Redbreast is a distinguished brand of single pot still Irish whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard. Initially bottled by Gilbey's, a Dublin-based spirits merchant, using distillate from Jameson's Bow Street Distillery, the brand is now one of the most esteemed and widely sold single pot still Irish whiskeys globally. Redbreast is celebrated for its rich, complex flavors and commitment to traditional whiskey-making methods.

History

The origins of Redbreast date back to the late 19th century when W&A Gilbey, a London-based company established in 1857, expanded into Dublin by 1861. Gilbey's sourced distillate from Jameson's Bow Street Distillery and aged it in their own sherry casks. By 1903, a precursor to Redbreast, known as John Jameson & Sons Castle "JJ Liqueur" Whiskey 12 Year Old, was marketed. The first official mention of "Redbreast" appeared in 1912, named by Gilbey's chairman, an avid birdwatcher, after the Robin Redbreast.

In 1968, Irish Distillers began phasing out the supply of bonded whiskey to merchants, threatening Redbreast's production. However, Gilbey's successfully lobbied for continued supply. Following the consolidation of Irish whiskey production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork in 1971, Redbreast's production moved there. In 1986, Gilbey's ceased production and sold the brand to Irish Distillers, who relaunched Redbreast in 1991.

Distillery

The New Midleton Distillery, located in County Cork, Ireland, is the production site for Redbreast. This distillery, known for its extensive history and commitment to traditional pot still distillation, produces various other renowned Irish whiskey brands, including Jameson. The distillery's meticulous process and dedication to quality contribute significantly to Redbreast's unique character and global reputation.

Bottlings

Redbreast offers a range of expressions, each with distinct characteristics:

• Redbreast 12 Year Old: Aged in Oloroso sherry casks and ex-bourbon barrels, 40% ABV.
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength: Aged in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, non-chill filtered, 57.2% ABV.
• Redbreast Lustau Edition: Finished in first-fill sherry butts seasoned with Bodegas Lustau sherry, 46% ABV.
• Redbreast Kentucky Oak Edition: Finished in casks made from American oak sourced from Kentucky.
• Redbreast 15 Year Old: Aged in Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, 46% ABV.
• Redbreast 21 Year Old: Aged in ex-bourbon and first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, 46% ABV.
• Redbreast 27 Year Old: Matured in ruby port pipes, 54.6% ABV.

Special Editions

• Redbreast 12 Year Old with Project Wingman Bird Feeder: Comes in a unique copper "cage" that can be used as a bird feeder.
• Redbreast 1999 Single Cask: Aged in sherry casks, first single cask release.
• Redbreast 20 Year Old 1999 All Sherry: Bottled for Midleton and Bow St. distilleries, aged in a single sherry cask.

Accolades

Redbreast has garnered numerous awards, reflecting its exceptional quality and craftsmanship:

• 2019 Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• 2019 Winner, Ultimate Spirits Challenge
• 2018 Gold Medal, International Wine and Spirits Competition
• Redbreast 15 Year Old named Irish Whiskey of the Year in 2007

Notability

Redbreast is one of the few single pot still whiskeys still produced today, maintaining a tradition unique to Ireland. This style, once the most popular in the world, distinguishes itself from single malts by using a mash of both malted and unmalted barley, producing a rich and robust flavor profile. Redbreast, along with Green Spot, remains a testament to this enduring heritage, continuing to attract whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.