Midleton Very Rare vs Redbreast 21

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:17 am

Explore the distinctions between Midleton Very Rare and Redbreast 21 in this comprehensive comparison, and make an informed choice about which Irish Whiskey suits your preferences best!

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

Midleton Very Rare vs Redbreast 21: Comparison

Midleton Very Rare: A premium Irish whiskey offering a complex blend of fruit, spice, and chocolate on the nose, followed by a palate of red apple, orange zest, and crème brûlée. Despite a medium finish that leaves spice and oak, it’s a luxurious choice recommended to be savored neat, appealing to those seeking a smooth and sophisticated sip.

Redbreast 21: An exquisite Irish whiskey characterized by a rich aroma of ripe and dried fruits, complemented by a smooth, vanilla, and nutty palate, and concluding with a long, satisfying finish of oak and baking spice. Its complexity and depth make it an outstanding choice for those who appreciate a refined whiskey experience, best enjoyed with a touch of water to unlock its full spectrum of flavors.

Verdict: Midleton Very Rare and Redbreast 21 both represent the pinnacle of Irish whiskey craftsmanship, offering distinct yet equally memorable drinking experiences. Midleton is celebrated for its inviting blend and creamy texture, while Redbreast 21 is lauded for its depth, richness, and long finish. Both are emblematic of the best in Irish whiskey, catering to enthusiasts who value complexity, smoothness, and luxury, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Redbreast Whiskey Selections

Midleton Very Rare: Premium Sipper

• Nose: Fruit, baking spice, chocolate, charred oak
• Palate: Red apple, orange zest, crème brûlée, spice
• Finish: Medium, spice, oak
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat

Midleton Very Rare offers a smooth and inviting experience for whiskey enthusiasts seeking a luxurious option.

A Fruity and Spicy Nose: The aroma presents a delightful mix of citrus fruits like clementine and candied apple, intertwined with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, chocolate, and a touch of charred oak. This creates a complex and inviting first impression.

Surprisingly Viscous Despite Low Proof: The first sip might surprise you with a thicker texture than expected for its lower alcohol content.

Caramel, Spice, and Crème Brûlée: The taste profile is pleasant, featuring flavors of caramelized apple, orange zest, a delightful touch of crème brûlée, and a satisfying warmth from pot still spice.

A Finish That Falls a Bit Short: The finish has a medium length, leaving hints of grain and spice alongside a subtle oak presence. While enjoyable, it doesn’t quite match the initial promise of the aroma and taste. For a top-shelf whiskey, a longer and more lingering finish might be expected.

A Nice Whiskey, But Not a Showstopper: Overall, Midleton Very Rare delivers a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. However, the slightly short finish might leave some whiskey aficionados wanting more. It’s a very nice whiskey, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of exceptional.

Midleton Very Rare Facts:

• A blend of pot still and grain whiskeys, creating a complex flavor profile.
• The whiskeys used range in age from 12 to 33 years.
• Matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, influencing the taste with subtle vanilla notes.

Redbreast 21: A Luxurious Irish Whiskey Experience

• Nose: Ripe fruit, roasted nuts, dried fruit
• Palate: Vanilla, oak, nutty, baking spice
• Finish: Long, oak, baking spice
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

For whiskey connoisseurs seeking a truly exceptional experience, Redbreast 21 delivers an unforgettable journey for the senses.

Aromatic Paradise: The aroma explodes with vibrant notes of ripe tropical fruits, followed by a delightful medley of dried fruits and roasted nuts. This captivating introduction sets the stage for a remarkable tasting.

Unbelievably Smooth and Rich: The first sip of Redbreast 21 reveals a luxurious mouthfeel, characterized by exceptional smoothness and a creamy texture.

Flavor Symphony: The taste profile is a masterpiece, showcasing a blend of bourbon-like notes with vanilla and oak leading the way. These seamlessly transition into rich sherry nuttiness and a burst of warming baking spices.

A Lingering Delight: The finish is a testament to the masterful aging process, leaving a long-lasting and pleasant hint of oak and baking spice that lingers on the palate.

A True Gem: Redbreast 21 stands out as one of the finest whiskeys ever created. It offers a complete and captivating experience, from the initial aroma to the final lingering notes.

Beyond Compare: This Irish whiskey holds its own and even surpasses many comparable Scotch whiskies in both price and age. It rivals highly regarded and expensive options like the Macallan Rare Cask, solidifying its position as a true gem in the whiskey world.

An Investment Worth Making: Given its exceptional quality and luxurious taste, Redbreast 21 is highly recommended for those seeking a top-shelf whiskey experience. Consider it a worthy investment for any whiskey enthusiast.

Redbreast 21 Facts:

• Crafted using 100% pot still whiskey made from malted and unmalted barley.
• Aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
• Unfiltered, preserving its rich and natural taste.
• Awarded “Irish Whiskey of the Year” in 2016 and 2014.
• Recognized as the 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World by the Whiskey Bible in 2018.

What do they have in common?

These whiskeys are crafted at the same Midleton Distillery in Cork, Ireland property of Jameson along with other whiskeys such as Powers and the Spot range of whiskeys.

How do they differ?

The primary distinction between these whiskeys lies in their production methods.

Midleton is a blend of malt and grain whiskey, which becomes evident through the presence of grain spice in its flavor profile.

On the other hand, Redbreast is exclusively crafted using 100% pot still whiskey.

In essence, 100% pot still represents the Irish Whiskey equivalent of Scotch Single Malt, showcasing the unique and traditional craftsmanship of pot still distillation.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Midleton Very Rare	$230
Redbreast 21	$350