Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey, has launched its latest expression, the Redbreast 18 Year Old. This new addition marks a significant release for the brand as the first 18-year-old whiskey in its lineup, offering a unique take on the classic Redbreast style. Priced at an MSRP of $249.99, the Redbreast 18 Year Old is available nationwide as of September 2024.
The Redbreast 18 Year Old has already gained recognition, winning four gold medals at prestigious 2024 global tasting competitions, including The Irish Whiskey Masters and the International Spirits Challenge. The whiskey introduces cream sherry casks into the Redbreast range for the first time, adding a new dimension to its flavor profile. It has been aged in a mix of ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry, cream sherry, and ruby port casks, resulting in a rich and complex whiskey.
Master Blender David McCabe, along with Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton, meticulously crafted the Redbreast 18 Year Old. Using a combination of malted and unmalted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills, the whiskey offers layers of flavor, including blackcurrant and raspberry notes, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. The addition of ruby port casks, as seen in the Redbreast 27 Year Old, further enhances the whiskey with autumnal fruit and nutty tones.
The Redbreast 18 Year Old has been designed to complement the brand’s core range, bridging the gap between younger offerings such as Redbreast 12 Year Old and older expressions. According to McCabe, the goal was to create a whiskey that feels distinctly Redbreast while offering a new and innovative flavor profile. The cream sherry casks, sourced from Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage, introduce a sweetness and depth that elevates the overall experience.
Tasting notes for the Redbreast 18 Year Old highlight berry fruit aromas, hazelnut chocolate, and caramelized stone fruits on the nose. The taste is full-bodied, with oak tannins balancing the sweetness of grapes and autumnal fruits, while the finish is rich and lasting, showcasing the whiskey’s complexity.
For more information about the Redbreast 18 Year Old and other offerings, visit www.redbreastwhiskey.com or follow @redbreastus on Instagram.