Redbreast 15 Years
The Redbreast series consists of so-called single pot still whiskey. This means that both malted and unmalted barley are used in the mash. Unique in Ireland, this process gives the whiskey its rich character.Fun Fact: If you sort the Redbreast bottles by age in ascending order, starting with the 12-years, the Readbreast looks at you first. On the label of the 15-years, the Readbreast takes off and is finally in flight on the 21-years.
Tasting Notes
Nose
At first, you might think it's a bourbon. We have the typical smell of solvent in our nose. A short time later, the full force of the aromas is released. Starting with caramel toffee and honey, we travel on through an orchard of apple and pear. Sweet and sour, we perceive red wine and sherry notes for the crowning finish.
Palate
Like the nose, the taste feels like a journey, where there is always something new to discover. Toffee and vanilla give the start. Further on, we discover a light, very pleasant bitterness, as well as dark fruits and a little oak at the very end. A velvety and caramel layer hovers over everything. It is remarkable that the flavours are very delicate, i.e. not penetrating and cleanly coordinated.
Finish
The finish is dry and spicy with baking cocoa and toasted oak.
Thoughts
Marcel 90/100
The Redbreast 15 is an emotional journey through sweet and spicy aromas that leaves you wanting more – a true characterful dram with depth, telling new stories with every glass. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying life with a smile in your glass.
Sascha 84/100
A well-structured single pot still whiskey that impresses with its balanced harmony of fruity, sweet, and spicy notes. The delicate layering of aromas and the dry, spicy finish make it a sophisticated choice for connoisseurs who appreciate complexity and harmony.
Value for Money: Good
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79/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does Single Pot Still Whiskey mean for Redbreast 15 Years?
Single Pot Still Whiskey is an Irish specialty where both malted and unmalted barley are used in the mash. This process gives Redbreast 15 Years its characteristically rich and complex flavor.
How does the Redbreast 15 Years differ in taste from younger expressions?
The 15-years Redbreast displays a deeper range of flavors with notes of caramel, toffee, honey, and a hint of red wine and sherry, whereas younger versions tend to be fresher and less complex. The aging imparts a velvety texture and a balanced bitterness in the finish.
Why does the Redbreast 15 Years initially smell like solvent?
The initial solvent-like aroma is typical for single pot still whiskeys and arises from the complex composition of the distillates. After a short time, this scent gives way to intense aromas like caramel, honey, and fruit that define the whiskey’s character.