Redbreast Irish Whiskey has unveiled a new addition to its permanent range: the Redbreast 18 Year Old. Redbreast is, according to a cumulative record of wins at various spirit competitions (including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition), Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey. The launch of the Redbreast 18 Year Old marks the first new addition to the brand’s core portfolio in over four years and also showcases an interesting cask finish combination.
The Redbreast 18 Year Old is now available across the USA for an MSRP of $249.99 (£195). The whiskey is also available across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and additional countries in Europe and Asia. To find out more visit the Redbreast website.
The Making Of The Redbreast 18 Year Old
Redbreast’s Master Blender, David McCabe, and Master Blender Emeritus, Billy Leighton, carefully crafted the 18 Year Old from malted malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in the distillery’s traditional copper pot stills. Once distilled, the spirit was matured in an intriguing combination of casks: ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry, cream sherry, and ruby port casks.
The resulting whiskey is an innovative take on Redbreast’s classic style, which uses Oloroso and ex-bourbon casks crafted by Irish Distillers’ coopers, Derek Cronin, and Ger Buckley. The addition of cream sherry and ruby port casks enriches the whiskey with even more flavor. According to the brand press release, the whiskey used in the Redbreast 27 Year Old (“enriched by port casks”) can also be found in the 18 Year Old.
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Redbreast’s Master Blenders also credit the extra aging with producing “lush blackcurrant and raspberry notes, pronounced tannins and a luxurious chocolate presence.”
Redbreast’s Master Blenders
“The addition of Redbreast 18 Year Old to the Redbreast core range beautifully bridges the gap between our older and younger offerings,” said Master Blender David McCabe. “We wanted to unlock a new taste profile for the Redbreast permanent range while still offering something that feels distinctly Redbreast in its style. By incorporating the cream sherry casks, we’ve created a whiskey that boasts a rich profile of dark chocolate, blackcurrants, and hazelnuts. This expression not only honors our heritage but also showcases our commitment to innovation in Irish whiskey making.”
Master Blender Emeritus, Billy Leighton, added: “The unveiling of Redbreast 18 Year Old is a moment of pride for us. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a variety of aged stock at Midleton Distillery, and with its unique flavor profile, we are confident this will be a welcome addition to whiskey enthusiasts’ collections and a delightful first-hand experience for those new to whiskey.”
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Tasting Notes
Tasting notes courtesy of Redbreast Irish Whiskey.
ABV: 46%
“Nose: Delectable berry fruit aromas of ripe blackcurrants and raspberries accompanied by sugar glazed cherries and dried fig. Indulgent tones of hazelnut chocolate and caramelised stone fruits with warming and fragrant notes of toasted almonds and cinnamon, nestled alongside polished oak and worn leather.
“Taste: Full-bodied and rounded, with the oak tannins complementing the decadent sweetness of sun-kissed grapes and autumnal fruits. Vibrant spices of freshly peeled ginger and hints of liquorice weave amongst the wine seasoned oak influences of dried fruits, dark berries and orange peel.
“Finish: Rich and lasting. The pot still spices, fruit and oak slowly fade harmoniously, showcasing the balance of this wonderfully complex whiskey.”
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