Irish

Whiskey Review: Redbreast 18 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Redbreast 18 Year Old sits in the middle of Redbreast’s lineup, offering a distinctive balance between the younger and older expressions.

OVERALL RATING

8
Like Conversation

Tasting Notes

About:

The first bottle to join the Redbreast core range in four years with a unique cask make up of ex-bourbon barrels, oloroso sherry, cream sherry and ruby port in the mix of this 18 year old single pot still release.
Appearance:
A burnished copper which has been enhanced with caramel colouring.
Nose:
It really has the classic Redbreast characteristics of sweet butter shortbread, caramel and fruit pastels. The cask maturation becomes more prevalent with a fruity influence of blackberries, cherries and fresh cut ginger. There is also a hint of home made play dough.
Palate:
At first sip it is creamy with lots of sweet biscuits and hazelnut notes, quickly turning more viscose with strawberry jam tarts and white chocolate after each taste. Mango and pineapple brings a vibrate edge which pairs well with the classic bready pot still flavours similar to Nutella on brown bread.
Finish:
The prominent flavours fade away quite quickly leaving a slightly drying taste in the mouth which can easily lead to another pour once the glass is empty.
Comments:
At 46% abv it packs plenty of flavour, however I feel this release could have been truly spectacular at a slightly higher percentage. The price tag feels on the higher side but in contrast to other age statement Irish releases it follows suit and carves it spot well on the Redbreast branch. For me, this new release outshines and provides greater depth than the older 21 year old release which may be due to the more unique cask experience.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Pete "Jeff Whisky" Jeffery

Based in the South West of the UK, Jeff brings an irreverent and laid-back approach to whisky reviewing, dispelling any notions of snobbery surrounding the spirit. With a genuine enthusiasm for exceptional drams, he often embraces the whimsical side of whisky. Jeff's tongue-in-cheek whisky content has earned him recognition in the Malt Whisky Yearbook, and he has contributed articles and reviews to numerous whisky platforms.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash

Blood Oath Pact 12 Bourbon Review

Can Italian dry red wine casks tame sweet Kentucky bourbon? Blood Oath Pact 12’s double Montepulciano and Sangiovese finish may be the most polarizing yet.