Irish

Redbreast 15 Year Old Cask Strength Review

We review Redbreast 15 Year Old Cask Strength. Can it live up to the much-loved standard 15 Year Old?

OVERALL RATING

8
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Tasting Notes

About:

A celebratory bottling of Redbreast 15 Year Old! Released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first every release, this is rather special, cask strength release of the much loved style. Compiled of just 15 casks worth of whiskey, bottled at natural cask strength, this is a Redbreast release for those who are looking to celebrate with the very special single pot still brand.
Appearance:
Apple Juice
Nose:
Honey, fresh pastry and vanilla custard. The trifecta of Midleton on the nose straight away. Elderflower prese, fresh mint, some traditional and classic single pot still spices in black pepper with a gentle touch of salt.

There’s a wonderful sourdough bread note, at this strength you’re getting a really interesting selection of classically sweet and unexpected savoury notes. There’s some caramelised white chocolate, caramel, grilled apricots and peaches with some sort of cured meat.
Palate:
That has an insanely gentle approach on the palate for something with this amount of ABV and age. Some gentle herbal notes of liquorice, soft pot still spices, malted barley, freshly cut oak, peach juice, mint, hot honey, sea salt and fresh pine.

The palate is nowhere near is sweet as I thought it would be, but that’s a welcome change to be honest. If you wanted a classically sweet Redbreast then you’d buy the 12YO or regular 15YO.
Finish:
Bigger spiciness, you do feel that 56% more now. Some very classic notes of warm honey, chilli flakes, grilled apricots, salt and fatty deli meats. It becomes creamier the longer you leave it on the palate, white chocolate, hot chocolate and lime juice.
Comments:
It’s a fun way to celebrate this fantastic bottle of whiskey, and it’s a very apt and wanted release for the 20th anniversary. Personally, I think it’s good, but I think I’d go for the classic 15YO over this. If you want more rarity and power to your Redbreast 15 pour, then this is the perfect bottle for you. We do have to bare in mind that this is a celebratory bottle and it certainly delivers on that.

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.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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