The Irish nonetheless appear to be warming as much as the concept of cask power whiskey. Whereas the numbers are actually rising, the pickings are comparatively slim while you look to the east the place the Scots have embraced excessive octane expressions for many years. After all, not almost with the identical enthusiasm and zeal as we rocket fuel-loving Yanks.
I’m in all probability improper, however it looks as if Redbreast Cask Energy was one of many earliest, broadly out there examples of a cask power Irish whiskey. (Please hold forth within the feedback part to right me!) We final sampled it over a decade in the past, and in all that point, it nonetheless stays prime of thoughts every time somebody asks for a much bigger, bolder instance of the historically milder whiskey type. Since final we tasted Redbreast Cask Energy over a decade in the past, nothing actually appears to have modified past the up to date packaging. It stays triple distilled from 100% barley (malted and unmalted) and matured at the very least 12 years in a mixture of ex-bourbon barrels and oloroso seasoned Spanish oak butts. All that stated, let’s revisit this one.
The aroma just isn’t a lot large as it’s full. Not punchy with alcohol or an elevated depth of aroma, simply rounder and extra outlined than the unique. Notes of candy porridge, buttercream, and white pepper lead issues off, and because it opens within the glass, the fruited sweets arrive in layers of Bananas Foster and lemon cream pie. There simply aren’t many Irish whiskeys with this type of nostril. Approachable however once more splendidly rounded, the palate lets free with a silky wave of darkish honey, coconut cream, and Hummingbird cake. It’s warming and gently spiced with contemporary cinnamon and clove notes. The end arrives with beneficiant notes of ripe banana and butterscotch that brighten ever so barely with a little bit of lemon oil earlier than an extended, lingering discount of almond cookies and drying oak. Beautiful stuff. Even higher than I remembered.
112.6 proof. Reviewed: Batch No. B1/21.
A / $100 / redbreastwhiskey.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Redbreast Single Pot Nonetheless Irish Whiskey Cask Energy 12 Years Previous (2023)
$100
