Redbreast 15 vs Redbreast 21: Head to Head!

Discover the differences between Redbreast 15 vs Redbreast 21 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Irish Whiskey is better for You!

Redbreast 15

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 12, Red Spot

The Redbreast 15 has two important differences to its 12 YO sibling. First, it is bottled at a higher proof (92 vs 80) making the whiskey richer and creamier. Lastly, this bottle is non chill-filtered providing a fully-flavored experience.

The nose is light and quite pleasing with hints of roasted nuts and dried fruit at first followed by apricot and dates.

On the palate, the 15 YO feels smooth and velvety providing a great mouthfeel. Flavor hits with the same dried fruit and roasted nuts notes as in the nose, followed by orange peel and baking spice.

The finish lingers with a rewarding warming note, baking spice, dried fruit and quite subtle on the oak.

Adding a drop of water brings more oak and a tad of caramel, although this whiskey does not need water to get better as it’s incredibly good from the bottle.

There are a few facts worth knowing about the Redbreast 15:

• This release is a blend from whiskeys aged between 15 and 19 years old.

• The barrel selection is from 1st fill bourbon and sherry barrels.

• Gold Medal- Single Pot Still Whiskey 2019 Irish Whiskey Awards.

Redbreast 21

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	Neat
Similar to	Royal Salute 21, Redbreast 27

The 21 YO is aged using a combination of e-bourbon American oak casks and European oak casks that were previously used to mature Spanish Oloroso sherry and bottled without the use of chill filtration.

The nose is remarkably good as it hits hard with ripe tropical fruits, followed by dried fruit and roasted nuts.

On the palate, the 21 YO provides a supreme mouthfeel as it feels smooth and creamy. Flavor brings bourbon-like notes of vanilla and oak at first, followed by sherry nuttiness and a good hit of baking spice.

The finish lingers forever, with a pleasant hint of oak and baking spice.

This might be one of the finest whiskeys I have ever tried. Incredible from start to finish with no let downs.

The Redbreast 21 is better than most Scotch Whiskies at this price point and age range making something I entirely recommend.

Price makes it something I won’t be drinking everyday but definitely something to share with my dearest friends… or with myself!

There are a few facts worth knowing about the Redbreast 21:

Made from malted and unmalted barley.

• Named the Irish Whiskey of the Year by Whisky Advocate in 2016.

• Named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World by the Whiskey Bible in 2018 (Winner was E.H. Taylor).

• Crafted at the Jameson Distillery in Cork, Ireland.

Redbreast 15 vs 21: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Redbreast 15	$115
Redbreast 21	$330

Redbreast 15 vs Redbreast 21: Which is better?

The 21 YO is one of the best whiskeys in the world

• The Redbreast 21 is incredibly good and something well worth having on a super special occasion. Perfect whiskey from start to finish providing a heck of a dram.

• Many people frown upon the idea of spending top-dollar for an Irish Whiskey but I can assure you it tastes better than most Scotch Whiskies at this price point and age range despite being Single Malts.

• Yet the Redbreast 21 goes toe to toe with the Macallan Rare Cask which is priced several dollars above.

• If you are not willing to go that high the Redbreast 15 is no consolation prize as it’s quite good and an upgrade over the Redbreast 12 although I prefer the Redbreast Cask Strength which is a champ in terms of value.

If you want to learn more about this brand read my post Discover the Best Redbreast Whiskey where I rank every bottle.