Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength

Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition Nose reveals immediate notes of vanilla and sweet oak, alongside tropical fruit hints of papaya and guava, as well as black cherry cola, mulled apple cider, and spice cake. A viscous mouthfeel mirrors these flavors on the palate. The finish brings spicy cinnamon. Redbreast Cask Strength As anticipated, this expression lacks the oak and vanilla intensity of the Missouri Oak Edition. The nose and flavor profile are leaner, less expansive, and more focused. Flavors include chocolate-covered cherries, pomander, dark caramel, and fruitcake. It's not as viscous as the Missouri Oak Edition. The finish doesn't deliver a significant impact but the expected high-proof presence is certainly noticeable. Lingering notes evoke vanilla cake with chocolate icing. Blue Spot Cask Strength This is one of my favorite whiskies, Irish or otherwise. Tasting notes include honey, vanilla, hot candied cashews, ginger, warm brownies, espresso, and banana bread. It displays a controlled ostentatiousness; it flaunts its qualities, and Blue Spot certainly does. This is not like some common whiskies, but you might need a high tolerance to enjoy it. I am surprised I haven't reviewed this since late 2023. At that time, I had only tried it at a restaurant, but I have since acquired several bottles, including some brought back directly from Ireland by a friend (it can be found there for about $US 120 versus ~$300 here). Would I purchase it again? Yes, at either price. I already have a backup bottle in inventory. It's one of the best. There is no substitute for conducting side-by-side tastings, even for whiskies that might seem incongruous or not part of a similar set. Tastes are influenced by context. These three are Irish, and two are from the same producer, but each is distinct in ways that might not be recognized when tasted individually at different times. I appreciate cask-strength whiskies. Let's not even discuss the economics of water dilution. Anything less than cask strength or barrel proof is essentially a water-diluted version of what was in the barrel. It has nothing to do with what tastes 'best.' If that were the case, there wouldn't be a minimum requirement (40% ABV / 80 proof), nor would there be so many common ABVs (43%, 45%, etc.). If I had to rank these three whiskies, it would be Blue Spot, Missouri Oak, and 12-year Cask Strength. This is surprising to me because I love the latter (and still do), and the second one is more diluted. Each of these are hedonistic and contemplative whiskies, Irish or otherwise. Cheers!

My experience with Irish Whiskies has been up and down. Most have been unappealing to me, some have been completely bland and lacking complexity, yet others have pleasantly surprised me. Redbreast 12 year Cask Strength is among the latter. It's potent. Naturally, it would be: bottled at a fiery 112(ish) proof, this isn't weak, watered-down swill. Its full-bodied taste is interesting.... it begins slightly sweet and a bit salty? It has a subtle butterscotch sweetness vibe in the background. Then you encounter the spices. Abundant spice, but not the herbaceous kind found in a Rye. No... this spice is more like a hot cinnamon spice, accompanied by some warmth from the proof. The finish is long, lingering, and a bit oily in the sense that it coats the tongue. It's good. It's not groundbreaking, but it's good. I now wonder: is this the peak of Irish Whiskey?

appearance: chestnut oloroso sherry; many quick falling legs/tears aroma: wood spice, vanilla, honey, citrus, fruit/berries, bourbon, ethanol, apricot... a bit of water brings cinnamon, milk chocolate, more vanilla and spices palate: "smooth" for being cask strength, candied apple, red apple. water brings out oak and astringency aftertaste: hot, peppery, with heat resonating down the chest these are just some initial thoughts. for an irish whiskey, something about it reminds me of a bourbon. those not accustomed to higher alcohol content might notice and be put off by the ethanol heat/smell/taste. the standard redbreast 12 comes at 40% alcohol by volume, so it would be interesting if they offered something in the 43-46% range. definitely something every serious whisky enthusiast should try at least once, since nothing else is like it

Absolutely Stunning. While I generally favor bourbon, Redbreast is a spirit I frequently revisit. I've sampled many of their selections, but this one stands out above the rest. It presents a rich and exquisite aroma, more pronounced than in their other selections. Notes of dense dried fruits like plum and apricot, accompanied by a gentle touch of spice. Absolutely no peat! Upon sipping, the whiskey's genuine character emerges. The dried fruit notes persist strongly, complemented by a creamy, delicate custard flavor, supported by the spirit's higher proof. It's smooth and silky, yet robust and potent. A welcome departure from bourbons that are excessively oaked and vanillied, even at higher proofs. This bottling possesses significant character, and plenty of it.

I'd been anticipating tasting this for ages. Actually, years. It absolutely delivered. The aroma offers thyme, botanicals, and a spicy nuttiness. The taste is sweet yet subtle, with fruit that isn't overly ripe. A really nice warmth emerges, fixing the sole drawback of the standard, less potent bottling. It possesses a robust character that's surprisingly and confidently in tune with a delicate side. I've just had some and feel connected to everything. Alright, I admit I've had a bit much tonight, but I'm trying to explain how engaging and fulfilling this spirit is. So kindly leave if you find my description too abstract. It's a fantastic damn whiskey, alright? Goodnight.

2021 Batch 1, 56.3% ABV. The aroma offers berries, cream, and a shortbread cookie. A strong ethanol presence is immediately apparent but dissipates with aeration, even after just a few minutes in the glass. On the palate, it satisfies my preferences perfectly, and I'm not typically a huge fan of Irish whiskey, though my appreciation is growing. Flavors include whipped cream, vanilla custard, berry compote, apple, cinnamon, and shortbread. I believe it surpasses B1/20 slightly, but I would require a side-by-side comparison to be certain, which is feasible since I still have some of the 20 remaining. This is a truly delightful whiskey. While the cost has recently increased, it has secured a permanent place in my collection.