Redbreast 12 Years

Redbreast 12 Years Old Irish Whiskey Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Produced at the New Middleton Distillery in the south of the Republic of Ireland.
  • Type: Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey.
  • Distillation and Maturation Process: Triple distilled exclusively in traditional copper pot stills. Matured in oak casks for not less than 12 years, with a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
  • Age Statement: 12 years.
  • Color and Clarity: The color suggests a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, indicating it's not solely matured in sherry casks.
  • Bottle Design: The label is noted to be difficult to read, featuring three different letter types described as "incredible, awful, and uneasy to read."

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: A harmonious balance of spicy, creamy, fruity, sherry, and toasted notes.
  • Unique Characteristics: Noted for its complex fruitiness, significant sherry influence, and a peppery sharpness that is distinct from the alcohol content. The pot still note is described as strong for a 40% ABV whiskey.
  • Comparison: Distinguished from other Irish blended whiskies by its lack of a distinct grain whisky aroma, showcasing instead strong notes of caramel, vanilla, and a bit of maltiness.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Name Origin: Named after the Robin Redbreast, a small singing bird that stays in Ireland during the dark winters, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Irish whiskey.
  • Production Insight: Single pot still whiskey is unique to Ireland and particularly to the Middleton distillery, embodying the quintessential style of Irish whiskey.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Irish Heritage: Redbreast 12 years old is emblematic of the traditional Irish pot still whiskey, showcasing Ireland's unique contribution to whiskey production through its use of both malted and unmalted barley and triple distillation process.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "A wonderful note of sherry, definite oak and fruitiness, complex fruitiness."
  • "This is the pot still note. And the sherry is significant, yeah."
  • "12 years is a long time for maturation so there's a lot coming out of those casks."

Summary

  • Redbreast 12 years old is an Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey from the New Middleton Distillery.
  • It features a complex flavor profile with a harmonious balance of spicy, creamy, fruity, sherry, and toasted notes.
  • The whiskey is named after the Robin Redbreast, reflecting its deep Irish roots.
  • It is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks for at least 12 years.
  • The whiskey stands out for its significant sherry influence, complex fruitiness, and a unique peppery sharpness.
  • It is distinguished from other Irish whiskies by its strong notes of caramel and a lack of distinct grain whisky aroma.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • For Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for the craft of whiskey making and the unique characteristics of Irish pot still whiskey will find Redbreast 12 years old particularly enjoyable.
  • For Sherry Cask Fans: Individuals who enjoy the influence of sherry cask maturation on whiskey will appreciate the significant sherry notes and complex fruitiness of this whiskey.
  • For Beginners: Newcomers to whiskey might find the complex flavor profile and the smooth balance of spicy, creamy, and fruity notes an excellent introduction to Irish pot still whiskey.