Redbreast Recreates an Irish Whiskey That Hasn’t Been Made in 50 Years in Latest Blended Release
Redbreast launched the 10 Year Old Distillery Edition. (Photo: Redbreast Irish Whiskey)
Redbreast created a 10 Year Old blended Irish whiskey expression from a resurrected recipe that was archived for half a century, The Spirits Business reported on Tuesday. The recipe was partially composed of a 10-year-old Gilbey’s expression, which hasn’t been made in 50 years.
The whiskey’s launch was meant to commemorate the reopening of the Midleton Distillery Experience in Cork, Ireland which was announced by Pernod Ricard in late September.
The 10 Year Old Distillery Edition hosts a percentage of 43% ABV and can be bought for a suggested retail price of $131 at the Midleton Distillery Experience and Jameson Distillery in Dublin.
The new distillery-exclusive whiskey, labeled Redbreast 10 Year Old Distillery Edition, includes the recreation of Gilbey’s expression blended with a 10 year old Redbreast whiskey from 2021. The 2021 release was meant to celebrate the brand’s 30th anniversary.
Redbreast’s Master Blender Billy Leighton crafted the expression in tandem with Blender David McCabe.
“Redbreast 10 Year Old Distillery Edition showcases not only the journey that the Redbreast brand has been on to date, but also foreshadows the unique tastes and flavors that are yet to come as the single pot renaissance continues,” Leighton explained according to The Spirits Business.
McCabe and Leighton incorporated traditional pot stills and matured the whiskey in a variety of casks: American Bourbon Barrels, Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks and virgin European oak casks.
“By using the full range of distillates alongside traditional barrels, those reserved for limited edition Redbreast offerings and the new introduction of virgin oak, the liquid serves as an homage to the full breadth of craft and flavor within the Redbreast family,” Leighton concluded.
The brand describes Redbreast’s 10 Year Distillery Edition as possessing flavors of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon and clove coupled with a dried fruity quality imbued to the spirit from the sherry casks. The European oak casks add a touch of spice, and the whiskey hosts a gentle, fruity finish.
The world of Irish whiskey has been a busy and booming one of late. In September, the Redbreast brand released a Tawny Port Cask-finished expression that was inspired by one of Leighton’s trips to the Duoro Valley in Portugal.
On Monday, Hospitality Ireland reported the newly revamped Irish whiskey experience in Middleton, Co. Cork re-opened its doors after a multimillion-euro renovation.
“It’s an honour for me to be a part of Redbreast’s remarkable journey of success as it continues to flourish,” McCabe remarked about his contributions to the latest expression. “What better way to pay tribute to this than by creating a liquid to celebrate the newly refurbished Midleton Distillery experience, where the brand’s rich past, present and future is showcased alongside those of Irish Distillers other remarkable Irish whiskey families.”
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