Whiskey tonight is Redbreast 12 year Cask Strength. It's another bottle nearing empty that needs homage. That appears to be how it's going to go.
Redbreast is Irish whiskey, specifically 'single pot still' whiskey. The hallmark of Irish whiskey is smoothness, due its' triple distillation. This is more than Scotch (twice distilled) and American (once distilled) whiskies. I'm working on a post 'Whisky or Whiskey?' about the differences, coming soonish. Single pot still is a style unique to Ireland, originally created to avoid paying taxes on malted barley, and there are a very limited number commercially sold. That number will soon be growing though, look at the explosion in new distilleries in Ireland! Not long ago there were the two big boys, Midleton and Bushmills, and the (formerly) independent Cooley distillery. Redbreast is made at the New Midleton distillery, which also produces Jameson. We saw Old Midleton distillery back in 2015. Definitely worth a visit.
I first tried Redbreast on that trip to Ireland, at a whiskey bar in Galway called Garavan's. What else was in the flight I don't remember (assuming it also had Jameson 12), but I don't remember loving the Redbreast dram at the time. Though it was probably my first whiskey flight ever, and five years ago. I hadn't been into it very long.
Fairly recently I had Redbreast again and liked it, and decided to get a bottle. After looking on Flaviar, I realized the 110+ proof Cask Strength version was only like $10 more than the 80 proof standard. Supposedly they are also from choice casks. The decision was easy.
Here's Master of Malt.
As I sip it tonight...
Smell: Mostly alcohol, something sweet, caramel?
Color: Pretty light caramel coloring (imagine that!)
Taste: Big time flavor, some sweetness, fruit or sherry, and nice spice as well
Finish: Wonderful combination of classic Irish smoothness and lightly spicy burn
I love the delicate combo of sweet and spice, smooth and strong. It gently lingers on your tongue and in your throat. Another one Danielle loves, rare at this proof. Just as the Barrel Proof was the best bourbon I've owned, I think this is the best Irish. Though there may be some contenders soon in the form of the Irishman and Yellow Spot. Mmm.
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