Redbreast 12 Cask Strength Batch B1/17

I've had another batch of this before, and it was wonderful. It’s my belief that distilleries in Ireland and Scotland ought to offer unreduced versions of their primary spirit, at least occasionally. Let's see how the distillery handled this offering. Nose: Notes of rich plum, raisin, date, and fig. Hints of shortbread cookie, toffee, vanilla, and caramel. A prominent black cherry flavor with undertones of apple, pear, and apricot. Very perfumed. Earthy and woody notes reminiscent of the standard version. Strong oak presence mixed with subtle cinnamon and other baking spices. Quite pleasant. Palate: Dominant walnut, cashew, and pistachio flavors. Orange soda provides added sweetness to the fruit notes detected on the nose. The black cherry, apple, pear, and apricot flavors persist. Milk chocolate, cocoa, brown sugar, vanilla frosting, caramel, toffee, graham cracker, and shortbread cookie. Balanced by oak, cinnamon, and other baking spices. Finish: Cashew, walnut, and almond. Black cherry, Gala apple, and pear. Shortbread cookie, toffee, brown sugar, caramel, and vanilla. Orange soda emerges strongly near the end, lingering until it fades. Concurrently, the cinnamon, baking spice, and oak contribute to a superb conclusion. A lengthy finish, as anticipated for a whiskey at 58.2% ABV. Exceptional. Far better than I recall, and I thoroughly enjoyed it then. Admittedly, the two batches are separated by a few years. Furthermore, this bottling has a slightly higher alcohol content, which might account for its increased complexity. Whatever the reason for its excellence, this is a premium whiskey. It's a serious contender for my favorite Irish whiskey ever. In fact, it's the most potent by alcohol content I've experienced from Ireland. From beginning to end, this is a standout. The black cherry note is a welcome addition to the expected Redbreast flavor profile. At $85, this is an incredible bargain.