Redbreast Small Batch (Batch# B1/19)

I've sampled a couple of batches of Redbreast 12 CS and enjoyed both. The components appear similar between those and this Small Batch, though this is likely younger since it's an NAS release. I paid more for this one, so it should have been worth it. Batch B1/19. Bottle No. 4484. Nose: Lemon cookie and shortbread cookie. Orange and lemon citrus. Walnut and chestnut. Vanilla, butterscotch, and caramel. Graham cracker and vanilla frosting. Apple, pear, raisin, cherry, and apricot. Significant heat, as expected at 58.7%. Cinnamon, flour, and oak. Palate: Orange cream soda. Apple, raisin, plum, pear, apricot, and orange. Vanilla and caramel. Milk chocolate and toffee. Graham cracker. Cola. Shortbread cookie and a touch of the lemon cookie from the nose. Black pepper and cocoa. Almond and cashew. Cinnamon and oak hit with a strong and intense punch. Finish: Apple, raisin, date, and fig. Dried apricot and dried cranberry. Custard, caramel, and vanilla. Toffee and shortbread cookie. Walnut, almond, and a strong cashew note. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg. The length is precisely what you'd anticipate from a 58.7% whiskey – very long. Another incredible whiskey from the Redbreast line. In addition, I haven't yet encountered a cask strength Irish whiskey that I didn't love. There seems to be something to be said for a cask strength shortbread cookie. However, this isn't just a standard shortbread cookie like your average Irish whiskey. In true Redbreast fashion, it covers a wide range of fruits and sweets. It's distinct from its 12-year-old counterpart, favoring the Bourbon cask over the sherry cask. Yet, the quality is evident. Ultimately, I give a slight edge in quality to the 12-year CS. Considering it was less expensive than this Small Batch, the value for money creates a further difference between Redbreast's two CS offerings. That said, I am comparing this bottling to one of my all-time favorites. The reality is that the Redbreast Small Batch Cask Strength is an exceptional expression, earning a 4.5/5 rating from me.

Wonderful sherry and pepper spice. It keeps the mild sweetness of a typical Irish whiskey while adding depth with notes of cocoa and pepper.