Redbreast 12 Year

Redbreast 12 Alcohol by Volume: 40% Origin: Ireland, Clonmult Grain Composition: 100% malted and unmalted barley (% N/A) Age Statement: 12 years Maturation: Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Olorosso Sherry Casks Additional Details: Triple Distilled in Copper Pot Still On the nose, there's an immediate scent of potent green apple along with butter cookies. A hint of roasted nuts and honey cheerios is present, as well as darker fruits like plums and raisins in the background. There's a lot of vanilla and a light oaky note. This aroma is very subtle yet extremely powerful. It's gentle, but the scents keep coming. I sometimes detect a certain floral note, but not consistently. The complexity is impressive. However, after a few sips, darker notes begin to emerge, primarily leather and pepper. The lighter notes are still present but become less distinct. On the palate, there's even more honey cheerios and butter cookies. Green apple and dark red fruits are still noticeable. Plenty of vanilla and oak tannins dominate towards the end. For an 80 proof spirit, the mouthfeel is surprisingly thick. It genuinely feels like a few drops of simple syrup were added to the glass. The palate is less intricate than the nose but remains equally enjoyable. The finish is somewhat brief, but the oak tannins create a tingling sensation on the back of the tongue for a few seconds after swallowing. You are then left with a few more seconds of vanilla and a delightful french toast flavor. Overall, this whiskey is truly impressive. The complexity of the nose alone justifies the price, in my opinion. The palate and the excellent mouthfeel for a 40% ABV spirit are just added benefits. What a wonderful experience. If you're looking to get into Irish whiskey or even just copper pot stills, this is the way to start.

Review #61 - Whisk(e)y #44 Acquired as part of a Redbreast selection, alongside the Lustau Edition and 15yo, all in 50ml sizes...cost 25 euros. Not the most budget-friendly pack, but the presentation is impressive, with premium packaging and a magnetic closure. Chill-filtered - Yes Added Colour - Yes ABV - 40% Appearance - Golden color with a hint of amber, leaves relatively oily streaks in the glass. Nose - Oak, dryness, a strong cereal presence, crackers, crispbread!!! herbaceous, celery-like, honey, vanilla, orchard fruits (red apple)...cherry?, sweet orange marmalade, raisins (in the empty glass after finishing, along with caramelized sugar - crème brûlée)...alcohol and subtle oak spice. Palate - Creamy, caramel, then becomes very sharp and spicy in the middle...intensely spicy, like chili...slowly subsiding. Cereal on the back end, honey, gentle sweetness, but the spice makes it hard to discern much else! It improves slightly as my palate adjusts to the intense sharpness. Finish - Medium-long, acidic, with gradually fading spice, dry, oak, cereal. A long aftertaste with hints of dried fruit (figs, maybe), as well as orchard fruit, pumpkin seeds, and oak. My expectations were very high for this dram due to the extremely positive feedback...but it's unfortunately out of balance, with very little or no sherry character and overpowering spice. If I had tasted this without knowing what it was, I would have assumed it was an exclusively ex-bourbon cask matured Irish whiskey... I'm certainly glad I didn't buy a full bottle. Rating System: 5.0 - Perfect 4.5 - Exceptional 4.0 - Very Good 3.5 - Good 3.0 - Decent 2.5 - Average 2.0 - Below Average 1.5 - Barely Drinkable 1.0 - Undrinkable 0.5 - JB

This particular Irish whiskey is my usual choice. It costs a bit more than many blended Irish whiskeys, but in my view, it warrants the additional expense. Many blends seem bland and uninspired when compared to it. The aroma hints at Jamaican rum, with a slight funk, yet it’s also floral and carries a dried fruit note. The taste is rich and nearly velvety, featuring cherry, leather, and toffee. The conclusion is warm and sustained. There’s a touch of sweetness with very little bite. If you're new to pot still Irish whiskey, this is an excellent starting point and an easy suggestion for a daily drink. For an 80-proof spirit, it tastes like something much stronger. If the higher cost doesn't deter you, a treat awaits.

The bottle I purchased included a very cool bird feeder. Aroma: Orchard fruits, cherries, honey, dark chocolate Palate: Honey, caramel apple, buttery, baking spices Finish: Lengthy, warm, spicy with lingering oak. It tastes like a classic. I can only imagine what this would be like at a higher proof. I suspect it was wise to start here and work my way up to the stronger options. Bonus points for managing to sneak buying a bottle of whiskey as a gift for my wife. "Look at the beautiful bird feeder I bought you, dear! 😉)"

Timing: Allowed to rest for approximately 5 minutes. Appearance: Quite dark brown, just as I recall; Aroma: A medicinal whiff, herbal and green, with a hint of butterscotch somewhere within; Palate: Very sweet, sugary; minimal heat, which is ideal for this proof as the sweetness is the most prominent aspect; Finish: There isn't a substantial lingering finish here. I last had this in 2019 when I wasn't focusing on sipping; this is an excellent daily drinker but even better for special occasions like today, Thanksgiving 2024!

The aroma brings to mind dark fruits and berries such as plum, raisin, and blackberry. A subtle honey scent is present but difficult to detect. The initial taste is mellow and features dried fruit, honey, and a hint of sherry on the aftertaste. Adding ice enhances the already smooth character. Toasted oats, fruit, and honey are balanced by the sherry finish. This is an excellent whiskey and a worthwhile addition to your collection.