In September 2024 Redbreast added a primary 18 Yr Outdated expression to its core vary. It makes use of a mix of sunshine and medium pot nonetheless distillates from Midleton distillery and fills the hole between the 15 Years and 21 Years.
The recipe for this Redbreast mentions several types of barrels. Bourbon, Oloroso (principally first-fill) and small quantity of Ruby Port wine. Additionally they point out Cream sherry casks (from their cooper Antonio Páez Lobato) that are stated to be the key to creating its profile.
Redbreast 18 yo (46%, OB 2024)
Nostril: wealthy and slightly buttery, with toffee notes and darkish fruits like blackberries, cherry jam and hints of fig bread. Some brighter hints of orange, shortly adopted by darker brown sugar. Additionally black pepper and ginger – even a touch of rye whiskey. Then a unstable prime be aware too, virtually nail polish remover. Vanilla ice cream with bits of chocolate within the distance.
Mouth: nonetheless some crimson fruits, together with candied mango, raisin bread and blackberries. Good sufficient, however slightly on the darkish facet, exhibiting some wine tannins alongside the way in which. Additionally, there’s a boozy edge to it, Mon Chéri model. Then it strikes in direction of darker chocolate and earthy / bready notes, with a touch of black pepper, cinnamon and all-spice.
End: medium size, nonetheless a touch of brandy soaked fruits with pot nonetheless spice and a few tannic edges.
Perhaps 4 forms of casks is a bit excessive right here, all of them deliver optimistic components but additionally adverse issues, particularly winey components. Extra importantly they appear to dominate the brighter, fruitier distillery character which we love a lot within the Redbreast 12 and 15 Years. General not a foul whiskey, however the value is steep. Obtainable from The Whisky Trade or Grasp of Malt as an example.
