Whiskey Review: Redbreast Bird Feeder Bottle 12-Year-Old Irish Whiskey

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. 

In conjunction with the second annual Robin Redbreast Day (November 17th), a global calendar date created to bring awareness to the protection of birdlife, Redbreast Irish Whiskey collaborated with ambassador and actor Chris O’Dowd to raise funds for the Birdlife International charity with the Redbreast Bird Feeder Bottle.

Like any good modern-day fundraising, the partnership included humorous videos and social media shares to raise money to donate for the protection of habitats, conservation, and advocacy. In addition to supporting such a fantastic cause, Redbreast Bird Feeder Bottle 12-Year-Old came in a bottle cradled by a commemorative red copper bird feeder.

The joint effort between Redbreast 12-Year-Old collaboration and Birdlife International strived to reach the goal of €30,000 in donations as a result of likes and shares on the socials, with an additional €70,000 goal through the sales of the Redbreast Bird Feeder Bottle. The whiskey itself is a mild, classic 12-year expression made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills. It is then matured in both bourbon seasoned American Oak barrels and Oloroso Sherry seasoned Spanish oak butts (barrels most commonly used for aging sherry).

Redbreast is distilled at Midleton Distillery in County Cork by Master Blender Billy Leighton. The whiskey is a part of the Irish Distillers family, one of the foremost suppliers of Irish spirits including Jameson and Midleton Very Rare. The distillery is currently undergoing a $248.8 million renovation that will result in a swanky modern carbon-neutral distillery that ensures increased productivity, job creation, and a boost in distilling capacity.

Redbreast Bird Feeder Bottle 12-Year-Old (image via Midleton)

Tasting Notes: Redbreast Bird Feeder Bottle 12-Year-Old Irish Whiskey

Vital Stats: 40% ABV (80 Proof). SRP $69.99/750 ml bottle encased in a removable and reusable red copper bird feeder. Aged 12 years from a mash of malted and unmalted barley.

Appearance: A light, clear hay yellow.

Nose: With subtle sweetness, the aroma hints at a complex tasting, with seaweed, heather, oak, and fig showing up in various areas.

Palate: While the nose on this whiskey has some promise, there is a bit missing on the palate. There are some cooling notes with elements of menthol, spiced cider, and dried fruits, along with a fairly long finish.