Irish

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

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8

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.
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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.

Who Will Enjoy Redbreast 18 Year Old?

Redbreast 18 Year Old Irish Whiskey appeals to experienced whiskey drinkers who appreciate mature, complex flavors. As a single pot still whiskey, it has a full-bodied, creamy texture that distinguishes it within the Irish whiskey category. Aged in both ex-bourbon and sherry casks, it features notes of dried fruit, spices, and oak, with a smooth finish.

This whiskey is a good fit for those who enjoy layered, nuanced profiles, especially fans of Redbreast 12 or other single pot still whiskies. The sherry cask influence also makes it appealing for those who enjoy sherried styles. It’s a worthwhile choice for collectors or people looking for a refined, age-stated whiskey to enjoy on special occasions, but it’s smooth enough for those who simply want a mature, accessible Irish whiskey with a balanced profile.

The Redbreast 18 Year Old was launched in the USA in September 2024.

How Does It Compare To Redbreast’s Other Offerings?

Redbreast 18 Year Old sits in the middle of Redbreast’s lineup, offering a distinctive balance between the younger and older expressions. Compared to the 12 Year Old, which has a fresh, fruity, and sherried profile, and the 15 Year Old, which introduces additional depth and a fuller mouthfeel, the 18 adds complexity with darker notes of blackcurrants, chocolate, and hazelnuts.

Using a mix of bourbon, sherry, and cream sherry casks, the 18 brings a unique richness not found in the younger options, appealing to those who want more depth without venturing to the higher age of the 21 Year Old. The 21, in contrast, delivers an even more complex profile, including tropical fruit and spice, with a longer, luxurious finish.

At the top of the range, the 27 Year Old takes things further by introducing ruby port casks, adding vibrant notes of tropical fruits, nuts, and spices, creating unparalleled depth and sophistication. Redbreast 18 offers a well-rounded, mature flavor profile that balances richness and approachability, making it ideal for seasoned whiskey drinkers exploring the brand’s deeper expressions.

Did You Know

Redbreast whiskey, owned by Irish Distillers, has a unique heritage, as one of the first Irish single pot still whiskeys to be bottled and sold commercially. Originally distributed by Gilbey’s in the early 1900s, the name “Redbreast” was inspired by the Robin Redbreast bird, a favorite of Gilbey’s, who was an avid bird enthusiast. This connection to the bird has become a lasting symbol for the brand, with each bottle carrying the image of the robin

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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.

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