very well (they now have a cask strength version as well) giving them the weight they deserve without tipping into harshness. Powers are known for letting their distillate do the talking, and here it speaks volumes no overpowering cask influence, just spirit-driven balanced excellence.
The Finish
The finish is long and satisfying, dripping with that luxurious honey sweetness that just won’t quit. As it fades, a whisper of dark chocolate emerges, blending beautifully with the oily, mouth-coating texture. It’s like drinking a glass of alcoholic honey, with bees making a beeline for the bar to join the fun. Pure, unapologetic pleasure.
The Verdict:
Score: “Here, That’s Class” (8.5/10)
Powers John’s Lane 12-Year-Old Single Pot Still earns a well-deserved spot in the “Here, That’s Class” tier. It’s a masterclass in affordable single pot still whiskey, delivering rich, balanced flavours with just the right amount of complexity. It’s the kind of whiskey you’d proudly pour for any occasion or any person worth impressing. From its history to its taste, this bottle is the epitome of what makes Irish whiskey special.
If someone handed me a glass of this in a pub, I’d look them dead in the eye and say, “You, have impeccable taste.”
Sláinte
You can also see I took these photos long after the video after a good chuck has been taken from it – because it’s a firm favourite in the Whiskey4Breakfast household.
You can check out Powers Rye Whiskey review here.
