Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength

I’ve been a fan of the standard Redbreast 12 for sometime now; it’s easily one of the best Irish whiskies readily available here in North Carolina. I picked this bottle up back in September 2012 while in Ireland for a wedding with my wife. This was our first trip to Ireland. While I was there I also got a chance to taste the Redbreast 15, Powers John Lane 12, Green Spot, and several of the different Jamesons. When it was all said and done I came back with the Cask Strength; however, a bottle of the John Lane almost made it back too. I’ve been waiting to open this for some time now and tonight was the night; after all it’s St. Paddy’s Day! Upon the first sip I was instantly taken back to The Stags Head in Dublin where I first had this dram. To me this is a truly magical whisky and one I will try to save for special occasions.

This was tasted neat from a newly opened bottle in a Glencairn glass. No water was added. This bottle was batch B1/11, bottled at 57.7% ABV.

Nose: Strong vanilla, slight burn due to the high ABV, bananas/fresh baked banana bread, somewhat floral (smell of local honey), apples?

Taste: Creamy, more vanilla, spicy (not pepper however), hint of citrus, floral honey (again much like my friends local honey), really rich and layered

Finish: Moderate to long, more citrus and spice leading to vanilla, maybe butterscotch, dark caramel

Balance: Very smooth, nothing overpowers, the flavors blend so well, the nose really translates well into the taste/palate.

Overall, this is a great whisky. I feel like it’s a step up from the Redbreast12 and from what I remember it has a richness that wasn’t found in the 15 (however, the 15 is no slouch). Being mainly a scotch drinker this added spiciness really appealed to me. I look forward to seeing how this bottle will mature over time and I will try to update this review in the near future at which time I may try it with touch of water.

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