Redbreast Lustau Edition (2019)
Redbreast Lustau Edition is a collaboration between Bodegas Lustau and the Irish Midleton Distillery. Redbreast is a single pot still Irish whiskey, in this case meaning it’s made from both malted and unmalted barley — it’s also triple distilled.
The Lustau Edition first matured for 9 to 12 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before spending an extra year in first-fill Oloroso casks. Bodegas Lustau (a very prestigious sherry brand) prepares the casks for this release specifically.
Redbreast Lustau Edition (46%, OB, 2019)
Nose: Far from a sherry bomb, but rather gentle and subtle notes of caramel-glazed apple, sultanas, powdered sugar and a touch of cinnamon and gingerbread. There’s a whiff of oak as well.
Taste: Pretty classic Irish single pot still profile. There’s the sherry influence with notes of raisins, allspice and beeswax. Then there’s a touch of cough syrup, orange peel, rye and oak. A rather oily mouthfeel too.
Finish: Medium, spicy and bitter oranges.
Score: 86
There’s a lot to like here, most notably the classic Irish single pot still style in combination with a subtle and delicate sherry influence. The price too, is very fair.
Thijs is a spirits writer and accredited liquorist from The Netherlands. He runs the blog Words of Whisky and contributes to a number of Dutch and international publications.
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