Red Breast Irish Whisky 12yo

Distillery Background and History

Redbreast is a storied Irish single pot still whiskey brand produced by Irish Distillers (a Pernod Ricard subsidiary). Its origins trace back to the early 20th century when Gilbey’s Dublin blended and matured pot still whiskey under the “Redbreast” name. Eventually, Irish Distillers assumed full control and consolidated production at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork. Today, Redbreast is considered a benchmark in the Irish single pot still category, celebrated for depth, richness, and fidelity to traditional methods. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Redbreast’s production overseers aim to preserve the distillery’s hallmark elegance and complexity. The philosophy emphasizes maintaining balance between vibrant fruit, spice, and oak — especially in the 12-year expression, which highlights the house style of pot still richness without over-oaking. The blending team carefully selects casks and marries bourbon- and sherry-matured stocks to match the brand’s signature profile. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Redbreast 12 is produced from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, typical of Irish single pot still whiskey. Water is drawn from local sources near the Midleton region, including the Dungourney River catchment. Internal yeast strains are used to ferment the wash, playing a role in the development of spicy and fruity esters. 

Distillation Process

The whiskey is triple distilled in copper pot stills (wash, intermediate, spirit stills), following the classic Irish tradition. This extra distillation helps ensure smoothness and refinement while retaining enough congeners to build complexity. 

Maturation & Cask Information

Redbreast 12 is matured in a combination of bourbon casks and ex-Oloroso sherry casks (some sources note “sherry and bourbon casks”). This dual cask regimen imbues the whiskey with both crisp, lighter oak notes and darker, richer dried fruit and spice character. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Spicy and fruity aromas, toffee, toasted wood, honey, dried fruit and light oak. 

Palate: Full, silky texture. Rich with fruit, spice, sherry notes, toasted oak, honey and nutty undertones. 

Finish: Long and satisfying. Complex flavors linger — spice, fruit, oak and dried fruit notes persist. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with dark chocolate, raisin and nut desserts, mature cheeses (like aged gouda or Comté), roasted game meats, dried fruits, and rich nutty pastries.

Service Methods and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to open the aromatics. Use a Glencairn or tulip whisky glass to focus the nose. Ideal drinking temperature: ~16-18 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, the whiskey is stable and not intended for further aging. Store upright in a cool, dark environment (around 15-20 °C). Once opened, consume within 1–2 years to preserve aromatic integrity.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single Pot Still (malted + unmalted barley)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40 % (80 proof)