Heritage
Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength is a highly acclaimed expression from Midleton Distillery, offering an undiluted and intense experience of classic single pot still Irish whiskey. Unlike the standard 12 Year Old, this version is bottled directly from the cask at its natural strength, without adding water to reduce the alcohol content. The production process begins with a unique mash bill consisting of a mixture of malted and unmalted barley, a hallmark of Irish single pot still whiskey. This mash bill contributes to the whiskeys distinctive creamy texture and spicy character. The spirit is then triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, a method known for producing a smooth and refined spirit. Following distillation, the whiskey is matured for a minimum of 12 years in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels (which contribute vanilla and toasted notes) and ex-oloroso sherry butts (which impart rich fruit and nutty flavors). The long maturation in these diverse casks allows the whiskey to develop immense complexity. By bottling at cask strength, all the natural oils, flavors, and aromas are retained, providing a more robust, full-bodied, and concentrated expression of Redbreasts signature profile, allowing enthusiasts to experience the whiskey as close to its natural state as possible.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Taste Notes: The aroma of Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength is intensely aromatic and vibrant, bursting with notes of pot still spice, rich dried fruits, orange zest, and a deep malty sweetness. Hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and a subtle nutty character are also present. On the palate, due to its cask strength, it is powerful yet remarkably smooth and complex, offering an explosion of flavors. Expect concentrated notes of spiced apple, pear, and tropical fruits, intertwined with rich caramel, dark chocolate, and a pronounced peppery pot still spice. The higher proof amplifies the flavors, bringing forward a creamy texture and a delightful interplay of sweet and savory elements. The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and deeply satisfying, with lingering spice, dried fruit, and a pleasant oak dryness.
Food Pairings: This bold and flavorful Irish whiskey stands up well to rich and robust food. Pair it with slow-roasted pork belly, a hearty steak, or rich game meats. It is also an excellent match for strong, aged cheeses like blue cheese or a mature cheddar. For dessert, consider intense dark chocolate, fruitcake, or anything with dried fruits and nuts. Its intensity also makes it a superb pairing for a good cigar.
Craftsmanship
A quintessential Irish pot still whiskey, Redbreast is celebrated for its rich, sherry-cask influence. Complex layers of fruit, spice, and oak come together in a full-bodied spirit that is both smooth and deeply satisfying.
