Welcome back to Whiskey@Work! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating story and flavors of one of the most beloved Irish whiskeys, Redbreast. Before we jump in, a quick reminder: the Mountain West Whiskey Festival is fast approaching on March 8th! If you haven’t snagged your tickets yet, head over to mountainwestwhiskeyfestival.com. Trust us, this event will sell out, and the food and experience are well worth it—even if you’re opting for a non-sampling ticket.
Now, onto the star of today’s discussion: Redbreast Whiskey.
A Brief History of Redbreast
The roots of Redbreast trace back to the early 1900s, starting with the iconic Jameson Bow Street Distillery in Dublin. W&A Gilbey, a wine and spirits merchant founded in 1857, was instrumental in bottling Redbreast. Interestingly, the “W&A” in their name stands for brothers Walter and Alfred, who had served in the Crimean War.
The first official mention of Redbreast whiskey appeared in 1912 when Gilbey’s began selling their “Redbreast J.J. Liqueur Whiskey 12 Years Old.” The name “Redbreast” came from Gilbey’s chairman, an avid birdwatcher, who nicknamed the whiskey after the robin redbreast, a bird native to Ireland. Unlike the robins we see in North America, Irish robins are smaller, with a striking red crest that brightens the Irish winters as they remain year-round residents.
Redbreast’s Brush with Extinction
Redbreast nearly disappeared in the 1970s. Irish whiskey had hit a low point globally, and many distilleries were struggling to stay afloat. However, W&A Gilbey persuaded Irish Distillers to continue supplying them with pure pot still whiskey, keeping the Redbreast name alive. Thanks to this persistence, the brand not only survived but thrived, becoming a flagship of traditional Irish whiskey craftsmanship.
The Taste of Redbreast
The most common and accessible expression of Redbreast is the Redbreast 12-Year-Old, often considered the perfect introduction to Irish whiskey. It’s smooth, balanced, and offers a gateway to their more exclusive options, like the Redbreast 27-Year-Old—a true masterpiece.
We recently sampled the Redbreast 10-Year-Old, an 86-proof beauty that’s finished in Bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks. The PX finish adds a delightful sweetness to the whiskey, complementing the spiciness from the Bourbon barrels and the dry richness of the Oloroso sherry. The result? A smooth, slightly heated sip with layers of complexity.
Why Redbreast Stands Out
One of the unique aspects of Redbreast is its reliance on the traditional single pot still method, a hallmark of Irish whiskey. This technique combines malted and unmalted barley, distilled in copper pot stills, resulting in a creamy, rich mouthfeel. It’s a style that sets Redbreast apart from many other Irish whiskeys on the market.
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just beginning your journey, Redbreast offers something for everyone. From its approachable 12-Year-Old to its luxurious 27-Year-Old, each sip tells a story of tradition, resilience, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Closing Thoughts
If you haven’t had the chance to explore Redbreast yet, make it a point to do so. And if you’re lucky enough to attend the Mountain West Whiskey Festival, keep an eye out for other incredible Irish whiskeys to sample.
