Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey, has announced a new permanent addition to the Redbreast family. Crafted by Master Blender David McCabe and Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton, the Redbreast 18 Year Old offers an enticing twist on the distillery’s classic whiskey style.
Setting it apart from its cellar mates is the interplay of different cask types, including oloroso sherry butts, ex-bourbon barrels, and the rarely seen addition of Cream Sherry casks from the Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage.
Setting it apart from its cellar mates is the interplay of different cask types, including oloroso sherry butts, ex-bourbon barrels, and Cream Sherry casks…
The introduction of cream sherry casks is a first for the Midleton distillery brand, adding a syrupy sweetness and a new layer to the whiskey’s traditional character.
The whiskey was initially aged in bourbon casks for 5 – 6 years, before transferring to the cream sherry barrels for the remainder of the maturation.
A limited portion has also been aged in ruby port casks, adding depth with flavours of toasted oak, autumnal fruits, and a hint of nuttiness.
“This new addition to the Redbreast core range beautifully bridges the gap between our older and younger offerings,” says McCabe. “By incorporating the cream sherry casks, we’ve created a whiskey that boasts a rich profile of dark chocolate, blackcurrants, and hazelnuts, while still staying true to our Redbreast roots.”
Redbreast 18-Year-Old Whiskey tasting notes
Crafted from malted and unmalted barley and triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, this new expression reflects the cask combination of ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry, cream sherry and ruby port influences.
Tasting notes speak of berry fruits on the nose, think blackcurrants and raspberries, with indulgent undertones of chocolate and toasted almonds.
On the palate, rich oak tannins are balanced by the sweetness of grapes and autumnal fruits, and the complexity of freshly peeled ginger and liquorice. The influence of wine-seasoned oak is said to offer layers of dark berries, dried fruits, and orange peel, with a luxurious dark chocolate presence.
The finish is rich and long-lasting, with a blend of pot still spices, fruit, and oak.
Bottled at 46% ABV, Redbreast 18 Year Old retails for €225 ($249).
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January may feel long and grey, but one undoubted bright spot is Burns Night, the annual celebration held on January 25, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. For whisky lovers, it’s one of the most convivial fixtures of the year: a night where poetry, food and Scotland’s greatest export meet in cheerful,…
The Luxe Review 
Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey, has announced a new permanent addition to the Redbreast family. Crafted by Master Blender David McCabe and Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton, the Redbreast 18 Year Old offers an enticing twist on the distillery’s classic whiskey style.
Setting it apart from its cellar mates is the interplay of different cask types, including oloroso sherry butts, ex-bourbon barrels, and the rarely seen addition of Cream Sherry casks from the Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage.
The introduction of cream sherry casks is a first for the Midleton distillery brand, adding a syrupy sweetness and a new layer to the whiskey’s traditional character.
The whiskey was initially aged in bourbon casks for 5 – 6 years, before transferring to the cream sherry barrels for the remainder of the maturation.
A limited portion has also been aged in ruby port casks, adding depth with flavours of toasted oak, autumnal fruits, and a hint of nuttiness.
“This new addition to the Redbreast core range beautifully bridges the gap between our older and younger offerings,” says McCabe. “By incorporating the cream sherry casks, we’ve created a whiskey that boasts a rich profile of dark chocolate, blackcurrants, and hazelnuts, while still staying true to our Redbreast roots.”
Redbreast 18-Year-Old Whiskey tasting notes
Crafted from malted and unmalted barley and triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, this new expression reflects the cask combination of ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry, cream sherry and ruby port influences.
Tasting notes speak of berry fruits on the nose, think blackcurrants and raspberries, with indulgent undertones of chocolate and toasted almonds.
On the palate, rich oak tannins are balanced by the sweetness of grapes and autumnal fruits, and the complexity of freshly peeled ginger and liquorice. The influence of wine-seasoned oak is said to offer layers of dark berries, dried fruits, and orange peel, with a luxurious dark chocolate presence.
The finish is rich and long-lasting, with a blend of pot still spices, fruit, and oak.
Bottled at 46% ABV, Redbreast 18 Year Old retails for €225 ($249).
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The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
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