Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 05:11 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 everything about the Redbreast 12 in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Redbreast 12: A Sophisticated Irish Whiskey (Worth the Step Up)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Redbreast 12 elevates the Irish whiskey experience, offering a complex and flavorful dram that rivals well-regarded Speyside single malts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Beyond the Usual Names
This expression stands out from popular Irish whiskeys like Jameson or Bushmills. Redbreast 12 boasts a richer and more complex flavor profile.
A Speyside Contender
Redbreast 12 can confidently compete with established Speyside single malts like Glenfiddich or Glenlivet. It delivers a smooth and enjoyable journey, free of harshness or off-putting notes.
Layered Flavor Profile
From the initial aroma to the finish, Redbreast 12 offers a satisfying exploration of flavors. Its well-rounded profile provides complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Investment in Quality
While the price might seem steeper initially, the luxurious taste and experience of Redbreast 12 justify the cost for many whiskey enthusiasts.
- Related: Best Irish Whiskey Selections under $50
- Learn more: Redbreast 12 Website
What’s unique about it?
- 100% pot still whiskey.
- Made from malted and unmalted barley.
- Triple-distilled in copper pot stills.
- Aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry wine casks.
How does it taste?
- 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: Glenfiddich 12
The nose presents a rich vanilla note, complemented by caramel, a touch of ginger, and a hint of orange peel.
On the palate, the Redbreast delivers a creamy texture, inviting one to savor its flavors fully.
The taste features ripe fruit upfront, followed by subtle notes of citrus, sherry wine, and a pronounced oak influence.
The finish lingers pleasantly, offering warmth, along with enticing hints of baking spice and dried fruit.
Is it smoky?
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, the Redbreast achieves a score of ZERO, indicating that it is entirely free of smoke.
How does it rank?
These are my rankings:
| Whiskey | Rank |
| Redbreast 12 | 82 |
| Green Spot | 82 |
| Connemara Peated Single Malt | 77 |
| Slane Triple Cask | 76 |
| Writers’ Tear Copper Pot | 76 |
| Bushmills Peaky Blinders | 72 |
| Tyrconnell Single Malt | 70 |
FAQ: Redbreast 12 Irish Whiskey
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
How to drink it?
- Neat: It is enjoyed best as is, making it a super easy drinker.
- Adding water: Adding water does very little for it, so it’s preferred to savor it neat.
- Cocktail preference: While not the favorite for cocktails, some may prefer using lower-shelf whiskeys like Jameson for such purposes.
Also read: How to Drink Redbreast 12
Awards & Accolades
- 2022: Gold at Irish Whiskey Awards.
- 2022: Gold at Irish Whiskey Masters.
- 2021: Gold at Irish Whiskey Masters.
- 96 points from Whisky Advocate.
- Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- 2013: Irish Whiskey of the Year.
Alternatives
- Consider trying the Yellow Spot 12 Year, made at the same distillery and also 100% pot still but aged in American ex-bourbon, Spanish ex-sherry, or Spanish ex-Malaga wine casks.
- This combination of casks, along with a higher proof, provides a deep and complex flavor well worth the upcharge, making it one of the best Irish Whiskeys in the market.
- Another alternative is the Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, which offers most of the flavors but with higher proof, making it punchier yet smooth.
Price
- United States: $55
- Canada: $90
- Britain: £54
- Australia: $129
- Ireland: €65
Alcohol content
- It has an alcohol content of 80 proof (40% ABV), similar to the majority of Irish whiskey.
Aging
- It is aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry wine casks.
Where is Redbreast 12 made?
- It is crafted at the Jameson Distillery in Midleton.
Who owns Redbreast 12?
- This brand is owned by Jameson, which, in turn, is owned by Paris-based Pernod Ricard.
Are Redbreast and Jameson the same whiskey?
- No, they are not the same.
- The regular Jameson is composed of grain, malt, and pot still whiskey and aged for just 4 years. Redbreast is 100% pot still whiskey, making it more similar to a Scotch Single Malt.
Does it expire?
- No, alcohol doesn’t expire.
- It will last for years if you store it in a cool place away from sunlight.
- However, it’s recommended to drink it once the content is down to 25% as liquors may develop awkward notes beyond this level.
How to store it?
- Store it in a cool place away from sunlight and keep the bottle upright without coming into contact with the stopper.
How is it made?
- Redbreast 12 is crafted from a blend of malted and unmalted barley, which is then milled and mashed.
- The liquid is triple-distilled through traditional copper-pot stills.
- It is matured in a combination of casks that were previously used to mature Spanish Oloroso sherry and bourbon, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
How did I review Redbreast 12?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Redbreast 12: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Pot Still |
| Age statement | 12 |
| Proof | 80 |
| ABV | 40% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Not the best |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | No |