‘A Fusion of Irish Tradition With an American Twist’: Redbreast Unveils Whiskey Aged in Oak From The Ozarks of Missouri

Redbreast unveiled an Irish whiskey aged in Missouri oak. (Photos: Redbreast Irish Whiskey)

Redbreast Irish Whiskey announced on Wednesday the release of a whiskey finished in virgin Missouri oak casks sourced from the Ozark forest.

Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition hosts a suggested retail price of $199 and clocks in at 50.5% ABV. The whiskey was distilled from a pot still as is typical for the brand, aged in a combination of sherry and ex-bourbon casks and spent 10 months resting in the Missouri oak casks.

“The whiskey spent a total of 10 months maturing in the exquisite virgin Missouri oak barrels crafted by Kelvin Cooperage,” Redbreast Master Blender Dave McCabe said in a news release. “Due to the nature of virgin oak barrels being so giving in flavor during maturation, it was crucial for us to regularly sample the evolving liquid to ensure it imparted a measured influence that didn’t overpower the signature Redbreast style. After 10 months, the expression had attained its peak flavor, with the Missouri oak imparting distinct notes of cinnamon and ground ginger, complemented by the subtle nutty undertones of pecan pie.”

The Missouri Department of Conservation reports that Missouri Oak trees can live up to 300 years or more. The organization claims these oak trees are related to beech, chestnut and chinquapin. Redbreast Irish Whiskey claims the oak adds “nutty undertones” and aromas of pecan pie to the pour.

The brand is also sponsoring a study meant to conserve a rare bird that inhabits the forest, the Cerulean Warbler.

Redbreast has a history of supporting forest management and birdlife conservation. The whiskey brand partnered with multiple universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Arkansas State University, the University of Kentucky and the American Bird Conservancy to commission a study of the Cerulean Warbler.

A male Cerulean Warbler in its habitat.

Scientists state that the population of this bird are in decline due to harvesting practices threatening white oak forests. The white oak shortage is a looming existential crisis for the bourbon industry and beyond, and in September, congress passed a bipartisan initiative to protect the future of white oak. Due to the bourbon boom and record harvest rates, and as much as a 77% population decline of White Oak was projected if efforts to replenish forests were not made.

The harvesting of white oak has ecological effects as well, and this rare bird is experiencing a severe population decline due to the looming white oak crisis.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Redbreast on this research and are hopeful that together we can make a profound impact for years to come,” said Dr. Jeff Larkin in a statement. “The aim of our research is to gain actionable insights that will enable us to promote the highest standards of sustainable forest management, ultimately facilitating the species’ recovery.”

Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Toffee apples, ripe black fruits and cherries. Additional aromas of cinnamon, ground ginger and pecan pie are present.

Taste: A creamy, luscious texture with vanilla cream and rich berries.

Finish: Lingering, with plenty of nutty qualities and an oak backbone.

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