Redbreast 12-Year-Old is One of the Best Whiskies You Can Buy at a Cheaper Price Point
This Irish whiskey is a staff favorite here at Whiskey World because of its affordable price and rich, nuanced flavor. It is a single-pot still whiskey made in the traditional method, making it both distinctive and easily accessible compared to other Irish whiskies.
This Redbreast 12-year-old review is a must-read for any whiskey enthusiast, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting. In this piece, we analyze this outstanding whiskey, discussing its hue, aroma, and taste. We’ll talk about this bottle’s presentation, packaging, and aesthetic from the perspectives of both the buyer and the recipient of a gift. Shall we pour ourselves a glass?
A Quick Summary of Details
- The country: Ireland
- The county as a Region of Cork
- Midleton Distillery
- Single-pot still distillation.
- Barley mash with and without malt is the main ingredient.
- Cooling effect: Yes
- Colors? Definitely!
- Alcohol by volume: 40%
- 12 years of age
Nose
When you first crack open the bottle of this Irish whiskey, you’ll be hit with an explosion of toasted fruit, oak, and spicy sweetness. As one delves deeper, one finds elements of apple, date, and prune in the fruitiness, as well as honey, vanilla, and cinnamon in the oak and spice notes.
- The aroma of this whiskey is a beautiful combination of sweet and savory, beckoning you to pour some into your go-to glass.
- When the Redbreast 12 has had time to breathe, the initially spicy aromas reveal a fascinating green freshness. The whiskey’s alcohol content and caramel and citrus flavors are enhanced with a good swirl in the glass.
- This whiskey has a bit of a kick to it, which might be a little overpowering if you’re taking your time to sniff it. This is a minor inconvenience that may be avoided by simply turning your head or giving your drink another stir.
- In general, the scent of the Redbreast 12-year-old Irish whiskey is inviting and complex.
Tasting Notes
Sweet aromas of buttered hot-cross buns, dried-out fruits, baked spices, and peppery oak greet the palate with the first sip of Redbreast 12-year-old Irish whiskey, making for a warming and smooth drinking experience. There is a hint of alcohol burn when consumed neat.
This whiskey blossoms when diluted with water. There’s a noticeable uptick in sweetness, with notes of caramel and brown sugar emerging. This bottle’s sweetness is one of its selling points for those who prefer their whiskey on the sweeter side.
The whiskey has a slightly drying aftertaste because of its maturation in both bourbon and sherry casks, and the oak flavors are copious and pleasant. There is something for both neat and water whiskey enthusiasts in the Redbreast 12-year-old, as it is both tasty and sophisticated.
Since it is an Irish single-pot still whiskey, it is produced in a pot still instead of the more common column stills. This process results in a spirit that is heavier and oilier, which gives Redbreast its signature richness and body. The Redbreast 12-year-old is a whiskey of extraordinary harmony; each sip reveals new nuances of flavor. This smooth whiskey should be at the forefront of your list if you’re trying to expand your collection with some high-quality Irish options. Next to each other on a table in the dark is a pair of whiskey cups labeled “Redbreast.”
Color
This whiskey has been chill-filtered and colored with E150 caramel colorant, so keep that in mind right at the outset. This whiskey is crystal clear, with a gorgeous, rich hue that is both inviting and captivating, despite the controversy surrounding both of these methods. Its rich amber color demands attention and beckons you to explore the complex spicy flavors of this exquisite dram.
The 12-year-old was caramel-colored with E150, as was previously reported. The inclusion of caramel has given the whiskey a wonderful, rich amber coloring, which might irritate some people (but not others, because many whiskies are artificially colored).
The amber body is crystal clear as a result of the cold filtration process. This Irish whiskey’s crystal clear appearance is an additional selling point. You need not worry about cloudiness if you prefer your whiskey on the rocks.
Value
This whiskey, which typically costs around £50, is a fantastic present no matter the occasion. This nip, aged for 12 years, is surprisingly gentle on the palate.
Juicy fruit, toasted oak, and comforting spices greet the scent, while flavors of hot-cross buns made with butter, dried fruits, baking spices, and spicy oak make up the tongue. Redbreast 12 is a single pot still with a sweet and spicy flavor thanks to its maturation in both bourbon and sherry casks. Redbreast 12 is an excellent choice if you’re in the market for Irish whiskey. The rich and peppery characteristics on the tongue complement the sugary fruit nuances on the scent, making this whiskey a versatile choice.
Presentation
Presentation-wise, the single-pot still whiskey holds its own. The burgundy, cream, and gold color scheme of the packaging for this whiskey, which comes in a sturdy gift box, is quite subdued. Its avian name is reflected in its feathery hue. These sophisticated tones are a great match, and they’d look great on your bar cart, shelf, or tabletop.
The Redbreast 12 has a lovely design, making it an excellent present. Even before taking a sip, the cute little robin on the label is sure to put a grin on your face. You may buy this whiskey without having to worry about skipping your mortgage payment every month, and it will be a welcome addition to your collection of fine Irish drams.
Because of its classic style, the presentation side features relatively few distractions. Only a third of the rectangular cream label is used, making for a calm and uncluttered design.
The dark green bottle has a narrow neck and embossed ‘Redbreast’ text, suggesting gently that it is structured like a still. The bulky, nearly barrel-like base diameter makes for a solid hand feel, yet it may be too wide for those with smaller hands. The tulip shape of the neck makes it easy to hold and pour from. Whiskey World thinks the bottle looks great; it’s sophisticated, understated, and traditionally packaged. Some of the wonderful things about this whiskey are secondary, but they’re still nice.
Review of Redbreast 12: Closing Thoughts
There is no better value than the Redbreast 12-year-old Irish whiskey. It has a wide variety of flavors, is surprisingly affordable, and offers excellent value. If you want to experience some good Irish whiskey without breaking the budget, this is a great option. We are confident that you will be equally impressed by this fine dram whether you are new to Irish whiskey or an experienced connoisseur of the spirits from the Emerald Isle.