Jameson Redbreast 12yo Cask Strength Whiskey

Redbreast Irish pot-still whiskey has been sold since 1939 and is frequently hailed as Ireland’s finest.

The Old Midleton distillery was part of the Cork Distillery Company, which merged with John Power & Son and John Jameson & Son in 1966 to form Irish Distillers.

The new company was joined in 1972 by Bushmills, a situation which created a monopoly on the production of Irish whiskey. The Old Midleton boasted the world’s largest potstill, with a capacity of over 31,500 gallons.

The new Midleton is an enormous modern distillery in County Cork built by Irish Distillers in 1975to streamline the production of its many brands. The transfer of production between the distilleries was seamless: the distillery workers left the Old Midleton distillery in the evening and started at the new complex the following morning.

This brought an end to nearly 200 years of Jameson production in Dublin, but the Old Jameson Distillery in Bow Street is now a visitor’s centre. Tourists can also visit the Midleton complex, which is home to many other brands beside Jameson, including Green Spot, Paddy, Power’s and Redbreast.

Batch B1/22 of Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength is triple distilled in copper pot stills, from a combination of malted and unmalted barley, this single pot still Irish whiskey matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. Expect the classic, full flavoured Redbreast profile, but at a punchier cask strength of 58.1% ABV. One to cosy up with on a cold winter’s day.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Some sherry character, with dried stone fruits, oaky spice, and a twist of candied orange peel.

Palate: Silky mouthfeel, with fruitcake, spiced apple compote, and toasted vanilla marshmallows.

Finish: Warm oak builds, with baking spices lingering.