Bushmills 10 vs Redbreast 12: Irish Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:13 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 Bushmills 10 vs Redbreast 12 in this in-depth comparison and decide which 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

Bushmills vs Redbreast: Comparison

Bushmills 10: Irish whiskey, smooth with honey, banana, and spices. Medium finish with chocolate, oak. Enjoyed neat, 80 proof. Budget-friendly, good for newcomers.

Redbreast 12: Rich Irish whiskey, vanilla, fruit, sherry notes. Creamy, complex, long spicy finish. Neat, 80 proof. Premium, for depth and complexity lovers.

Verdict: Both Bushmills 10 and Redbreast 12 showcase the quality of Irish whiskey. Bushmills 10 is accessible, smooth, making it a great entry point. Redbreast 12 offers richness and complexity for those seeking depth. Each stands out for its unique qualities, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Bushmills 10: A Smooth and Affordable Irish Dram

Nose: Honey, ripe fruit, baking spice
Palate: Banana, honey, cinnamon, clove
Finish: Medium, milk chocolate, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Bushmills Black Bush

Inviting Aroma: The initial nose reveals a delightful honey fragrance, followed by tropical fruit notes like banana and mango. A subtle hint of baking spice and a touch of alcohol are also present, although the alcohol aroma diminishes as the whiskey breathes.

Fruity and Spiced Palate: On the taste buds, this Irish whiskey delivers a wave of ripe fruit and honey sweetness upfront, followed by warming notes of cinnamon, clove, and a touch of oak spice.

Subtle Finish: The finish lingers for a moderate length, offering hints of milk chocolate and oak spice with minimal warmth. Allowing the whiskey to rest for a few minutes and adding a drop of water can further enhance its flavors.

A Straightforward Sip: While not the most complex expression, the Bushmills 10 delivers a smooth, subtle, and sweet experience that is characteristic of Irish whiskey. Compared to the standard Bushmills Original, the 10 Year offers a noticeable step up in terms of body and flavor.

Versatile Choice: This easy-sipping whiskey can be enjoyed neat, with a drop of water, or even mixed in cocktails. Its affordability makes it a budget-friendly option for exploring Irish whiskey or creating homemade mixed drinks.

A Good Starting Point: While seasoned whiskey enthusiasts might find it lacking in complexity, the Bushmills 10 offers a decent and accessible entry point for those curious about Irish whiskey, particularly those who appreciate smoother and less intricate drams.

Additional Notes:

Crafted with 100% malted barley, making it a Single Malt Irish Whiskey.
Aged primarily in ex-bourbon barrels with some influence from sherry casks, contributing to its flavor profile.
Triple-distilled, contributing to its smooth and refined taste.
Awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, showcasing its quality.
Produced at the historic Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland, currently owned by Jose Cuervo.

Redbreast 12: A Smooth and Complex Irish Gem

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, ginger, orange peel
Palate: Ripe fruit, citrus, sherry, baking spice, oak
Finish: Baking spice, red fruit
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Yellow Spot

Inviting Aroma: The initial aroma of Redbreast 12 delights with a pleasant vanilla fragrance, interwoven with hints of caramel, a touch of ginger, and a subtle citrus note. This sets the stage for a promising and inviting tasting experience.

Luxuriously Smooth: On the palate, the whiskey boasts an exceptionally creamy and rich texture, encouraging you to savor each sip. This luxurious mouthfeel is a hallmark of Redbreast 12.

Layered Flavor Profile: The taste opens with a wave of ripe fruit, followed by delicate hints of citrus and sherry, culminating in a pronounced oak presence. This creates a well-balanced and layered flavor profile, showcasing the complexity of this Irish whiskey.

Lingering Warmth: The finish is long-lasting, leaving a pleasant warming sensation on the palate. Notes of baking spice and dried fruit linger after each sip, further enhancing the overall experience.

A Game-Changer: Redbreast 12 has the potential to redefine your perception of Irish whiskey. Its distinct taste profile sets it apart from the more common offerings in the category, offering a complexity and depth often associated with renowned Speyside Scotch whiskies, like Macallan or Glenlivet.

Smooth and Delightful: This expression is not only smooth and delectable but also boasts a well-rounded and enjoyable flavor profile, free from any harshness or off-putting notes. It delivers a fantastic experience from the initial aroma to the lingering finish.

Premium Experience: While the price tag might seem on the higher end, the outstanding taste and quality of Redbreast 12 may leave a lasting impression, making the cost justifiable for many whiskey enthusiasts.

Additional Notes:

Crafted using 100% pot still whiskey, made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley.
Triple-distilled in traditional copper pot stills for a smooth and characterful spirit.
Aged for 12 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks, imparting unique flavor notes.
Not chill-filtered, preserving the whiskey’s natural character and full flavor.
Awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition on four separate occasions, and named “Irish Whiskey of the Year” at the Irish Whiskey Awards in 2013.
Produced at the Jameson Distillery in Cork, Ireland.