Spirit of the Month!! - March / April 2010 - Redbreast Irish Whiskey

[castlecraver]

Welcome to the B&B Speakeasy Spirit of the Month!

​

Our selection for March 2010 is Redbreast Irish Whiskey!

Straight from the SotM suggestion thread again comes our selection for March: Redbreast Irish Whiskey. Unique among whiskeys, Redbreast is an unblended, pure pot-still Irish whiskey. What's pot-still you might ask? Like all single malt Scotches, pure pot-still whiskey contains only wash that's been distilled by the traditional pot method with a blend of unmalted and malted barley, without use of the more efficient fractional column still method or grain whiskey blending. This involves the wash being boiled as a single batch up a single condenser, resulting in a more flavorful, complex whiskey due to the higher concentration of aromatic compounds such as esters present in the distillate.

One of only two pure pot-still whiskeys available (the other being Green Spot 8, generally much more difficult to find outside of Ireland), Redbreast has been produced since 1780 in County Cork, Ireland. Currently produced under Pernod's the "Irish Distillers" umbrella at the Old Midleton Distillery, Redbreast is triple distilled and aged in oak casks for not less than twelve years. [imga=right]http://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/media/20012/full[/imga]A 15-year expression is also available, although less widely. Characteristic of Redbreast tasting notes: uniquely Irish pure pot still: emphatic yet elegant. Assertive yet smooth. The nose gives off a powerful pot still essence with clean malt, apple, toffee and sherry. Full-bodied palate with notes of caramel, golden raisins, nuts and peat. A long, oily, sweet spice finish.

Redbreast 12 is generally available in the $40-50 range in the USA, bottled at 80pr. Although this one's the "Irish equivalent" of a single malt, this is another fine chance to christen your B&B Glencairn glasses! Cheers!



PS: recap all of our SotM selections at the B&B Wiki, here!

 

[murchmb]

Good timing. This has been on my radar for some time and was next on the acquisition list. Just waiting for the next trip to TN since it's not available here in AL.

 

[The Knize]

A wonderful spirit, indeed!

 

[bald1]

For years I have been a SMS drinker but recently found Redbreast to be an excellent change of pace. So much so that I tend now to have a nip of it as opposed to any of my single malts on hand. Well worth sampling

 

[Tommy Boy]

I'm a fan of the 'Breast.......

 

[BigRich]

Excellent choice. I always have a bottle on hand.

BTW, the much fabled 15 year should be hitting stores stateside later this year.

 

[Obsessed]

I really want to try this stuff. Man, the B&B enabling is in full swing today!

 

[falkon]

Would love to try this but i've never seen it round here. Anybody from AK seen this around? In the city maybe?

 

[djh]

Note to self..................... must grab a bottle of Redbreast! Here's to another great month.

 

[Chaucer]

Great choice.

I like a variety of single malt and blended scotches. A regular Chivas or Black will do just fine. Springbank 10, Isle of Jura 16 or any Glenlivet is even better, depending on the mood. I've tried maybe a couple of dozen single malts, and each has its own character and something to love.

But Irish is generally smoother on the palate. Black Bush has good spice, and Tyrconnell is very, very refined but still interesting. To my taste, Redbreast has the best attributes of both of these, and it's the best Irish I've tried. At less than half the price, Powers is also a drink you'll know you've had , but Redbreast is in a different class.

 

[Not A Nice Person]

Lovely stuff, Redbreast. I only drink it neat, as it seems to "fall apart" on the rocks . . . but it's wonderful neat.

NANP™

 

[yuppiejr]

Great choice! Agreed that this one goes better neat like God intended rather than on ice or even with a splash of water.

I discovered this on a random menu "punt" at one of our downtown pubs (The Local) and picked up a bottle right before Christmas. It's hit or miss to find in the Twin Cities, Haskells carries it and will do a store to store transfer even on a single bottle if you don't feel like driving across town chasing one.

 

[bald1]

Call me a traditionalist but I agree with the Redbreast distillers that a touch of water brings out the subtle nuances of this great libation.... "for a better tasting the recommendation from our Master Blender is to add a drop of water to dilute the alcohol and so release the intense flavours of this unique Pot Still Whiskey."

 

[Laz]

I picked up a bottle last night. It went well with a Gran Habano corojo cigar. Now I just need to pick up some corned beef and Wednesday should be perfect.

 

[bald1]

Laz, good for you!

I'm a bit surprised that there haven't been more adventurous folks trying the RedBreast and then posting their thoughts. I didn't think it's that hard to obtain especially if you ask your non-stocking store to order some in from the distributors.

 

[barneyb]

Picked this up for My birthday. Very interesting choice and it is great in the cold weather today. Very good neat, but I will try it on the rocks, generally my favorite, and for comparison.

 

[Hair Vise]

I haven't gotten a bottle of this yet, but I did try it at a bar a couple of nights ago based on the recommendations here, and I found it to be excellent. I can imagine it pairing with a cigar.

HV

 

[jwhite]

Redbreast is a very favorite, especially in the winter months. There is not much better in this world than pipe full of Irish Flake and couple of fingers of RB by the fire.

 

[funkadelyk]

Yo Bartender gimme a Beautiful! Cognac 80% and Grand Marnier 20% adjust % based on personal preference.

I like Remy Martin: VSOP
The aromas and flavours:
Oak notes: Predominantly vanilla, with a hint of liquorice
Fruity notes: The roundness of summer fruits, especially ripe apricots and peaches
Floral notes: The impertinence of wild flowers, particularly violets
The texture: Silky
The finish: A perfectly balanced blend of ripeness

Grand Marnier
Aroma: Complex nose of orange flowers combined with scents of candied zests and toffee.
Flavour: Bitter orange flavours are enhanced by the cognac with nuances of orange marmalade and hazelnuts. The finish is long and harmonious.

When its cold out I drink it heated in a snifter (Brandy glass).
When its hot out I drink it in a rocks glass with ice.

I must say both are good alone but together its an explosion of taste and great for sippin. That's how I roll nowadays no more keg stands and beer bongs. I like to relax and have a drink with a pipe or hookah smoke.

 

[blade08]

I picked up a bottle of Redbreast 12yo a couple of weeks ago. What can I say, it's just a lovely whiskey but I only drink it on special occasions or on weekends. My 'everyday' whiskey is Jameson.