Redbreast has introduced a Tawny Port Cask Edition, a limited-edition single pot still Irish whiskey finished in tawny port casks from Portugal’s famed Douro Valley.
Created by Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe, Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is a single pot still Irish whiskey initially matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. To add a new dimension to the flavor profile, a portion of these maturing whiskeys were recasked into tawny port casks for a number of years. All of the whiskeys were then blended and completed their maturation journey by marrying in freshly seasoned tawny port hogsheads for a final maturation period of 14 to 25 months.
The inspiration for Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition started 12 years ago, when Leighton took a trip to the Douro Valley in Portugal to visit some of Midleton Distillery’s partner cooperages and winemakers.
“We were enjoying lunch with the late renowned winemaker Joaquim Anacleto and Gesprove Winemaker José Pinheiro overlooking the valley, discussing the various wines and spirits that had influenced our whiskeys,” says Leighton. “And, being in the valley, we began to imagine how Tawny Port’s intricate flavor profile could affect our whiskies. Curiosity took hold, and we decided to make this daydream a reality – and we are quite pleased with the impeccable result.”
The resulting whiskey offers sweet and warming confectionery notes of buttered pastry accompanied by aromas of caramelized almonds with subtle undertones of praline and dried cherry. Scented floral honey with whisperings of a delicate herbal character lingers in the background while the seasoned oak and pot still spices accentuate the sweet and full-bodied nature of this wonderfully balanced whiskey.
On the palate, it is rich and nutty at first with notes of chocolate-coated hazelnut and salted caramel, followed with fresh plums and dried fig. The tannins’ soft presence works in harmony with the luscious and creamy texture, evoking notes of orange marmalade with delicate hints of toasted oak. The lingering finish sees the pot still spices and fruits slowly fade, leaving the tawny seasoned oak to have the last word.
“Redbreast Tawny Port Edition’s flavor profile is well within our flock’s DNA, yet it provides an exciting twist from another part of the Iberian Peninsula,” McCabe added. “Each subsequent expression in the series will represent a new discovery from this rich region which to date has greatly influenced the Redbreast style over the course of its history.”
Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition marks the third release of the brand’s Iberian Series. The series is inspired by Redbreast’s long-standing connection to some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most celebrated cooperages and winemakers. Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is the second limited edition to join the series, following the Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition, and permanent expression and series anchor Redbreast Lustau Edition.
Bottled at 46% ABV, Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition will be available in the USA for $99.99 per bottle. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
In May, Redbreast unveiled the latest edition to its Dream Cask Series, a 27-year-old single pot Irish whiskey known as the Port to Port Edition.