Redbreast 12 Review

Redbreast is named after a bird. The robin redbreast, to be precise, and the name goes back to a wine merchant who sold the whiskey. It’s a more cheerful origin than most whisky names.

The whiskey is on the serious side. It’s one of the most admired Irish whiskeys, and enthusiasts regularly put it near the top of their lists.

Pot still, with sherry

Redbreast was originally bottled by Gilbey’s, a wine and spirits merchant, and aged in sherry casks in their cellars. It’s now made at the Midleton distillery by Irish Distillers, part of Pernod Ricard. The 12 Year Old is a single pot still whiskey, made from malted and unmalted barley in pot stills, and matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks.

It’s bottled at 40% in most markets, though the 12 Cask Strength is available at higher strength. The pot still style is Irish, and it’s known for a creamy, spicy character that’s different from both Scotch and standard Irish blends.

Sherry and spice

I like smooth and sweet whisky, and I find sherry-influenced bottles easier going than smoky ones. Redbreast is meant to be rich and fruity, with a creamy texture. On paper that fits my taste. The question is whether it’s too sweet or heavy for everyday drinking.

Trying it

I tried this neat, in the evening. I expected something rich and sherried, and it is. I also expected it to be smooth, and it’s even smoother than I thought.

Nose: Dried fruit and nuts, with spice and a hint of vanilla. It smells rich and warm, like a Christmas cake that someone forgot to over-sweeten.

Palate: Rich and creamy. Sherry sweetness, spice and fruit all come together in a smooth, round way. The texture is thick, and it has real depth. There’s no smoke and no harshness. It’s the sort of whiskey I could drink all night.

Finish: Long, warming and slightly spicy. The sherry and fruit linger for a long time. A drop of water kept it smooth.

Redbreast versus Green Spot

Green Spot and Redbreast 12 are often compared, because they are both single pot still from the same distillery. Green Spot is fresher and lighter, with more green fruit. Redbreast is richer, with more sherry. If you like one, trying the other is a natural step.

The Redbreast family

The 12 Cask Strength is a big step up in strength. The 15 and 21 are older and more expensive. The Lustau Edition is finished in sherry casks from the Lustau bodega. The 12 is the main bottle.

Value

A 70 cl bottle usually costs about £57 in the UK. For a 12-year-old pot still whiskey of this quality, I think it’s good value.

It’s priced above blends, but often seen as good value for a 12-year-old pot still. Prices differ by country.

Who it is for

It’s for people who like rich, creamy whiskey with sherry notes, and who want to explore Irish whiskey beyond Jameson. It’s also a good gift.

The all-night whiskey

I had a second glass, then a third, and I didn’t write anything down. It’s the kind of whiskey that makes you settle into a chair. The sherry never gets heavy, and the spice keeps it interesting.

Against Green Spot

Compared with Green Spot, it’s richer and more sherried. I’d say Green Spot is the one for lighter evenings, and Redbreast is for the longer ones. If I had to choose one, I’d choose Redbreast, because the sherry suits my taste.

At £57 I think it’s fair, and I’d buy it again without any hesitation.

Last word

Redbreast 12 is the whiskey I’d choose if I had to pick one Irish bottle for the rest of my life. It’s rich, creamy and smooth, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. I could drink it every night, and I’d be happy.

At £57, it’s not the cheapest, and it’s worth the money. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes sweet, sherried whiskey, and I’d keep an extra bottle in the cupboard in case of emergencies.

Verdict

Yes. It’s one of my favourites so far. I’d buy it again, and I’d give it to anyone who likes smooth, sweet whiskey.