Page 48 - Sharp Winter 2025

BETTER WITH AGE
REDBREAST IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILS AN ALL-NEW, AWARD-WINNING PERMANENT EXPRESSION
By Haley Dach
AS REDBREAST’S FIRST PERMANENT ADDITION IN FOUR
years, the Redbreast 18 Year Old unlocks a new flavour profile. Part of Pernod Ricard, a global leader in the spirits and wine industry, and produced by esteemed subsidiary Irish Distillers, Redbreast Irish Whiskey embodies a commitment to exceptional quality, with standards that are always held to the highest degree.
This past September, SHARP had the opportunity to travel to Cork, Ireland, to indulge in the full Irish experience alongside master blender Dave McCabe, and master blender emeritus Billy Leighton. From staying at the Castlemartyr Hotel, to dining at the Ballymaloe House Hotel, known for its culinary genius, to getting a full cooper demonstration by fifth-generation cooper Ger Buckley at the Hederman Smoke House, we learned the ins and outs of whiskey casks, from how they’re put together to how they’re aged. The trip concluded with a guided tour of the Midleton Distillery
grounds, home to more than 2.3 million gallons of whiskey, which is currently undergoing an expansion to double its production capacity. This was the perfect location to delve into the craft of distilling, and experience a first taste of the Redbreast 18 Year Old.
With a unique flavour twist achieved through an innovative aging process, the Redbreast 18 Year Old features a blend of cask influences, including the combination of bourbon, oloroso sherry, and for the first time, rare cream sherry casks, sourced from the Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage in Jerez, Spain. “By incorporating the cream sherry casks, we’ve created a whiskey that boasts a rich profile of dark chocolate, blackcurrants, and hazelnuts. This expression not only honours our heritage but also showcases our commitment to innovation in Irish whiskey making,” says McCabe, who was appointed master blender in 2023.
This new addition offers a rich sensory experience. The nose is a blend of ripe blackcurrants, raspberries, and sugar-glazed cherries alongside more indulgent deep layers of hazelnut chocolate and caramelized stone fruits, finished off with the warm aroma of toasted almonds, polished oak, and worn leather to add complexity. The taste is a well-rounded balance of oak tannins and the sweetness of sun-kissed grapes and autumnal fruits. Ginger and hints of licorice intermingle with the wine-seasoned oak touches of dried fruits and orange peel. The finish is long and harmonious, with spices, fruit, and oak gradually fading in perfect balance.
In addition to Redbreast holding the title of Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey, Irish Distillers employs over 800 staff across Cork and Dublin, making the company a key part of Ireland’s whiskey success. The 18 Year Old furthers this legacy, having already earned four gold medals at prestigious global competitions. The latest expression serves as an outstanding introduction for new whiskey aficionados and proves its excellence as a must-try masterpiece for enthusiasts worldwide.
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