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).
Bruichladdich Distillery has unveiled the latest chapter in its Octomore experiment, with three super-heavily peated single malts exploring Scottish barley, Islay provenance and a diverse selection of casks. The Octomore 17 Series, now in its 17th year, examines the relationship between barley origin, peat and maturation, with limited quantities created from specific harvests and cask…
The Glendronach is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a limited-edition, three cask single malt inspired by the Highland home where the distillery’s story began. The 14 Year Old Glendronach Boynsmill House Edition pays tribute to Boynsmill Estate, where James Allardice founded The Glendronach in 1826. The distillery sits in the Valley of the Brambles in…
Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled a 31 Year Old single malt, the distillery’s oldest peated whisky to date. The new expression takes its name from the challenging trail between Inversnaid and Inverarnan on the north-east shores of the loch. The route forms one of the more demanding sections of the West Highland Way, passing through…
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).
Bruichladdich pushes the boundaries of peat with Octomore 17 Series whiskies
Bruichladdich Distillery has unveiled the latest chapter in its Octomore experiment, with three super-heavily peated single malts exploring Scottish barley, Islay provenance and a diverse selection of casks. The Octomore 17 Series, now in its 17th year, examines the relationship between barley origin, peat and maturation, with limited quantities created from specific harvests and cask…
Glendronach 14 Year Old Boynsmill House Edition is a sherry-matured whisky with a claret twist
The Glendronach is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a limited-edition, three cask single malt inspired by the Highland home where the distillery’s story began. The 14 Year Old Glendronach Boynsmill House Edition pays tribute to Boynsmill Estate, where James Allardice founded The Glendronach in 1826. The distillery sits in the Valley of the Brambles in…
Loch Lomond unveils its oldest peated single malt whisky to date, 31 years in the making
Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled a 31 Year Old single malt, the distillery’s oldest peated whisky to date. The new expression takes its name from the challenging trail between Inversnaid and Inverarnan on the north-east shores of the loch. The route forms one of the more demanding sections of the West Highland Way, passing through…
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