Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:17 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 Redbreast 12 vs Redbreast 15 in this head-to-head 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
Redbreast 12 vs Redbreast 15: Comparison
Redbreast 12: A smooth Irish whiskey with notes of vanilla, caramel, and fruit, balanced with oak and spice. Perfect for those seeking a high-quality, neat sip with complex flavors and a warm finish.
Redbreast 15: Offers deeper flavors with additional maturity, including nuts, dried fruit, and a richer oak presence. It’s for enthusiasts desiring a more intense flavor profile and a longer, spicier finish.
Key Difference: Redbreast 15 is bottled at a higher proof (92 vs 80) and is unfiltered providing a fully flavored experience.
Comparison: Redbreast 12 provides excellent value and a balanced taste for its price. Redbreast 15, while more expensive, offers greater depth and complexity, appealing to those looking for an elevated Irish whiskey experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Redbreast Whiskeys
Redbreast 12: A Smooth & Savory Irish Delight
- 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: Redbreast Cask Strength
Aromatic Allure:
- Warm & inviting: Redbreast opens with a pleasant vanilla scent, followed by hints of caramel, ginger, and a touch of orange peel.
Velvety Smoothness:
- Luxurious texture: This 12-year-old whiskey boasts a remarkably creamy mouthfeel, making it easy to sip and savor.
Flavorful Journey:
- Fruity start: The taste begins with ripe fruit notes, transitioning to hints of citrus and sherry influence.
- Balanced finish: A rich oak note rounds out the experience, leading to a long and satisfying finish with lingering warmth, baking spice, and dried fruit.
Perfectly Balanced:
- Sweet & spicy harmony: Redbreast strikes a delightful balance between sweetness and spice, creating a complex and enjoyable drinking experience.
Enjoy it Neat:
- Savored pure: This whiskey shines best on its own, enjoyed neat without the need for water, ice, or mixers.
A Step Above:
- Exceptional quality: Compared to other popular Irish whiskeys, Redbreast offers a superior level of quality and a truly remarkable sipping experience.
Award-Winning:
- Highly acclaimed: Redbreast has received numerous accolades, including 96 points from Whisky Advocate and Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Recognized excellence: Awarded “Irish Whiskey of the Year” at the Irish Whiskey Awards in 2013.
More than just 12 years:
- Crafted with tradition: Made from a unique blend of malted and unmalted barley, triple-distilled for smooth character.
- Aged to perfection: Matured for 12 years in ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks, contributing to its rich and complex flavor profile.
Overall:
Redbreast 12 is a must-try for any whiskey enthusiast seeking a smooth, flavorful, and award-winning Irish whiskey experience.
Redbreast 15: A Smooth & Captivating Irish Whiskey
- Nose: Nuts, dried fruit, apricot, date
- Palate: Dried fruit, roasted nuts, orange, baking spice
- Finish: Long, baking spice, dried fruit, oak
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Redbreast 21
Aromatic Delights:
- Light & pleasant: Hints of roasted nuts and dried fruit like apricot and dates greet your nose.
Velvety Smoothness:
- Creamy texture: The 15-year-old boasts a delightful mouthfeel, smooth and velvety on the palate.
Flavorful Journey:
- Familiar notes: The taste echoes the aroma, offering dried fruit and roasted nuts alongside hints of orange peel and baking spice.
- Subtle surprise: Surprisingly, the oak influence is gentle for a whiskey of this age.
Lingering Warmth:
- Satisfying finish: The experience concludes with a warming sensation, complemented by lingering notes of baking spice, dried fruit, and a touch of oak.
Water? Not Essential:
- Exceptional neat: While a drop of water can enhance the oak and introduce caramel, the Redbreast 15 shines on its own, enjoyable straight from the bottle.
Awards & Accolades:
- Gold Medal Winner: Recognized as a Single Pot Still Whiskey champion at the 2019 Irish Whiskey Awards.
- Crafted with Care: Produced at the esteemed Jameson Old Midleton Distillery.
A Blend of Excellence:
- Aged to perfection: This expression combines whiskeys aged between 15 and 19 years.
- Unique character: Matured in a blend of first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, contributing to its distinct profile.
Overall:
The Redbreast 15 is a remarkable Irish whiskey, offering a captivating flavor journey and a smooth, enjoyable drinking experience.
What’s the difference between Redbreast 12 and 15?
The Redbreast 15 offers two notable differences compared to its 12-year-old sibling.
Firstly, it is bottled at a higher proof (92 vs 80), resulting in a richer and creamier whiskey.
Additionally, this release is unfiltered, ensuring a fully-flavored experience.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Redbreast 12 | $63 |
| Redbreast 15 | $115 |