Redbreast Irish Whiskey Expands Iberian Series With Moscatel Wine Finished Epression

(Photo: Redbreast Irish Whiskey)

On Tuesday, Redbreast Irish Whiskey announced the release of Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition, a limited-edition single pot still whiskey finished in Moscatel wine casks from southern Spain. The expression is the fifth release in Redbreast’s Iberian Series and is now available in the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $109.99.

The whiskey is bottled at 46% ABV and follows Redbreast’s established aging approach, which begins in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks before spending a final 16 months finishing — in Málaga Moscatel wine casks in this instance. According to the brand, the Moscatel casks were sourced from Bodegas Quitapenas, a historic winery based in the hills above Málaga.

Moscatel is a sweet fortified white wine produced from muscat grapes. It is known for its rich, sweet and floral notes.

Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition was blended by Master Blender David McCabe at Midleton Distillery in County Cork. The casks used for finishing were European oak hogsheads seasoned with Moscatel wine for two years before being filled with whiskey in Ireland.

“The launch of Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition is a celebration of Redbreast’s heritage, craftsmanship, and incredible legacy dating back to the late 1800s,” McCabe said in a news release. “The use of Spanish Moscatel-seasoned casks is a tribute to Redbreast’s historic ties to sherry and fortified wines, and our appreciation for the incredible people across the region, including Marta and her family at Bodegas Quitapenas, which was founded in 1880.”

Bodegas Quitapenas is led by fifth-generation family members Marta Suárez Prieto and Víctor Suárez Onrubia. The winery partnered with Midleton Distillery on the project to season the casks used for the release.

“It has been a great honor to work with David and his team at Midleton on the launch of Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition, which pays such a wonderful tribute to our rich family history,” Suárez Prieto said. “Along with my cousin Víctor, we have taken great care to season the casks perfectly, to ensure the new expression is infused with wonderful flavor notes of sweet honey, dates and caramelized fruits alongside gentle herbal, floral and citrus tones.”

Redbreast describes the whiskey as citrus-forward, with tasting notes that include tangerine, orange peel, chamomile, nutmeg, cedarwood, vanilla, floral honey, black peppercorn and clove. Keep your eyes peeled for our review and tasting notes soon.

Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition is available through RedbreastWhiskey.com and at select retailers nationwide. The release continues the Iberian Series, which explores the influence of fortified wine casks from across the Iberian Peninsula on Redbreast’s single pot still whiskey style.