Latest Redbreast whiskey to attract enthusiasts and newcomers

Pernod Ricard has released a new 18 year old expression of its Irish whiskey brand Redbreast, making it the first permanent member of the portfolio in four years.

The whiskey, which has already accrued four Gold Medals from The Irish Whiskey Masters, Beverage Testing Institute, International Spirits Challenge, and International Wine & Spirit Competition, is the brand’s first 18 Year Old release and uses cream sherry casks to offer up a “distinctive flavour”.

The new expression, crafted by Redbreast master blender David McCabe and Redbreast master blender Emeritus Billy Leighton, draws inspiration from the inventory at Midleton Distillery while also embracing “a diverse array of cask types”.

Created using both malted and unmalted barley in the grain mix, along with being triple-distilled in traditional copper pot stills, the whiskey has then been aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon casks, Oloroso sherry casks, cream sherry casks and ruby Port casks.

Speaking about the launch, McCabe said: “This new addition to the Redbreast core range beautifully bridges the gap between our older and younger offerings. We wanted to unlock a new taste profile for the Redbreast permanent range while still offering something that feels distinctly Redbreast in its style. By incorporating the cream sherry casks, we’ve created a whiskey that boasts a rich profile of dark chocolate, blackcurrants, and hazelnuts. This expression not only honours our heritage but also showcases our commitment to innovation in Irish whiskey making.”

Leighton added: “The unveiling of Redbreast 18 Year Old is a moment of pride for us. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a variety of aged stock at Midleton Distillery and with its unique flavour profile, we are confident this will be a welcome addition to whiskey enthusiasts’ collections and a delightful first-hand experience for those new to whiskey.”

Redbreast 18 Year Old will be available from 12 September, weighing in at 46% ABV and will retail at €225 (US/$249) per bottle across markets including: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Persian Gulf, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, global travel retail, the UK and the US.

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