Redbreast 27 Year Old Irish Whiskey Review

By Paer Johansson

Rating: A-

Irish Distillers, part of Pernod Ricard and the makers of fine Irish Whiskey such as Jameson, Midleton and “the Spots” have just released their oldest ever permanent expression of Redbreast at 27 years old. This single pot still whisky contains whisky matured in Ruby Port barrels designed to bring a new complexity and depth in form of fleshy fruity characteristics to the Redbreast range.

Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe decided to add the Ruby Port casks to the successful standard combination of bourbon and sherry casks in order to create this older expression to join the 12, 15, 21 year olds and Lustau in the regular line.

Bottled at a cask strength of 54.6%, it’s produced in limited quantities and released in 11 markets.

The Whiskey
The color is a beautiful golden yellow that reflects in the rapid, narrow legs indicating an oily but not overly sweet whiskey.

The nose is absolutely beautiful and complex (at first just yum!). Then the scent develops a succulent mix of strawberries and raspberries mixed with a clear base of ripe plums and vanilla sweetness. After a while a hint of lime cuts through the fruitiness and a malty backdrop of biscuits with mature cheddar cheese completes the vision of complexity and maturity.

The plums are very clear on the palette together with essential oils of blood orange. Spiciness of chili and cinnamon compliments the fruitiness perfectly and leads into a lingering and velvety aftertaste with after-eight thins joining the pepper and spices.

The Price
This is a wonderful complement to the Redbreast permanent line-up. At €495 ($500), it is not a budget-choice, but for a premium, well-matured Irish Whiskey, it proudly takes it’s place on any after-dinner table or as a special gift to a special someone.