Redbreast Single Cask released globally

Irish Distillers has unveiled a first single barrel offering from Redbreast, its single pot still Irish whiskey. Redbreast Single Cask. will be available globally from this month. The new expression reinforces Irish Distillers’ commitment to rejuvenating the quintessential single pot still Irish whiskey style.

Redbreast Single Cask is said to offer a unique take on Redbreast’s full-bodied flavour profile, known for its Christmas cake character – the result of a strong contribution from Oloroso sherry casks. With just 576 bottles available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange at the recommend selling price of £180, the rare expression is expected to become sought after by Irish Whiskey connoisseurs and collectors.

Barrel #30087, the butt that matured Redbreast Single Cask, was crafted in late 1996 at the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Southern Spain near Jerez. The cask was then toasted and seasoned with Oloroso sherry for two years at the Páez Morilla Bodega until early 1999, when the cask was shipped to the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, filled with single pot still Irish distillate and laid in warehouse M15A until August 2015 – 16 years and 147 days later.

Only a handful of single casks are selected and bottled at Midleton each year, a process that is overseen by head blender Billy Leighton.

Redbreast Single Cask #30087 is bottled without chill filtration at 59.9% ABV and is described as having classic pot still spices with fruit and almond notes, a hint of vanilla and a balanced finish. Leighton and The Whisky Exchange team selected Cask #30087 from a choice of two Redbreast single barrel samples in March 2015.

The latest Midleton single pot still single cask release, Cask #48735, is available alongside Redbreast Single Cask exclusively through The Whisky Exchange at the RRP of £245. Crafted in the true Midleton style of ex-Bourbon cask maturation, the individual American oak barrel was laid down in early 1991 and has yielded just 186 bottles at 55.2% ABV.

Billy Leighton comments: “Redbreast Irish Whiskey holds a special place in the hearts of Irish Whiskey fans, due to its full-flavoured taste profile and its iconic history as the definitive single pot still Irish whiskey. Being able to introduce the world to Redbreast Single Cask is very exciting, as it celebrates the heart of what connoisseurs love about the brand; its exceptional ex-Sherry cask contribution, our relationship with the Spanish bodegas and respect for the craftsmanship throughout the production process. Cask #30087 offers a unique tasting experience, with rich notes of dried fruit, a velvety smooth coffee and vanilla taste with a balanced finish that can never be reproduced, so I hope Irish Whiskey fans will enjoy savouring each sip of this newest addition to the Redbreast family.”

Brendan Buckley, global innovation and whiskey portfolio director at Irish Distillers, adds: “The premiumisation and diversification of Irish whiskey is one of the category’s most exciting trends as it shows great potential for continued growth, particularly in the super-premium and above sector. We are proud to have led the revival of single pot still Irish whiskey and will continue to raise awareness of this quintessential style, and Irish whiskey in general, to educate whiskey fans about the breadth and quality that the category has to offer.”

26 February 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor