For what feels like a lifetime, I’ve championed the glories of Irish whiskey, expounding with evangelical fervor on the virtues of its velvet-smooth drams. Yet, inevitably, amidst the impassioned symphony of whiskey discourse, one question pierces through like a perfectly tuned violin note: “But have you tried Redbreast?”
Until recently, I was the tragic protagonist of this tale, my answer a sheepish, muttered “No.”
Shame? Oh, you don’t know the half of it.
But as the Irish themselves might say, faigheann rún daingean an chraobh—the steadfast purpose wins the laurels. And Redbreast, the pride of New Midleton Distillery, isn’t just greatness distilled—it’s a symphony, a love letter to heritage and innovation, sung in liquid form.
New Midleton Distillery: Ireland’s Alchemist
Let’s set the scene: County Cork’s rolling green hills, the whispers of the River Dungourney, and nestled within, New Midleton Distillery—a veritable Hogwarts for whiskey lovers.
Born in 1975 but steeped in the traditions of its predecessor, Old Midleton Distillery, this bastion of Irish distilling blends cutting-edge craftsmanship with a reverence for age-old methods. It’s home to the titans of Irish whiskey—Jameson, Powers, and, reigning supreme among the connoisseurs’ favorites, Redbreast.
Single Pot Still: Whiskey’s Maverick Method
What sets Redbreast apart? The answer lies in the enigmatic artistry of Single Pot Still distillation. This uniquely Irish process marries malted and unmalted barley in a mash that’s triple-distilled in copper pot stills. Think of it as a culinary symphony where every ingredient is essential, yet the interplay transforms each into something transcendent. The result? A whiskey so richly textured and multifaceted, it could rival the works of Joyce or Yeats.
Redbreast 12 Year Old: The Gateway to Bliss
Consider the 12 Year Old your golden ticket into the Redbreast realm. As you pour, the whiskey glimmers in your glass like molten amber, hinting at the treasure to come.
The aroma is an intricate dance—ripe orchard fruits lead, followed by the teasing spice of clove and nutmeg, underscored by a chorus of honeyed citrus and toasted oak. Close your eyes, and you’re transported to a sunlit Irish meadow, wildflowers swaying in the breeze, the hum of life all around.
On the palate, it’s an aria of balance: creamy malt intertwines with dried fruits, caramel, and a kiss of sherry sweetness. The finish? Long, warming, and endlessly satisfying—a lingering embrace that leaves you both fulfilled and yearning for more.
Redbreast Lustau: The Artisan’s Touch
And then there’s the Lustau Edition, a whiskey that straddles the line between tradition and artistry with effortless grace. A decade in bourbon barrels followed by a finishing school stint in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts from Bodegas Lustau elevates this dram to a masterpiece.
The nose is a decadent feast of dark stone fruits, roasted nuts, and warm spices, with sherry’s sweet caress rounding out the edges.
Sip, and you’re greeted by an orchestra of flavors: rich plums, citrus-vanilla, and almonds waltz together on an oily, luxurious palate. The finish is a crescendo of caramel, baked apples, and sherry’s lingering warmth—a dessert disguised as whiskey.
Lustau isn’t just a whiskey; it’s a conversation starter, a showpiece, and, at its price point, a revelation.
Redbreast 12 Cask Strength: The Wild Muse
For those who dare to dream big, the 12 Year Old Cask Strength offers an untamed expression of the Redbreast spirit. Bottled at natural strength, it’s a whiskey that roars like a gale across the Irish Sea, bold yet somehow impossibly refined.
The nose is a carnival of delights: sugar-dusted pastries, vanilla, funky oak, and cherry skins mingling with the earthy whisper of leather-bound tomes and rain-kissed moss. Each sniff promises a story—a whiskey novel waiting to unfold.
On the palate, it’s a textural masterpiece, a creamy wave of chocolate-dipped fruits, caramel, and a daring streak of black pepper. The higher proof amplifies every note, creating a sensory experience akin to a symphony’s climactic crescendo.
And the finish? It lingers like a lover’s kiss, warm and coppery, with just enough spice to remind you that this whiskey has a rebellious streak.
Redbreast: A Whiskey with Wings
The songbird emblem isn’t mere decoration; it’s a metaphor for Redbreast’s spirit. Each expression soars, from the approachable elegance of the 12 Year Old to the intricate artistry of Lustau and the untamed brilliance of Cask Strength.
In its essence, Redbreast is a passport to Ireland’s soul, a journey through its heritage, landscapes, and the boundless creativity of its distillers. So next time someone asks, “Have you tried Redbreast?” let your answer be not just “Yes,” but a resounding “Sláinte!” accompanied with a knowing smile.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Irish Distillers International Limited.