Redbreast Tawny Port
We've had Irish whiskeys with the iconic robin logo in our glasses time and time again in the past. And the Redbreast releases from the Middleton distillery have consistently won us over. As part of the Iberian Series, we now have the Redbreast Tawny Port, following a well-established recipe. This Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey aged in Bourbon and Oloroso casks, followed by a final 14-25 month finishing period in Tawny Port Hogsheads. The end product, however, is bottled without specifying its age.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On smelling the Redbreast Tawny Port, a mild symphony of cereal aromas unfolds, accompanied by a hint of plastic cherry lollipops that evoke sweet memories. A harmonious mix of caramel, vanilla and oak adds a complex depth. The freshness and softness add a gentle, refreshing dimension to the bouquet. A balanced whiskey that appeals to the senses with its mildness and multi-layered sweetness.
Palate
When tasting the whiskey, one first experiences a tingling caramel, followed by a subtle fruitiness that refreshes the palate. The malt gives it a pleasant depth, while the honey adds a sweet, enticing note. The texture is creamy and adds a velvety smoothness to the enjoyment. Overall, this Redbreast presents itself light yet full of flavour nuances.
Finish
The finish of the Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is medium long and leaves a subtle but bitter-rich finish on the palate.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
Despite its well-known Redbreast character, the Tawny Port Finish brings a fruity freshness that’s genuinely enjoyable – even if the whisky doesn’t feel quite as elegant as the older expressions. For those who appreciate straightforward drinking pleasure with a touch of sweetness, it’s a solid companion, though not entirely worth every penny.
Sascha 83/100
The Redbreast Tawny Port demonstrates a solid balance between malt, caramel, and port wine-induced fruitiness, yet it falls short in complexity compared to the 12- and 15-years releases. The structure feels somewhat less delicate, which is a critical point given the higher price, but the creamy texture and harmonious finish still impress.
Value for Money: Fair
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What makes the Redbreast Tawny Port special compared to other Redbreast expressions?
The Redbreast Tawny Port undergoes an additional maturation of 14 to 25 months in Tawny Port hogsheads after aging in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. This combination imparts a unique fruity sweetness and complexity that sets it apart from the classic Redbreast variants.
Why is there no exact age statement on the Redbreast Tawny Port?
The Redbreast Tawny Port is bottled without an age statement because the maturation periods in the different cask types vary, and the final product is a blend of various vintages to ensure a consistent and balanced flavor profile.
How does maturation in Tawny Port casks influence the whiskey’s flavor?
Maturation in Tawny Port hogsheads introduces fruity and sweet notes such as caramel, vanilla, and a subtle fruitiness to the whiskey. At the same time, it provides a velvety texture and a harmonious balance between sweetness and a gentle bitterness on the finish.