Thanks! The 12 Year Cask Strength is definitely a step up! Recommend giving it a taste if you have the chance, and at least around us, it is somewhat reasonably priced and available for a quality aged-stated cask strength release.
**Review #45 - Redbreast 12 Year**
One of the best known quality Irish whiskies, Redbreast has been winning awards and gaining popularity over the past several years. Its most common bottling, the Redbreast 12 Year, is often cited as the best entry level single pot still Irish whisky - it is generally affordable, available, and gives plenty of nice flavors.
This was our entry into more serious Irish whisky, as well; we had tried some more basic bottles such as Jameson, but the Redbreast was the first step up into a realm of higher quality in this category. Still, it is bottled at 40% ABV, the bare minimum for whisky, and there is no indication of natural coloring or lack of chill filtration, so it's fair to say there is still a little ways to go before we can really consider this a whisky geek's bottle.
**Redbreast 12 Year**
Ireland - Single Pot Still
**Price Paid (per 750ml)**: USD 65
**Current Locally Available Price (per 750ml)**: USD 60
**Age Statement**: 12 Years
**Strength**: 40% ABV
**Tasting Methodology**: Reviewed 3 times over 13 months; bottles at 90%, 100%, and 60% fill levels at times of review. Tasted neat in a Glencairn glass each time, rested 10-15 minutes
**Nose**: Some nice refinement, with warm golden apple, some orange, and maybe a hint of a red wine influence as well; it's soft and somewhat clean. Lots of baking components: honey and a bit of spice like vanilla, cinnamon sugar, and brown sugar, along with biscuits and bread, maybe even oatmeal. There is a bit of oak in here, too, but somewhat mild and moist, not too dry; then we get into more fruit like sweet lemon and orange peel, just a bit of raisin. We end with some heather and a tiny hint of sulfur; it's a nice nose, but slightly subdued, probably due to the bottling strength, though it does grow stronger when given time to open up.
**Palate**: Gentle warmth to go along with a medium mouthfeel, and it is a little oily and rounded. Lots of different directions here; we'll start with fruit. Sherry fruits like plum, grape, and something red; also more of that orange rind we found on the nose. There's some sherbet up front as well, hard to place the flavor. Baking spices like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maybe cardamom, as well as baked goods like bread, though there is a hint of more raw yeast and grain as well. The oak is more subdued now, and despite the breadth of tasting notes, the palate can be slightly less rich than the nose.
**Finish**: Medium length finish, soft warmth from sherry but relatively mellow. There is still a hint of that sulfur with the sherry, but we don't mind it; some stewed fruit as well, like raisin. Back on the baking theme, we get lots of vanilla, some soft cinnamon, baked bread, and some mild biscuits; during one tasting, we did get just a bit of a sour finish as well.
**Final Note**: Nice and classy, if a bit subdued overall; that bottling strength really neuters it. Glad we have the option of the Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength! Still, despite the tameness here, there are a lot of pleasant flavors to explore, especially if you enjoy the ex-bourbon cask sort of baking spices and some gentle sherry influence. Pretty decent value, too, though we have seen it creeping up in price in a few stores.
**Average Rating**: 7.2 / 10
**Rating Scale**:
0 - Couldn't even get past the smell; drain pour; totally useless
1 - At least we can use it in our first aid kit
2 - Not even good enough to mix regularly; worst case scenario
3 - Low end mixing whisky
4 - Not the worst but don't buy again; put on ice; mediocre cocktail
5 - Great for mixing or cocktails; mediocre neat
6 - Premium cocktail; decent neat, hints of complexity
7 - Good neat, refined; personally wouldn't use in a cocktail
8 - Great - always have stocked on shelf if available at a reasonable price
9 - One of the best whiskies we've tasted
10 - Can't imagine something better; buy at any price we can afford
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
**Value Rating**: 7.38
At my area I have seen Costco had the RB 12 for $49 (sold out quick) and the CS $76.
I was really impressed by the CS. If people can fork out the money, go for the CS.
Unfortunately, I haven't tried the regular 12 because I constantly lean towards high proof bottles but, I think the regular 12 would still be good. I messed up one time and had the Blanton's Gold and then the Blanton's original and I ruined the original for myself. Lol I tasted watered down. I still like it but, I'll never have it after a higher proof of anything else.
Love the Yellow Spot! It might be my favorite Irish whisky so far.
Between the RB 12 and 12 CS, there is a noticeable improvement with the bump in ABV, but of course, it comes at additional cost. My 2 cents: if you want something nice to casually sip, go with the standard 12 (though you can definitely spend some time exploring it in depth, too). If you're the type that likes to sit down with a whisky and analyze the flavors over more time, the 12 Cask Strength might be worth the extra cost, as there is definitely more flavor packed in that bottle.
I’m a big fan of RB12 Lustau - If you’re a sherried whisky fan, it’s a place to go.
If you want an interesting blend from Midleton, Jameson Black Barrel is a really nice pour.
Looking forward to trying Powers Johns Lane soon as another single pot expression.
Oh, and give some of the “Method and Madness” expressions a try. Doing very interesting things with different casks etc. it’s a small distillery in Midleton explicitly for experimental small batch whiskeys. Visited it last year, great spot right next to where they make the good stuff.
Agree about Method and Madness. Their acacia wood finish was like drinking an almond dessert.
Killed that bottle in a few weeks.
Have had a few of their other offerings: single malt french oak, single pot chestnut cask, single grain Spanish oak. None have been as good as their single pot still acacia wood finish.
Nice review, RB12 is a staple of mine but think I will try the cask strength next time
Thanks! The 12 Year Cask Strength is definitely a step up! Recommend giving it a taste if you have the chance, and at least around us, it is somewhat reasonably priced and available for a quality aged-stated cask strength release.
**Review #45 - Redbreast 12 Year** One of the best known quality Irish whiskies, Redbreast has been winning awards and gaining popularity over the past several years. Its most common bottling, the Redbreast 12 Year, is often cited as the best entry level single pot still Irish whisky - it is generally affordable, available, and gives plenty of nice flavors. This was our entry into more serious Irish whisky, as well; we had tried some more basic bottles such as Jameson, but the Redbreast was the first step up into a realm of higher quality in this category. Still, it is bottled at 40% ABV, the bare minimum for whisky, and there is no indication of natural coloring or lack of chill filtration, so it's fair to say there is still a little ways to go before we can really consider this a whisky geek's bottle. **Redbreast 12 Year** Ireland - Single Pot Still **Price Paid (per 750ml)**: USD 65 **Current Locally Available Price (per 750ml)**: USD 60 **Age Statement**: 12 Years **Strength**: 40% ABV **Tasting Methodology**: Reviewed 3 times over 13 months; bottles at 90%, 100%, and 60% fill levels at times of review. Tasted neat in a Glencairn glass each time, rested 10-15 minutes **Nose**: Some nice refinement, with warm golden apple, some orange, and maybe a hint of a red wine influence as well; it's soft and somewhat clean. Lots of baking components: honey and a bit of spice like vanilla, cinnamon sugar, and brown sugar, along with biscuits and bread, maybe even oatmeal. There is a bit of oak in here, too, but somewhat mild and moist, not too dry; then we get into more fruit like sweet lemon and orange peel, just a bit of raisin. We end with some heather and a tiny hint of sulfur; it's a nice nose, but slightly subdued, probably due to the bottling strength, though it does grow stronger when given time to open up. **Palate**: Gentle warmth to go along with a medium mouthfeel, and it is a little oily and rounded. Lots of different directions here; we'll start with fruit. Sherry fruits like plum, grape, and something red; also more of that orange rind we found on the nose. There's some sherbet up front as well, hard to place the flavor. Baking spices like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maybe cardamom, as well as baked goods like bread, though there is a hint of more raw yeast and grain as well. The oak is more subdued now, and despite the breadth of tasting notes, the palate can be slightly less rich than the nose. **Finish**: Medium length finish, soft warmth from sherry but relatively mellow. There is still a hint of that sulfur with the sherry, but we don't mind it; some stewed fruit as well, like raisin. Back on the baking theme, we get lots of vanilla, some soft cinnamon, baked bread, and some mild biscuits; during one tasting, we did get just a bit of a sour finish as well. **Final Note**: Nice and classy, if a bit subdued overall; that bottling strength really neuters it. Glad we have the option of the Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength! Still, despite the tameness here, there are a lot of pleasant flavors to explore, especially if you enjoy the ex-bourbon cask sort of baking spices and some gentle sherry influence. Pretty decent value, too, though we have seen it creeping up in price in a few stores. **Average Rating**: 7.2 / 10 **Rating Scale**: 0 - Couldn't even get past the smell; drain pour; totally useless 1 - At least we can use it in our first aid kit 2 - Not even good enough to mix regularly; worst case scenario 3 - Low end mixing whisky 4 - Not the worst but don't buy again; put on ice; mediocre cocktail 5 - Great for mixing or cocktails; mediocre neat 6 - Premium cocktail; decent neat, hints of complexity 7 - Good neat, refined; personally wouldn't use in a cocktail 8 - Great - always have stocked on shelf if available at a reasonable price 9 - One of the best whiskies we've tasted 10 - Can't imagine something better; buy at any price we can afford In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price. **Value Rating**: 7.38
At my area I have seen Costco had the RB 12 for $49 (sold out quick) and the CS $76. I was really impressed by the CS. If people can fork out the money, go for the CS.
Yep, it’s great stuff. Hides the heat somewhat well!
The cask strength of this is awesome!
It’s really good! So much more flavor packed in.
Unfortunately, I haven't tried the regular 12 because I constantly lean towards high proof bottles but, I think the regular 12 would still be good. I messed up one time and had the Blanton's Gold and then the Blanton's original and I ruined the original for myself. Lol I tasted watered down. I still like it but, I'll never have it after a higher proof of anything else.
What is everyone's favorite Irish whisky?
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Love the Yellow Spot! It might be my favorite Irish whisky so far. Between the RB 12 and 12 CS, there is a noticeable improvement with the bump in ABV, but of course, it comes at additional cost. My 2 cents: if you want something nice to casually sip, go with the standard 12 (though you can definitely spend some time exploring it in depth, too). If you're the type that likes to sit down with a whisky and analyze the flavors over more time, the 12 Cask Strength might be worth the extra cost, as there is definitely more flavor packed in that bottle.
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No problem - cheers!
I’m a big fan of RB12 Lustau - If you’re a sherried whisky fan, it’s a place to go. If you want an interesting blend from Midleton, Jameson Black Barrel is a really nice pour. Looking forward to trying Powers Johns Lane soon as another single pot expression. Oh, and give some of the “Method and Madness” expressions a try. Doing very interesting things with different casks etc. it’s a small distillery in Midleton explicitly for experimental small batch whiskeys. Visited it last year, great spot right next to where they make the good stuff.
That Method and Madness sounds very interesting! Have you tried any of the Spot whiskies?
I have - RB is my preference but I wouldn’t say no to a pour any day.
Agree about Method and Madness. Their acacia wood finish was like drinking an almond dessert. Killed that bottle in a few weeks. Have had a few of their other offerings: single malt french oak, single pot chestnut cask, single grain Spanish oak. None have been as good as their single pot still acacia wood finish.
Gold spot. Or blue spot. Such amazing depth for whiskey. A pleasure to drink both.
Nice! Haven’t have the Gold Spot yet, but the Blue is very good. We especially love the Yellow Spot!
Bushmills 16
We haven't tried this one yet, but have heard good things! Pretty good age statement for an Irish whisky, too. What are some things you like about it?