The only cask strength whiskey in the range from Redbreast, this 12 Years Old single pot still whiskey is released in small batches. We are trying batch B1/23 which is released at 57.2%. This whiskey is described as giving a glimpse of Redbreast in its natural, full-flavoured taste and is made from a mash of malted and un-malted barley and then triple distilled in copper pot stills. It has been matured in a combination of bourbon seasoned American Oak barrels and Oloroso sherry seasoned Spanish oak butts.
Redbreast is currently the largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world. It is produced by Irish Distillers at their Midleton Distillery in County Cork. While Midleton Distillery has been producing single post still whiskey for well over two centuries, the Redbreast brand was resurrected by Irish Distillers back in 1991.
The Redbreast brand has records dating back to 1912 – the then owners were producing a bottled whiskey with a bird emblem as part of the associated John Jameson house of whiskeys. The Redbreast refers to the robin symbol introduced by the chairman of Redbreast’s initial owning company, Gilbeys. The last bottling by Gilbeys was in 1985 (many years after it stopped being produced), followed shortly with the brand being sold to Irish Distillers.
The 12 years old cask strength sits within Redbreast’s core range which includes a regular strength 12 years old, 15-, 18-, 21- and 27 years old plus an Iberian series featuring number of non age stated whiskeys which finish their maturation in unique casks such as Lustau Sherry and PX Sherry. A bottle should cost around £89.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright gold and the nose is vibrant and uplifting. Aromas of candied citrus peel, honeycomb and golden syrup leap from the glass and are quickly joined by further aromas of juicy peaches, apricot jam and good vanilla patisserie custard. A pinch of all-spice sits in the background.
On the palate this whiskey feels luscious, rich and velvety. The texture is lovely and has a contrasting white peppery tingle on the tongue. This is thanks to the high alcohol strength. Vibrant notes of juicy ripe apricots and peaches, some caramelised pinepple and runny honey lead the way and are accentuated by hints of crystalised ginger and that pinch of all-spice from the nose. Some sugary golden syrup notes also come through, as does a suggestion of milk chocolate and a hint of milky coffee. Some warming oaky spice rounds things off nicely.
The finish is creamy and long lasting with lots of spicy peppery tingle. Some lovely sweet oaky characteristics evolve and draw out the length. Hints of sweet vanilla, the luscious ripe fruits and that all-spice again give plenty of depth. Delicious.
What’s The Verdict?
The regular Redbreast 12 Years Old is one of our favourite whiskeys and we have long been fans. So we were excited to try this higher ABV version. It is highly impressive and has maintained the vibrancy, smoothness and flavour of original well. The cask strength nature of it has almost exaggerated these, especially the spiciness, as well as adding further depth and complexity, plus a bolder mouthfeel.
