Whisky Discovery #80

Redbreast 12 Year Old (40% abv)
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Circa £40.00 70 cl

Redbreast 12 Year Old

This was our second dram at the Midleton Stand and dram No.6 of the afternoon. I was really looking forward to trying this as I've heard lots of good things about Redbreast 12 Year Old and have been trying to decide whether I should buy this expression, or spend the extra and get the cask strength'

It was first launched in 1939 as the brand name given to the pot still whiskey supplied by Jameson to whiskey bonders before bottling at the distillery became the norm in 1968. Stocks of whiskey in bonders' stores petered out, and thus Redbreast all but disappeared until its re-launch by the distillery in the 1990s as a single pot still whiskey.

This pure pot still whiskey is matured for a minimum of 12 years in sherry casks and Bourbon barrels. Like all good pot still whiskeys, it is strongly flavoured and assertive, making it a rare treat for the connoisseur of fine old whiskey.

Redbreast 12 Year Old was awarded the overall trophy for the second consecutive year in the International Wine & Spirits competition. Also Winner of Double Gold at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Nose: A mature fruitbowl (pears, brown bananas, strawberries), vanilla, and cloves.

Palate: Thick texture, floral and creamy with burnt ginger cake

Overall: Rich and complex but still easy-drinking…“Classy”.

Remains an all-Ireland great...a treat for even the most experienced connoisseur' (Jim Murray). 'Highly Commended' in the Irish Whisky category at Best of the Best.

Another whiskey listed in the 101 and it was as good as I had been anticipating, even at 40% abv. However for my shelf I think I will be going for the cask strength expression.