Hello and welcome, everyone! I hope you're all doing great and feeling amazing. After writing four articles on Scotch whisky—specifically my series titled "Investigating the Glenrothes Distillate"—I figured it was time to set sail for Ireland and explore three whiskies from an iconic brand and the legendary Midleton distillery.

The iconic brand I'm talking about is, of course, Redbreast—a beautiful Irish single pot still whiskey, easily recognized by its signature green and dark bottle featuring the distinctive redbreast bird on the label.

Before we go any further, please check out my previous reviews.🥃✅

About Middleton distillery

Located in County Cork, Ireland, Midleton Distillery is one of the most renowned and historically significant whiskey distilleries in the world. The original Old Midleton Distillery was established in 1825 by the Murphy family, operating for over 150 years before production moved next door to a new, state-of-the-art facility in 1975. This modern Midleton Distillery became the beating heart of Irish whiskey, producing a wide range of celebrated brands including Jameson, Powers, Green Spot, and of course, Redbreast.

Today, Midleton is both a symbol of tradition and innovation. While it carries on the rich heritage of Irish pot still whiskey, it also embraces experimental distilling through its cutting-edge equipment and talented whiskey makers. The old distillery site now hosts the Jameson Experience, offering visitors a glimpse into Ireland's whiskey-making legacy.

About Redbreast

Redbreast is one of Ireland's most beloved and enduring whiskey brands, known for its rich, complex single pot still style. Its origins date back to the early 1900s, when wine and spirit merchant W&A Gilbey began bottling whiskey sourced from the Jameson distillery at Bow Street in Dublin. The whiskey quickly gained a reputation for quality, and in 1912, it was officially named "Redbreast."

The name—and the bird on the label—was inspired by Gilbey's chairman, who was an avid birdwatcher. He affectionately referred to the whiskey as "Redbreast" after the robin redbreast, a small bird native to Ireland and the UK. The name stuck, and the bird became the enduring symbol of the brand, representing warmth, familiarity, and the comforting character of the whiskey itself.

Their core range

Redbreast's core range showcases the depth and complexity of traditional Irish single pot still whiskey. They also have several limited edition / limited series releases. Here's a rundown of their main offerings

• Redbreast 12 Year Old: The flagship expression—rich, oily, and full of dried fruit, spice, and sherry notes. Matured in a mix of bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. 40% ABV.
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength: A bolder, undiluted version of the 12 Year Old. Intensely flavorful with higher proof and more pronounced spice and fruit. 57.6% ABV.
• Redbreast 15 Year Old: A more complex and refined profile with deeper sherry influence, extra maturity, and a slightly higher ABV. 46% ABV.
• Redbreast 18 Year Old: A very refined profile with deep sherry influence, extra maturity, and perfect ABV. Extremely sought after. 46% ABV.
• Redbreast 21 Year Old: A luxurious, full-bodied whiskey with rich layers of tropical fruit, spice, and oak. One of the most awarded in the lineup. 46%
• Redbreast 27 Year Old: The pinnacle of the core range—finished in ruby port casks for an added layer of richness and exotic fruit notes. Exceptionally rare and complex. 54.6% ABV.

Images taken from redbreastwhiskey.com

Redbreast Lustau edition - Natural Color, Non-chill filtered, 46%

"Born of a unique collaboration between the Bodegas Lustau and the Midleton Distillery, Redbreast Lustau Edition is initially matured in traditional bourbon and sherry casks for a period of 9-12 years. It is then finished for 1 additional year in first fill hand selected sherry butts that have been seasoned with the finest Oloroso sherry from the prestigious Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, Spain."

About Lustau

Founded in 1896 in Jerez de la Frontera, Bodegas Lustau began as a humble almacenista—aging sherry to be sold to larger houses. Over the decades, it evolved into one of Spain's most respected sherry producers. By the 1940s, Lustau was bottling and exporting under its own name, gaining international recognition for its quality and innovation.

The 1980s marked a turning point, with the introduction of their iconic Solera Familiar and Almacenista ranges, highlighting both traditional styles and small, independent producers. In 1988, they adopted their distinctive dark bottle design, further setting the brand apart.

Now part of Grupo Caballero since 1990, Lustau continues to operate out of historic bodegas, crafting a full spectrum of sherries—from crisp Finos to rich Olorosos and velvety Pedro Ximénez. With numerous international awards to its name, Lustau remains a benchmark in the world of fortified wine and a key player in high-end whiskey collaborations, including the Redbreast Lustau Edition.

Nose: Straight off the bat, there's a lovely wave of vanilla and toasted oak, with pot still spices weaving through. A soft sherry presence brings a hint of sulfur, balanced out by grassy notes—think hay and freshly cut lawn. As it opens up, you get layers of orchard fruits—apples, pears, and peaches—followed by a medley of blue grapes, red berries, and a touch of raisin sweetness.

Taste: Toasted oak leads the charge here, backed by that signature pot still spice that gives it a warming kick. Juicy peaches and ripe red berries bring a fruity vibrancy, with the sherry influence showing up again as figs, sultanas, and dried grapes. There's a great oily texture to it—rich and mouth-coating—with espresso notes and a gentle nutty backbone adding depth.

Finish: Medium to long. Dark chocolate and orchard fruits linger, with a crack of black pepper and drying oak tannins. A spicy, slightly dry farewell that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Overall I think this one's a well-crafted, characterful dram that does a great job showcasing the classic single pot still profile. It strikes a fine balance between juicy, vibrant fruit and darker, more grounded elements like toasted oak, espresso, and sherry-soaked dried fruits. The texture is lush and oily, giving it real weight on the palate, while the spice and dryness on the finish keep things lively. It's complex but totally approachable—a whiskey that invites you to sit with it, sip slowly, and notice something new each time. I rate this whiskey 7.9 / 10. Buy it, try it. Drink responsibly.

Redbreast PX edition - Natural Color, Non-chill filtered, 46%

"Redbreast Pedro Ximénez (PX) Edition, previously a limited-edition release in our Iberian Series, is now a permanent addition to the Redbreast portfolio.

Unique among the family, Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition is a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, triple distilled, initially matured in Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks before being re-casked in delectable Pedro Ximénez Hogsheads from the southern tip of Spain, for a sweet finish."

Pedro Ximénez is a richly sweet fortified wine made from sun-dried PX grapes, which are left out on mats under the intense Andalusian sun to concentrate sugars before being pressed. The resulting must is fortified and aged in a solera system, often for many years.

Nose: Opens with a wave of sweet vanilla and caramel wrapped around classic pot still spice. There's a solid hit of dried fruits—raisins, figs, and a touch of red berries—followed by gentle oak and a savory layer of hay and grass. As it settles, brighter notes of strawberries, raspberries, and cranberry come through, with soft orchard fruits like apples and pears hanging out in the background. It's bold, layered, and quite expressive.

Taste: Sweet and almost syrupy right from the start, with a thick, oily texture that coats the mouth beautifully. Big sherry vibes—rich figs, sticky dates, and juicy raisins dominate. Seville orange zest and ripe peaches add a citrusy lift, all carried by that signature pot still spice. There's toasted oak here too, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a flicker of those orchard fruits again underneath it all.

Finish: Long, and nicely balanced between sweetness and dryness. Black pepper and pot still spice take the lead, backed by grassy hay notes. As it fades, you get dark chocolate, spiced sherry fruits, and a dusting of cinnamon to round it all out.

Overall I think this is a bold and full-bodied whiskey that leans heavily into the sweeter, sherry-driven side of the spectrum—but without losing balance. The richness of the Pedro Ximénez influence is unmistakable, bringing a wave of dark fruits and syrupy sweetness, yet it's lifted by zesty citrus, fresh berries, and that ever-present pot still spice. The mouthfeel is thick and luxurious, and the finish keeps things lively with pepper, spice, and a dry kick that reins in the sweetness just enough. It's indulgent, but with enough complexity to keep you engaged from nose to finish—a dram for slow sipping and quiet appreciation. I rate this whiskey 8.1 / 10. Buy it, try it. Drink responsibly.

Redbreast 12 Cask Strength edition - Natural Color, Non-chill filtered, 57.2%

"Made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley and then triple distilled in copper pot stills, Redbreast 12 boasts the flavour complexity and distinctive qualities of Pot Still whiskey. Matured in a combination of Bourbon seasoned American Oak barrels and Oloroso Sherry seasoned Spanish oak butts, the distinctive Redbreast sherry style is a joy to behold in each and every bottle. The Cask Strength expression gives a glimpse of Redbreast 12 in its natural, full flavoured taste."

Nose: Starts off with a soft layer of vanilla and caramel, quickly joined by orchard fruits—think apples, pears, and juicy peaches. There's a bright citrusy kick too, mostly orange zest with a hint of lime in the mix. The sherry cask makes itself known through figs, raisins, and dates, all laced with a touch of sulfur. You'll find subtle earthy notes like hay and a whiff of varnish, rounded out by toasted oak, black pepper, and a dusting of cinnamon. Complex and very inviting.

Taste: The ABV sits nicely—plenty of flavor without overwhelming heat. That classic pot still spice jumps right out, bold and warming. Vanilla and stone fruits carry the sweetness, followed by sherry-soaked raisins, red berries, and a healthy layer of toasted oak. There's a repeat of that light sulfur note from the nose. Things turn darker with espresso, rich dark chocolate, and cinnamon spice. It leans dry overall, but raspberry jam and sugared strawberries add just enough fruit-laced sweetness to keep it balanced.

Finish: Long and drying, with pot still spice taking the spotlight again. Cracked black pepper, toasted oak, and a gentle sweetness—vanilla and a touch of sugar frosting—linger on. Orchard fruits and a subtle sherry echo bring it to a satisfying close. A lovely, layered finish.

Overall I think this dram is full of character and complexity, with that unmistakable pot still spice driving the experience from start to finish. The balance between sweet and dry is well-played—vanilla, orchard fruits, and jammy red berries sit comfortably alongside toasted oak, espresso, and a touch of sulfur for depth. The sherry influence is strong but not overpowering, adding layers without masking the spirit. It's punchy, flavorful, and lingers beautifully, making it a great showcase of the pot still style with a sherried twist. Definitely one that keeps you coming back to explore more in every sip. I rate this whiskey 8.4 / 10. Buy it, try it. Drink responsibly.

My overall impressions

Tasting through these three Redbreast expressions has been a deep dive into the versatility and complexity of Irish single pot still whiskey. While each bottle tells its own story, they all share a common backbone: that rich, oily texture, unmistakable pot still spice, and a confident layering of sherry-driven sweetness.

The Lustau Edition brings elegance and depth—full of sherried richness, orchard fruits, and a nutty, slightly dry finish. It feels like the classic all-rounder, well-balanced and full of charm.

The Pedro Ximénez Edition leans into indulgence. It's dessert-like in the best way, dripping with dark fruits, syrupy sweetness, and warming spice. Despite its richness, it still holds its shape thanks to bright fruit and zesty citrus undertones. A real treat for fans of heavier sherry styles.

The final dram the Redbreast 12 Cask Strength takes a bolder turn—punchy, spicy, and layered with toasted oak, dark chocolate, and jammy red fruit. There's a slightly rustic edge with sulfur and hay notes, giving it character and a bit of attitude.

Altogether, these three showcase Redbreast's mastery of balance—between fruit and spice, sweetness and dryness, tradition and innovation. Whether you're after finesse, indulgence, or raw power, there's something here to savor.

Some of the photos featured in this article are not my own; I've credited the original owners. All other images bearing my logo were taken and are owned by me.

Feel free to check out the scores and rankings I've given to each whisky I reviewed.

Thanks for reading—I hope you enjoyed it! Here's to many more drams. Sláinte!

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