Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength Irish Whiskey

Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength is a masterclass in mature, expressive pot still whiskey—a dramatic and layered dram that delivers bold character, complexity, and richness in every sip. Despite the potent ABV, most find it approachable, balanced, and deeply rewarding.

Overview & Production

• Style & Heritage: A signature single pot still Irish whiskey from Redbreast, produced by Midleton Distillery—celebrated for carrying forward Ireland’s distinctive pot still tradition 

• Strength: Bottled at cask strength—typically around 57.6% ABV (115–116 proof)—offering the whiskey in its potent, undiluted form 

• Maturation: Aged 12 years in both bourbon-seasoned American oak barrels and Oloroso sherry-seasoned Spanish oak butts, resulting in Redbreast’s signature rich, sherry-infused profile 

Tasting Notes

Nose

Expect a complex and fragrant bouquet—a blend of fruity and spicy with toasty wood undertones 
Detailed notes include:

• Juicy Fuji apple, plum, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and toasted almond 

Palate

Full-flavored and opulent, this expression delivers:

• Vanilla, baked cherries, and honey layered with rich fruit and spice, supported by subtle oak 

• Some batches showcase red apple, bright cherry, Chinese five spice, and nutty sherry richness that evolves to black cherry, toffee, and burnt fruitcake 

• Another perspective notes a sweet, creamy core of citrus, lemon shortbread, marzipan, honeyed syrup, and a toasty nuttiness emerging over time 

Finish

• Long and lingering, this whiskey unfolds layers of fruit and spice before revealing toasted oak and barley 

Depth & Complexity

• One tasting profile describes enduring flavors: bitter chocolate, coffee, burnt oat biscuits, blackcurrant lozenges, and even milky bran flakes, balancing raisin syrup with a flinty, astringent grace

• Another review highlights an “intense flavor bomb”: vanilla, cinnamon spice, caramel, black pepper, dried fruit, a buttery mouthfeel, and a rich butter-and-pepper finish 

Community & Critical Reception

• Whisky Advocate (Batch B2/19): Rated 92, describing it as “easy‑drinking,” balancing fruit and spice with strong sherry notes and a savory, chewy finish 

• Whisky Sidekick (The Last Drop Review): Gave a 97—calling it sweet, creamy, with pleasant heat and flavors that include whipped cream, lemon shortbread, marzipan, ripe fruits, honey, and a zesty finish 

• Reddit chatter shows mixed passion: while many rave about it, a few found it underwhelming—but strong consensus praises its power and depth 

Summary Table

This Batch is 57.2% ABV (114.4 Poof), 750 ml

"An intense nose like a fruitcake to the face unfolds beautifully with a drop of water. On the palate, it’s honeyed and peppery with notes of apple and baking spice. Robust with a seemingly never-ending finish." 97 Points, 2017 Ultimate Spirits Competition