Redbreast 12 Year Old Tasting Notes

	Redbreast 12 Year Old
	Midleton Distillery
	Single Pot Still
	40%

 

Tasting note compiled by Mark McLaughlin (@mark_rye)

 

Introduction

The quintessential Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, a stablemate in nearly all Irish Whiskey fans drinks cabinets, cupboards, shelves or simply in their glasses. It’s admired by almost all whiskey fans for its dynamic display of pot still characteristics and sherry cask dominance. Referred to sometimes as the Christmas whiskey, because of both its Christmas cake (an alcohol soaked fruit cake) notes and its tendency to be kept for special occasions.

Redbreast is a brand synonymous with both Pot still whiskey and sherry cask maturation. Interestingly I overheard many moons ago I heard that this 12 year old expression only contained 23% whiskey matured in ex-sherry casks which is mind blowing given the dominance of the sherry notes in the flavour profile. Now whether that is, or ever was, the case is irrelevant but it’s clear that the work of Master Blender, Billy Leighton and in recent years his apprentice, Dave McCabe their consistency and quality of output is unmatched outside of the Redbreast range.

Color

IDL amber, I’d assume there’s a touch of colouring, but don’t quote me on that.

 

Nose (Aromas)

Subtle pot still spices with warming vanilla, honeycomb and a smattering of rich fruits and spices. It’s quite elegant with marzipan, white chocolate and cinnamon and cedar spice.

 

Palate & Finish 

Red berries like redcurrants and cherries, maybe dipped in a touch of chocolate if you really want to spice up your evening. Oily and viscous with clinging brandy soaked fruits and spices, almost like a hot sherry with a cinnamon stick thrown in, maybe a touch of orange zest. The lightest hint of stone fruit with a nice whack of coconut in the back, with just enough length.

 

Verdict

Just top notch.

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