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).
Heaven Hill, one of America’s most historically important distilleries, has launched Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in the UK, through an exclusive partnership with Majestic. The release marks the UK debut of the signature expression. Heaven Hill traces its roots back to the late 1800s and became widely known during the…
The Macallan has announced the Romantica Collection, a prestige single cask release to mark the centenary of The Macallan 1926, the legendary whisky that has repeatedly broken auction records. Distilled in 1926 and bottled 60 years later, it remains the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold. The last known sale of The…
Welcome to The Luxe Review podcast — where the whisky is limited, the Chardonnay has opinions about geography, and the listening bar is apparently a lifestyle now. Anne: The team has been covering a lot of ground this week — cask innovation, distilling heritage, a global wine competition, and a collaboration that pairs high-fidelity audio…
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).
First pour: Heaven Hill Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old wheated bourbon is a real sweet charmer
Heaven Hill, one of America’s most historically important distilleries, has launched Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in the UK, through an exclusive partnership with Majestic. The release marks the UK debut of the signature expression. Heaven Hill traces its roots back to the late 1800s and became widely known during the…
The Macallan Romantica Collection is an ultra-rare 40 Year Old Single Cask tribute to the world’s most valuable whisky
The Macallan has announced the Romantica Collection, a prestige single cask release to mark the centenary of The Macallan 1926, the legendary whisky that has repeatedly broken auction records. Distilled in 1926 and bottled 60 years later, it remains the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold. The last known sale of The…
The Luxe Review podcast: A week of wine and whisky crossovers
Welcome to The Luxe Review podcast — where the whisky is limited, the Chardonnay has opinions about geography, and the listening bar is apparently a lifestyle now. Anne: The team has been covering a lot of ground this week — cask innovation, distilling heritage, a global wine competition, and a collaboration that pairs high-fidelity audio…
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