World Whisky Day is always a treat. New whiskeys/whiskies being launched. People being introduced to different brands for the first time by friends. Whiskey basically trending across all forms of social media. Since last year though, WWD has for me, been the wait for an ultimate Redbreast expression. And as most will already know, in my world, sherry matured Whiskey and in particular, Redbreast, is king. Last years release was the 32 year old Dream Cask that I reviewed here. Lets face it, that can’t be beaten and if anyone is expecting this release to beat it then you’re bonkers mad! This year however is a first from Midleton. I doubt they went out to try beat the 32 year old. This is Redbreast that is matured in two types of Sherry!! The usual Olorosso and now, for the first time, a release that includes a Pedro Ximénez maturation! While PX isn’t a new finish for whiskey (Dunvilles 10 and 12 year old), it is a step outside the norm for Midleton and one that is sure to tantalise our taste buds with something different. Chatting to Billy Leighton during the week he uttered what appears to be this Dream Cask’s catch phrase with pride, “Redbreast like you’ve never tried before”.
I’ve held back opening my sample that IDL sent me…..but please join us tonight here where a live tasting will take place on Facebook at 7pm! I’ll reserve any comment until I’ve tried it but as I’m sure you can guess….I am excited! Have a read below for more details!
*****Press Release*****
Redbreast Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, marks World Whisky Day 2019 with the launch of Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition. Available to purchase exclusively through the Redbreast online members’ club, The Birdhouse, the new Redbreast Dream Cask was created from a vatting of bourbon, Oloroso sherry and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks which has been re-casked and finished in a specially selected Pedro Ximénez cask – a first for Redbreast and Midleton Distillery.
Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition is a 20-year-old, single cask single pot still Irish whiskey created by Master Blender, Billy Leighton, in collaboration with Blender, Dave McCabe. The cask represents the coming together of four unique whiskey journeys spanning 20 to 33 years in age, including a rare Pedro Ximénez-matured Irish whiskey, which have been vatted together and married in the Pedro Ximénez butt to offer a unique interpretation of the signature sherry style of the Redbreast range.
The result is a luxuriously smooth and rich Irish whiskey with assertive spices and sweet, ripe fruit that slowly evolves into exotic fruits and berries, reminiscent of the classic Redbreast character. Bottled at 52.2% ABV, 924 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition will be available through the Redbreast online private members’ club, The Birdhouse, from 3pm on 27th May at the RRP of €380.
Redbreast Dream Cask is made up of the following whiskeys, which represent a cross-section of single pot still distillate styles and maturation techniques:
- Cask 1 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1998, matured in an ex-bourbon barrel and re-casked into a Pedro Ximénez sherry butt in 2012
- Cask 2 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1995, matured in an ex-bourbon cask and re-casked into an Oloroso sherry butt in 2012
- Cask 3 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1985 and matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel
- Cask 4 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1997 and matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel
Billy Leighton, Redbreast Master Blender, commented on the launch: “Rather than try to seek out another extraordinary cask from the Midleton inventory like the inaugural Redbreast Dream Cask, we set out to create a new Redbreast Irish whiskey like you have never tasted before. The coming together of three exceptional casks, originally destined for Redbreast 21, and a rare Pedro Ximénez butt is a first for Midleton, and the careful balance of sweet, spice and sherry flavours offers a new and complex take on the classic Redbreast Christmas cake flavour profile – it’s sure to add an extra cheer to your World Whisky Day celebrations this year!”
Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition tasting notes, by Head Blender Billy Leighton
Aroma: full rich aroma of liquorice and treacle toffee, giving cover to vanilla sweetness and a concentrate of caramelised dried fruits. Cinnamon and clove acknowledge the presence of the ex-bourbon influence whilst hazelnut and almond nuttiness adds to the complexity delivered by the fine old Pedro Ximénez Butt from Jerez
Taste: A rich viscose mouthful of satisfyingly assertive spices combined with sweet ripe fruit. The liquorice notes slowly evolve to reveal those typical exotic fruits and berries which define the Redbreast style
Finish: Rich and long with those familiar Redbreast berries, slow to fade
That's Dram Good 