Redbreast 18 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (700ml)

"...a silky and dessert-filled experience that is unlike any other Redbreast I’ve encountered." - drinkhacker.com

Bridging the gap between the distillery's older and younger offerings, Redbreast 18 Year Old is a novel and welcome addition to the range. While ex-bourbon casks are included, this new expression relies mostly on first-fill oloroso casks, also sporting whiskeys aged in barrels that previously held cream sherry - a first for the brand. Says Master Blender, Ian McCabe, "By incorporating cream sherry casks sourced from the Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage, we’ve created a whiskey that boasts a rich profile of dark chocolate, blackcurrants and hazelnuts.” It contrasts against its nearest neighbour, the 15-year-old, which he describes as more savoury and herbaceous. Also notable is the addition of liquid aged in Ruby Port, a component that was until now used exclusively in the top-of-the-line 27-year-old and the even rarer Dream Cask. By all reports, Redbreast 18 year old is a cracker that ups the richness on others in the line up, making for a superb dessert whiskey. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The nose is luxuriously appealing, with milk chocolate, maraschino cherry, bramble, black currant, Nutella, baked citrus, apricot, mango, oak spices, toasted nuts, and cinnamon bark. Smooth and polished on the palate, the complex cask regime serves up flavors of milk chocolate, licorice, black grape, sultana, date, ginger root, currants, and clove. The finish serves up dried fruit and licorice, with hints of leather and coffee bean. 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com

...The nose is rich and expressive and clearly inspired by those newer cask types. Top notes of strawberry shortcake, sugared almonds, and black cherry are airy but still decadent, acquiring an almost creamy texture with time in the glass. The aroma is elevated further by undertones of vanilla bean and crème brulee with fresh berries. A hint of peppery pot still spice adds some energy to an otherwise silky and dessert-filled experience that is unlike any other Redbreast I’ve encountered. The palate follows a similar theme, lush and syrupy initially with cherry cordial and blackberry jam, veering almost too far into the dessert dram lane. Things course correct however on the midpalate with more traditional Redbreast notes of white pepper, breakfast cereal, banana pudding, and candy apple before finding remarkable harmony on a long, warm finish accented with ripe red berries, vanilla cream, and candied ginger. Truly impressive. Without having sampled the 27-year-old, I have to say this is my favorite Redbreast to date. - drinkhacker.com