Redbreast Lustau vs Redbreast PX: Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:21 am

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Redbreast Lustau vs Redbreast PX in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Irish Whiskey is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Redbreast Lustau vs Redbreast PX: Comparison

Redbreast Lustau: A bold and spicy twist on traditional Redbreast, featuring a nose of dried figs and black pepper, with a palate of spice and nutty apple. Its finish is long, with brown sugar and oak. Perfect for those looking to explore a sherry cask-finished whiskey with a complex flavor profile.

Redbreast PX: Luxuriously smooth, this whiskey showcases toasted nuts and dried fruit on the nose, ripe fruit and chocolate on the palate, and a long finish of fruit and oak. Offers a rich exploration of sherry-finished whiskey, ideal for sipping neat to fully appreciate its depth and balanced character.

Key Difference: Redbreast Lustau finishes in oloroso sherry butts, while Redbreast PX finishes in Pedro Ximénez casks.

Comparison: Redbreast Lustau offers a unique oloroso sherry finish, providing spice-forward flavors at a more accessible price point. Redbreast PX, with its Pedro Ximénez finish, leans towards a sweeter, more luxurious experience. Both express the excellence of Redbreast, tailored to different palates and price ranges, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best-Rated Redbreast Whiskeys

Redbreast Lustau: A Bold & Spicy Twist on Redbreast Tradition

Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Redbreast 12

Aromatic Intrigue:

Spicy & complex: The nose opens with strong hints of dried fig, interwoven with notes of clove, black pepper, and a touch of oak, creating a captivatingly complex aroma.

Full-Bodied Delight:

Satisfying mouthfeel: Redbreast Lustau boasts a full-bodied texture, delivering a weighty and satisfying sensation on the palate.

Flavorful Adventure:

Spicy start, nutty core: The initial sip introduces a burst of pleasant spice, quickly transitioning into nutty flavors of almonds and walnuts.
Sweet & reminiscent finish: Hints of caramelized apple and fig emerge, leading to a lingering finish reminiscent of spiced rum, marked by the sweetness of molasses and brown sugar.

A Unique Twist:

Oloroso influence: The influence of Oloroso sherry casks sets Redbreast Lustau apart from the traditional Redbreast 12, offering a richer and more spice-forward experience.

Award-Winning Excellence:

Recognized quality: Redbreast Lustau has garnered accolades such as a Gold Medal at the Irish Single Pot Still Whiskeys and the title of “Master” at the Irish Whiskey Masters.

Overall:

Redbreast Lustau offers a unique and flavorful journey for whiskey enthusiasts seeking an alternative to the classic Redbreast 12. Its full-bodied character, bold spice notes, and delightful sweetness make it a distinct and captivating expression.

Redbreast PX: A Luxuriously Smooth Exploration of Sherry-Finished Delight

Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
How to drink: Neat

Aromatic Enchantment:

Captivating bouquet: The Redbreast PX opens with a mesmerizing nose, featuring pronounced notes of toasted nuts, followed by an enticing medley of dried fruit and baking spice.

Velvety Smoothness:

Luxurious mouthfeel: This whiskey boasts a remarkably smooth and buttery texture, creating a delightful sensation on the palate.

Flavorful Journey:

Fruity symphony: The initial sip unfolds with vibrant flavors of ripe fruit, transitioning seamlessly into rich chocolate and baking spice.
Subtle complexity: A touch of oak influence emerges, complemented by hints of toasted almond, adding depth and complexity to the profile.

Long-Lasting Warmth:

Satisfying finish: The experience concludes with a long and pleasantly warm finish, leaving behind a lingering aftertaste of fruit and oak.

Perfectly Balanced:

Enjoy neat: No need for additional water, as the Redbreast PX strikes a beautiful balance, showcasing its flavors without any harshness.

A Masterful Creation:

Crafted with expertise: Produced at the esteemed Old Midleton Distillery in Ireland, renowned for its exceptional whiskey production.

Part of a Legacy:

Rich heritage: The Redbreast brand belongs to Pernod Ricard, a renowned spirits company known for prestigious brands like Glenlivet and Chivas Regal.

Overall:

The Redbreast PX is a remarkable whiskey experience, offering a luxuriously smooth texture, captivating aromas, and a delightful exploration of sherry-finished flavors. Enjoy it neat to appreciate its full, balanced character.

What’s the difference between Redbreast Lustau and Redbreast PX?

Redbreast Lustau is a whiskey without an age statement, having been matured for approximately 9 to 12 years and then finished for a year in first-fill sherry butts that were seasoned with oloroso sherry from the Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, Spain.

Oloroso, a fortified wine, is known for its nutty aromas and tasting notes of dried fruits, toasted hints, and tobacco.

The PX is a single pot still, triple-distilled whiskey that undergoes aging in Bourbon and Oloroso casks before being finished in Pedro Ximénez Hogsheads from the southern region of Spain.

Pedro Ximénez is a grape variety known for producing naturally sweet dessert wines that bear the same name.

These wines are characterized by their aromas and flavors of raisins, dates, and dried figs, often accompanied by a touch of spice and chocolate.