Glendalough vs Redbreast: Irish Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:35 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.

Discover the differences between Glendalough vs Redbreast in this in-depth 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

Glendalough vs Redbreast: Comparison

Glendalough Double Barrel: A harmonious blend of vanilla, malt, and fudge on the nose, with a palate featuring apple, caramel, and ripe fruit, finishing with caramel and oak spice. This Irish whiskey, at 84 proof, presents a satisfyingly rich mouthfeel and a moderate finish, enhanced with a splash of water.

Redbreast 12: Showcases vanilla, caramel, ginger, and orange peel aromas, leading into a palate of ripe fruit, citrus, sherry, baking spice, and oak, with a finish that carries baking spice and red fruit. At 80 proof, Redbreast 12 offers a creamy, complex journey, characterized by its balance of sweet and spicy notes.

Comparison: Glendalough Double Barrel provides an accessible, sweet sipping experience, making it a solid choice for daily enjoyment. Redbreast 12, with its creamy texture and layered flavors, represents a premium option in Irish whiskey, offering depth and complexity for enthusiasts seeking a rich experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Glendalough Double Barrel: Smooth & Sweet, A Daily Sipping Delight

Nose: Vanilla, malt, fudge
Palate: Apple, caramel, ripe fruit
Finish: Caramel, oak spice
Alcohol content: 84 proof (42% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Jameson

Glendalough Double Barrel entices with a sweet nose, rich with vanilla, malt, and a hint of fudge. Take a sip, and you’re met with a satisfyingly weighty mouthfeel, exceeding expectations for an Irish whiskey.

The flavor unfolds smoothly and sweetly, starting with caramelized apple and segueing into ripe fruit notes. The finish is moderate, leaving a gentle warmth with lingering oak spice and subtle caramel.

Water unlocks a secret: Add a splash, and the oak spice softens, making it even more approachable and enjoyable.

Is it a flavor bomb? No, but it’s consistently good.

What makes it stand out:

Easy-drinking: Smooth and sweet, perfect for everyday sipping.
Great value: Delivers a quality experience at an affordable price.
Subtle complexity: Oak spice and sherry cask influence add depth without overwhelming.

Not the most mind-blowing, but a reliable daily friend.

Glendalough facts:

Aged 3.5 years in bourbon barrels, then finished 6 months in sherry casks.
Malted barley and corn mash bill, distilled in Coffey (column) stills.
Founded in 2011, acquired by Mark Anthony Group in 2019.

If you’re looking for a smooth, affordable Irish whiskey for everyday enjoyment, Glendalough Double Barrel is a solid choice.

Redbreast 12: A Creamy, Complex Journey for Irish Whiskey Lovers

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: Knappogue Castle

Dive into a rich aroma of vanilla with Redbreast 12. Hints of caramel, ginger, and orange peel tease your senses, hinting at the depth waiting within.

On the palate, a luxurious creaminess unfolds, carrying flavors of ripe fruit, citrusy notes, and a touch of sherry sweetness. The oak influence is present but never overpowers, allowing hints of baking spice and dried fruit to shine through.

The finish? Long, warm, and satisfying. It lingers with subtle sweetness and spice, leaving you wanting more.

What makes it special:

Perfectly Balanced: Sweet and spicy notes dance in harmony, creating a truly delightful experience.
Creamy Body: Indulge in a smooth and luxurious texture that elevates the sipping experience.
Complex Flavor: Layers of ripe fruit, citrus, sherry, oak, and spice keep your taste buds engaged.

Is it worth the splurge?

This Irish whiskey is a delight, neat or on the rocks. While the price might seem steep, the quality and enjoyment you get are worth it. It’s a smooth sipper that’s dangerously easy to drink, so be warned!

Some might find the proof a bit low, but who needs more fire when you have this much flavor?

Redbreast 12 facts:

Made with malted and unmalted barley.
Aged 12 years in ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks.
Triple-distilled in copper pot stills for added smoothness.
Acclaimed by critics with 96 points from Whisky Advocate and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Named “Irish Whiskey of the Year” in 2013.

So, if you’re looking for an exceptional Irish whiskey with depth, complexity, and pure sipping pleasure, Redbreast 12 might just be your new favorite dram.