Earlier this yr, once we caught our readers up on Redbreast’s PX Version from 2021, we additionally famous the thrill round this bottle, Kentucky Oak Version, one other restricted launch from Midleton Distillery that hit cabinets in the summertime of 2022. There’s fairly a bit occurring with this one, so I’ll simply let the press people clarify issues:
Redbreast Irish Whiskey, created by Irish Distillers at Midleton Distillery, is embarking on an thrilling new chapter because it unveils a devoted whiskey assortment for america. The American Oak sequence celebrates the influential and integral position of native wooden within the manufacturing of Redbreast Irish Whiskey, giving provenance to the wooden and distinctive American Oak influences to the whiskey.
The primary restricted launch within the revolutionary sequence, Redbreast Kentucky Oak Version, is comprised of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills and matured in American Oak Bourbon barrels and Spanish Oloroso sherry butts, earlier than being completed for a interval of three to 7 months in naturally air-dried PEFC licensed [read: sustainably harvested] American Oak sourced from the Taylor Household’s Elk Cave Farm in Kentucky. These casks have been hand chosen for ending, utilizing the very best quality white oak, to impart extra candy notes of vanilla and elevated wooden spices.
So, simply to be clear, that is traditional Redbreast with a singular virgin oak end. And never simply any virgin oak. Solely 63 casks had been used for this launch, all comprised of lumber harvested from the identical sustainably managed farm in Kentucky. Let’s test it out.
The aroma isn’t a lot altered from the traditional pot nonetheless character of conventional Redbreast 12. Wholesome layers of heat nuts, citrus, and spice are current, all wrapped in a honeyed, malty embrace. There’s maybe a bit extra shaved coconut within the combine, however exterior of that, there’s not a lot proof of the ending cask on the nostril. The palate, nonetheless, is one thing altogether totally different. And improbable. Sticky vanilla bean and banana pudding give option to buttery peach cobbler and Italian almond cookies. It’s impressively balanced with a wealthy, complicated sweetness that’s by no means too decadent. Woody spices, unique and warming, supply a well-integrated distinction and permit the creamy, dessert-inspired profile to actually shine. The end is lengthy and luxurious with vanilla cream, candied apricots, and apple strudel. It’s going to be exhausting for Redbreast to high this debut Oak Version going ahead. However I stay up for watching them attempt.
101 proof.
A / $100 / redbreastwhiskey.com
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