Irish Distillers is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the resurrection of Redbreast with a limited edition 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey. The new offering from the now Co Cork-based brand pays homage to the original Gilbey’s 10-Year-Old Whiskey produced by wine and spirits merchant W A Gilbey, which operated in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century.
To create the original Whiskey, W A Gilbey used Sherry casks in its vaults to mature distillate from the Jameson Distillery. To honor this method, the new Redbreast 10 Year Old comprises three distillates aged for between 10 and 15 years in both American oak ex-Bourbon barrels and oloroso Sherry-seasoned butts from Spain.
“This release rejoices the longstanding history of Redbreast Irish whiskey and celebrates the distinctive qualities which Redbreast is known for globally,” said Billy Leighton, Irish Distillers master blender. “Redbreast 10-Year-Old offers a unique, rich flavour profile with notes of tropical and dried fruit, which gives way to a balance of richness from the inclusion of Sherry casks.”
On the nose, the Whiskey offers intense aromatics of honeycomb and cedarwood with earthy notes, dried tobacco leaf and worn leather. Dark fruits linger in the background and slowly develop over time along with toasted almonds and demerara sugar, while a pot still spice intensity continues to build, adding to the complexity of flavors layered over a strong foundation of oak. The palate is rich in tannins that work in tandem with the inclusion of traditional pot still distillate creating balance between oak and spirit. The oloroso wine casks emerge to contribute marzipan and fig along with subtle hints of mixed berry compote, while delicate touches of vanilla and treacle are found lingering in the background. On the finish, the pot still spices rise to a crescendo and then finally give way to the toasted oak and delicate sweetness that lingers until the very end.
Bottled at a cask strength of 59.1% ABV, Redbreast 10 Year Old retails for €100 ($119 USD). The expression will be available exclusively via The Birdhouse, Redbreast’s online membership platform.
In October, Redbreast Irish Whiskey unveiled a new advertising campaign featuring an animated version of its iconic Robin Redbreast mascot. The longtime symbol of the iconic Irish brand is now also its voice.
