A Trio of Collectible Irish Whiskeys from the Iconic Redbreast
15-Year, 21-Year, and 27-Year treasures for the serious enthusiast…

For decades, Irish whiskey was something of an afterthought for spirits aficionados, but lately the category has enjoyed a significant renaissance, and it’s largely thanks to the iconic offerings from Redbreast. Produced at the famed Midleton Distillery, this brand is widely considered the definitive expression of fine, single-pot still Irish whiskey. The flagship 12-year-old is without doubt the standard-bearer, but in recent years the distillery has released several new age-stated stunners that take the signature Redbreast profile to new heights. The 15-Year is an amped up version of the 12-Year, with a brash and bold spicy component that sets it apart from other offerings in its price tier. The 21-Year is “something special” according to Whisky Advocate, flaunting its ex-bourbon barrel character in an opulent, rich fashion. Finally, the 27-Year is simply a monumentally complex specimen unlike any other from the Emerald Isle. Aged partially in ruby port cask, it takes its pot-still essence into the stratosphere of intensity in a rendition that will certainly come to define collectible Irish whiskey in the years to come. If you’re already a fan, these treasures belong in your stash, and if you’re just starting your love affair with the category, this is your perfect starting point.

Redbreast 15 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750ml) ($119.99)

92 points Whisky Advocate: “Redbreast 12 year old is a classic pure pot still Irish whiskey; where can you go from there? This new 15 year old expression is more muscular (bottling at 46% and not chill filtering certainly helps), but there are trade-offs. Its a bit closed on the nose (like a great Bordeaux wine thats too young). I do enjoy the silky/oily texture, the bold resinous oak spice grip on the finish, and the rich nutty toffee, fig, black raspberry, chocolaty, chewy nougat throughout the palate. (JH, Winter 2010)”

91 points Wine Enthusiast: “Made with a combination of malted and unmalted barley, this 15-year-old builds on the beautiful flavors of the 12-year-old version, adding big, mouth-filling caramel tones, a spicy finish and a velvety feel. It’s also higher proof than the 12-year-old and needs some dilution to help cool it down. (KN)” (03/2012)

Redbreast 21 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750ml) ($299.99)

93 points Whisky Advocate: “Honey, vanilla, peppercorn, Golden Delicious apples, macadamia nut, green banana, and clove-spiked orange. The flavors are bright with green apple, banana, vanilla, and citrus, developing a delicious creaminess to support the pot still spices. The creaminess really crowns this older whiskey as something special, with the bourbon wood playing a greater role than in younger, jammier Redbreasts. The finish is wonderfully long and warming, with spice, tangy orange, and oak. (JM, Summer 2020)” (06/2020)

93 points Wine Enthusiast: “Burnished gold in the glass, this robust sipper offers complex vanilla, caramel, almond, butterscotch and honey. A splash of water opens up fruitier notes: dried apricot, buttery baked pear and a rounded, clove-accented finish. (KN)” (03/2017)

K&L Notes: In 2018, Jim Murray awarded Redbreast the honor of Second Best Whiskey in the World and scored it a whopping 97 points. Redbreast is the quintessential example of single pot still Irish whiskey—a uniquely Irish combination of malted and unmalted barley triple distilled in pot stills—and none is better than the 21-year-old expression. While Irish whiskey languished throughout the 20th century, Redbreast held strong and true to their passion and history for making one of the world’s greatest spirits and kept Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey alive for us to enjoy today during the new golden age of Irish booze.

Redbreast 27 Year Old Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750ml) ($549.99)

93 points Whisky Advocate: “This new permanent addition to the Redbreast range is partially matured in ruby port casks, which have helped the vitality and the complexity of the finished whiskey while still delivering a remarkable intensity of red berry fruit. Orange peel, pine cone, vanilla, and walnut on the nose. Raspberry, cherry, plums, and active spices like a wildfire across the tongue, with pepper and chile heightened by the strength and menthol late on the finish. (JM)” (06/2020).