Redbreast Irish Whiskey has introduced Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition, a limited-edition single pot still Irish whiskey finished in tawny port casks from Portugal’s Douro Valley.
Created by Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe, Redbreast Tawny, this 92 proof expression was initially matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. To add a new dimension to the flavor profile, a portion of these maturing whiskeys were recasked into tawny port casks for a number of years. All of the whiskeys were then blended and completed their maturation journey by marrying in freshly seasoned tawny port hogsheads for a final maturation period of 14-25 months.
The inspiration for Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition started 12 years ago, when Leighton took a trip to the Douro Valley to visit some of Midleton Distillery’s partner cooperages and winemakers.
“We were enjoying lunch with the late renowned winemaker Joaquim Anacleto and Gesprove Winemaker José Pinheiro overlooking the valley, discussing the various wines and spirits that had influenced our whiskeys,” said Redbreast Irish Whiskey Master Blender Billy Leighton. “And, being in the valley, we began to imagine how Tawny Port’s intricate flavor profile could affect our whiskies. Curiosity took hold, and we decided to make this daydream a reality – and we are quite pleased with the impeccable result.”
“Redbreast Tawny Port Edition’s flavor profile is well within our flock’s DNA, yet it provides an exciting twist from another part of the Iberian Peninsula,” added Redbreast Irish Whiskey Blender Dave McCabe. “Each subsequent expression in the series will represent a new discovery from this rich region which to date has greatly influenced the Redbreast style over the course of its history.”
This marks the third release of the brand’s Iberian Series. The series is inspired by Redbreast’s long-standing connection to some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most celebrated cooperages and winemakers, and combines the rich heritage and craft of the region with the excellence of Midleton Distillery’s single pot still whiskeys. Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is the second limited edition to join the series, following the 2021 release Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition, and permanent expression and series anchor Redbreast Lustau Edition.
Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is available for $99.99.
