Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:32 pm
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.
Unearth distinctions: Dalmore 12 vs Redbreast 12. Decide the superior Whisky (Whiskey) in this direct comparison.
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
Dalmore vs Redbreast: Comparison
Dalmore 12: A festive blend of dark fruits, chocolate, and spices, but with a quick, slightly bitter finish. Best with a splash of water, yet lacks the expected richness.
Redbreast 12: Creamy and rich with vanilla, fruit, and sherry notes. Long, spicy finish. A standout for its complexity and smoothness, enjoyed best neat.
Verdict: Both Dalmore 12 and Redbreast 12 offer unique qualities: Dalmore with its Christmas cake aroma and Redbreast with its creamy richness. Enjoy the festive spirit of Dalmore or the smooth complexity of Redbreast based on your preference, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best of 12-Year Scotch Whisky
Dalmore 12: A Decent Dram with Shortcomings
- Nose: Dark fruit, citrus, chocolate, cinnamon, plum
- Palate: Apricot, fig, grape, pecan
- Finish: Short, dark fruit, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Talisker 10
The Dalmore 12 promises a taste of Christmas cake with its aroma of dark fruits, orange, and chocolate with hints of cinnamon and plum. While the nose is pleasant, the taste falls short.
The whisky itself is thin and lacks texture. The initial sweetness fades quickly, leaving a cloying aftertaste. The finish is short and ends with a slightly bitter note. Adding water doesn’t improve the experience, only watering down the already light flavor.
While the Dalmore 12 has won awards and boasts an enticing aroma, its taste doesn’t quite live up to the hype. Other Highland whiskies offer more complexity and value for your money.
Here are some quick facts about Dalmore 12:
- Aged 12 years, with 9 years in ex-bourbon barrels and 3 years in sherry casks.
- Founded in 1839 in the Scottish Highlands.
- Won Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and achieved 95 points in the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Redbreast 12: A Smooth & Complex Irish Whiskey
- 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: Green Spot
Redbreast 12 offers a surprising flavor profile compared to other Irish whiskeys.
Nose: Rich vanilla, caramel, ginger, and a touch of orange peel.
Taste: Surprisingly creamy and full-bodied despite being bottled at 40% ABV. Starts with upfront ripe fruit and citrus notes, followed by hints of sherry and oak.
Finish: Long-lasting, with warming spices and dried fruit flavors.
This whiskey changed my mind on Irish Whiskeys, offering a more complex and distinct taste compared to others. It rivals well-known Speyside Scotches like Macallan 12 and stands out from Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12.
Redbreast 12 is smooth, flavorful, and complex, delivering a consistent and enjoyable experience. While the price might seem high at first, it’s well worth it for the quality.
Here’s a quick look at Redbreast 12:
- Made with malted and unmalted barley, triple-distilled in copper pot stills.
- Aged 12 years in ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks.
- Uses dry and aromatic Oloroso sherry for added complexity.
- Won numerous awards, including Double Gold at the SF World Spirits Competition and “Irish Whiskey of the Year.”
- Produced at the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, Ireland.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Dalmore | $70 |
| Redbreast | $70 |