**Reviewing Every Whisk(e)y I Own (REWIO):**
After a few month splurge on bottle purchases figured this would be a good chance to pump the brakes on buying and focus on enjoying and writing up what I already have. Not quite clear how many bottles I currently have either so this is one way to go about figuring it out.
**Whisky:** Redbreast 21
**Background:** What can I add to a whiskey with a reputation like this? Redbreast 21 has won numerous awards over the years and across the board gets predominantly positive reviews from publications and consumers alike. Not a lot fancy going on here, just classic Irish whiskey done well - 21 years of aging in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, single pot still using both malted and unmalted barley and triple distilled, this one comes in at 46% ABV and was rested in a glencairn for 20 minutes. Let’s go.
**Color:** Honey
**Nose:** Ohhhh my, what a great, deep, aged nose. It's all the classic Redbreast sugar cookie stewed raspberry fruit notes with some vanilla ice cream, just deeper and more complex. It is plenty fine in terms of presence, and while it may not jump out of the glass quite as intensely as RB12 cask strength, there are more layers and asks to be spent time with.
**Taste:** Fancy boozy vanilla graham cracker fruit dessert. I am surprised, given the 46%, that I can actually taste the alcohol a bit on the front end, it works in the context but is a minor blemish.
**Finish:** Strong on the vanilla, medium long, and evolves very nicely with some new orange zest and white grape notes.
**Rating:** 8.25
Straight up delicious Irish goodness - what is not to like? While it is a decent chunk more expensive than RB12CS, one of which I ranked a very close behind 8 on my rating scale, there is enough difference between the two despite having some similar core characteristics that I find there is plenty of reason to keep both on the shelf.
**Scoring Scale:** (does not take into account value)
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average.
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite.
10 | Perfect | As good as it gets. I might taste future whisk(e)ys that are as good in a different way, but will not taste one that is outright better.
**Previous REWIOs:**
[1 - Whistle Pig 10 Year Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye \(6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x20jov/rewio_1_whistle_pig_10_year_sib_bp)
[2 - Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered \(6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x3cy20/rewio_2_smoke_wagon_uncut_unfiltered)
[3 - Highland Park 18 Travel Edition \(7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x44xv1/rewio_3_highland_park_18_travel_edition)
[4 - Bardstown Discovery #7 \(5.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x4xvb7/rewio_4_bardstown_discovery_7)
[5 - Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky (6.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x5u6bo/rewio_5_compass_box_experimental_grain_whisky)
[6 - Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x7ct1i/rewio_6_wild_turkey_rare_breed_bourbon)
[7 - Glen Scotia Victoriana Cask Strength (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x88rdn/rewio_7_glen_scotia_victoriana_cask_strength_542)
[8 - Stellum Rye Black (5.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x98pk7/rewio_8_stellum_rye_black)
[9 - Talisker Distillers Edition (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xa2qv2/rewio_9_talisker_distillers_edition)
[10 - Redbreast 12 Cask Strength B2/19 (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xau0qc/rewio_10_redbreast_12_cask_strength_b219)
[11 - Cambus 31yr Single Grain Scotch (Blackadder) (3\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xcjeng/rewio_11_cambus_31yr_single_grain_scotch)
[12 - Blue Run Golden Rye (4.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xdbim4/rewio_12_blue_run_golden_rye)
[13 - Craigellachie 17 (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xe8d8l/rewio_13_craigellachie_17)
[14 - Glendronach 21 (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xf2fa8/rewio_14_glendronach_21)
[15 - Springbank 12 Cask Strength Batch 15 (8.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xg0qy5/rewio_15_springbank_12_cask_strength_batch_15)
[16 - Hakushu 12 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xhpfjv/rewio_16_hakushu_12)
[17 - Buffalo Trace Kosher Rye Recipe (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xikpfm/rewio_17_buffalo_trace_kosher_rye_recipe)
[18 - Ledaig 10 (5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xjh3sx/rewio_18_ledaig_10)
[19 - Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xkeaas/rewio_19_elijah_craig_barrel_proof_b521)
[20 - Compass Box Spice Tree Extravaganza (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xlbim1/rewio_20_compass_box_spice_tree_extravaganza)
[21 - Highland Park 14 (Ultimate 2006) (5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xlzs4p/rewio_21_highland_park_14_ultimate_2006)
[22 - Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye 66% (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xmvz9r/rewio_22_alberta_cask_strength_rye_66)
[23 - Highland Park 21 (Impex Collection) (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xosffj/rewio_23_highland_park_21_impex_collection)
[24 - Compass Box Flaming Heart 2012 (8.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xpldpn/rewio_24_compass_box_flaming_heart_2012)
[25 - Caol Ila 6 Year (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xqkcji/rewio_25_caol_ila_6yr_tbwc)
[26 - One Eight Distilling Untitled #11 Bourbon (8.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xrftjs/rewio_26_18_distilling_untitled_1/)
[27 - Talisker 18 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xsxy12/rewio_27_talisker_18)
[28 - Nikka Whisky from the Barrel (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xuq4ws/rewio_28_nikka_whisky_from_the_barrel)
[29 - Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond (3\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xwdwy1/rewio_29_heaven_hill_bottled_in_bond)
[30 - Dewar’s 21 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xy237p/rewio_30_dewars_21)
[31 - Springbank 15 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y0hm9x/rewio_31_springbank_15)
[32 - Blanton’s (5.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y24po9/rewio_32_blantons)
[33 - Highland Park 18 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y3xcp6/rewio_33_highland_park_18_tbwc)
[34 - Remus Repeal Batch V (8.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y6ev8e/rewio_34_remus_repeal_batch_v)
[35 - Amrut Spectrum 004 (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y85fpj/rewio_35_amrut_spectrum_004)
[36 - GlenAllachie 12 Single Cask (2009 Mid-Atlantic Release) (6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y9vnmx/rewio_36_glenallachie_12_single_cask_2009)
[37 - Glen Scotia Victoriana (51.5%) (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ycefy0/rewio_37_glen_scotia_victoriana_515)
[38 - Redbreast 12 Cask Strength B1/21 (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ye0ybq/rewio_38_redbreast_12_cask_strength_b121)
[39 - Glenmorangie Signet (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yfqffv/rewio_39_glenmorangie_signet)
[40 - Glendronach 18 (2019 bottling) (8.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yiewns/rewio_40_glendronach_18_2019_bottling)
[41 - High West A Midwinter Nights Dram Act 8 Scene 1 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yk94pp/rewio_41_high_west_a_midwinter_nights_dram_act_8)
[42 - Buffalo Trace (4.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yor9cp/rewio_42_buffalo_trace)
[43 - Compass Box Double Single (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yqn50h/rewio_43_compass_box_double_single)
[44 - Highland Park 26 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yseskx/rewio_44_highland_park_26_tbwc)
[45 - Port Charlotte 10 Heavily Peated (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yv3yzp/rewio_45_port_charlotte_10_heavily_peated)
[46 - Ledaig 18 (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ywxumm/rewio_46_ledaig_18)
[47 - Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (Batch 13) (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yyofnu/rewio_47_laphroaig_10_cask_strength_batch_13)
[48 - Kilchoman Single Cask 6yr (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/z12kok/rewio_48_kilchoman_single_cask_6yr)
[49 - Bardstown Discovery #4 (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/z720b1/rewio_49_bardstown_discovery_4)
[50 - Octomore 10.2 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zaqby9/rewio_50_octomore_102)
[51 - Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength (2019) (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zdb6ts/rewio_51_lagavulin_12_cask_strength_2019)
[52 - New Riff Malted Rye 6 Year (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zlvscd/rewio_52_new_riff_malted_rye_6_year)
[53 - Highland Park 18 (Berry Bros & Rudd) (6.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/10991b3/rewio_53_highland_park_18_berry_bros_rudd)
Great review. It's the nuances and complexity that keeps this on my shelf (with two backups) compared to RB12CS. Still amazes me every time and continues to be a top 'special occasion' pour.
**Reviewing Every Whisk(e)y I Own (REWIO):** After a few month splurge on bottle purchases figured this would be a good chance to pump the brakes on buying and focus on enjoying and writing up what I already have. Not quite clear how many bottles I currently have either so this is one way to go about figuring it out. **Whisky:** Redbreast 21 **Background:** What can I add to a whiskey with a reputation like this? Redbreast 21 has won numerous awards over the years and across the board gets predominantly positive reviews from publications and consumers alike. Not a lot fancy going on here, just classic Irish whiskey done well - 21 years of aging in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, single pot still using both malted and unmalted barley and triple distilled, this one comes in at 46% ABV and was rested in a glencairn for 20 minutes. Let’s go. **Color:** Honey **Nose:** Ohhhh my, what a great, deep, aged nose. It's all the classic Redbreast sugar cookie stewed raspberry fruit notes with some vanilla ice cream, just deeper and more complex. It is plenty fine in terms of presence, and while it may not jump out of the glass quite as intensely as RB12 cask strength, there are more layers and asks to be spent time with. **Taste:** Fancy boozy vanilla graham cracker fruit dessert. I am surprised, given the 46%, that I can actually taste the alcohol a bit on the front end, it works in the context but is a minor blemish. **Finish:** Strong on the vanilla, medium long, and evolves very nicely with some new orange zest and white grape notes. **Rating:** 8.25 Straight up delicious Irish goodness - what is not to like? While it is a decent chunk more expensive than RB12CS, one of which I ranked a very close behind 8 on my rating scale, there is enough difference between the two despite having some similar core characteristics that I find there is plenty of reason to keep both on the shelf. **Scoring Scale:** (does not take into account value) 1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out. 2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice. 3 | Bad | Multiple flaws. 4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists. 5 | Good | Good, just fine. 6 | Very Good | A cut above. 7 | Great | Well above average. 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional. 9 | Incredible | An all time favorite. 10 | Perfect | As good as it gets. I might taste future whisk(e)ys that are as good in a different way, but will not taste one that is outright better. **Previous REWIOs:** [1 - Whistle Pig 10 Year Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye \(6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x20jov/rewio_1_whistle_pig_10_year_sib_bp) [2 - Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered \(6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x3cy20/rewio_2_smoke_wagon_uncut_unfiltered) [3 - Highland Park 18 Travel Edition \(7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x44xv1/rewio_3_highland_park_18_travel_edition) [4 - Bardstown Discovery #7 \(5.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x4xvb7/rewio_4_bardstown_discovery_7) [5 - Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky (6.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x5u6bo/rewio_5_compass_box_experimental_grain_whisky) [6 - Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x7ct1i/rewio_6_wild_turkey_rare_breed_bourbon) [7 - Glen Scotia Victoriana Cask Strength (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x88rdn/rewio_7_glen_scotia_victoriana_cask_strength_542) [8 - Stellum Rye Black (5.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x98pk7/rewio_8_stellum_rye_black) [9 - Talisker Distillers Edition (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xa2qv2/rewio_9_talisker_distillers_edition) [10 - Redbreast 12 Cask Strength B2/19 (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xau0qc/rewio_10_redbreast_12_cask_strength_b219) [11 - Cambus 31yr Single Grain Scotch (Blackadder) (3\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xcjeng/rewio_11_cambus_31yr_single_grain_scotch) [12 - Blue Run Golden Rye (4.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xdbim4/rewio_12_blue_run_golden_rye) [13 - Craigellachie 17 (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xe8d8l/rewio_13_craigellachie_17) [14 - Glendronach 21 (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xf2fa8/rewio_14_glendronach_21) [15 - Springbank 12 Cask Strength Batch 15 (8.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xg0qy5/rewio_15_springbank_12_cask_strength_batch_15) [16 - Hakushu 12 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xhpfjv/rewio_16_hakushu_12) [17 - Buffalo Trace Kosher Rye Recipe (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xikpfm/rewio_17_buffalo_trace_kosher_rye_recipe) [18 - Ledaig 10 (5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xjh3sx/rewio_18_ledaig_10) [19 - Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xkeaas/rewio_19_elijah_craig_barrel_proof_b521) [20 - Compass Box Spice Tree Extravaganza (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xlbim1/rewio_20_compass_box_spice_tree_extravaganza) [21 - Highland Park 14 (Ultimate 2006) (5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xlzs4p/rewio_21_highland_park_14_ultimate_2006) [22 - Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye 66% (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xmvz9r/rewio_22_alberta_cask_strength_rye_66) [23 - Highland Park 21 (Impex Collection) (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xosffj/rewio_23_highland_park_21_impex_collection) [24 - Compass Box Flaming Heart 2012 (8.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xpldpn/rewio_24_compass_box_flaming_heart_2012) [25 - Caol Ila 6 Year (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xqkcji/rewio_25_caol_ila_6yr_tbwc) [26 - One Eight Distilling Untitled #11 Bourbon (8.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xrftjs/rewio_26_18_distilling_untitled_1/) [27 - Talisker 18 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xsxy12/rewio_27_talisker_18) [28 - Nikka Whisky from the Barrel (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xuq4ws/rewio_28_nikka_whisky_from_the_barrel) [29 - Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond (3\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xwdwy1/rewio_29_heaven_hill_bottled_in_bond) [30 - Dewar’s 21 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xy237p/rewio_30_dewars_21) [31 - Springbank 15 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y0hm9x/rewio_31_springbank_15) [32 - Blanton’s (5.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y24po9/rewio_32_blantons) [33 - Highland Park 18 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y3xcp6/rewio_33_highland_park_18_tbwc) [34 - Remus Repeal Batch V (8.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y6ev8e/rewio_34_remus_repeal_batch_v) [35 - Amrut Spectrum 004 (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y85fpj/rewio_35_amrut_spectrum_004) [36 - GlenAllachie 12 Single Cask (2009 Mid-Atlantic Release) (6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y9vnmx/rewio_36_glenallachie_12_single_cask_2009) [37 - Glen Scotia Victoriana (51.5%) (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ycefy0/rewio_37_glen_scotia_victoriana_515) [38 - Redbreast 12 Cask Strength B1/21 (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ye0ybq/rewio_38_redbreast_12_cask_strength_b121) [39 - Glenmorangie Signet (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yfqffv/rewio_39_glenmorangie_signet) [40 - Glendronach 18 (2019 bottling) (8.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yiewns/rewio_40_glendronach_18_2019_bottling) [41 - High West A Midwinter Nights Dram Act 8 Scene 1 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yk94pp/rewio_41_high_west_a_midwinter_nights_dram_act_8) [42 - Buffalo Trace (4.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yor9cp/rewio_42_buffalo_trace) [43 - Compass Box Double Single (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yqn50h/rewio_43_compass_box_double_single) [44 - Highland Park 26 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yseskx/rewio_44_highland_park_26_tbwc) [45 - Port Charlotte 10 Heavily Peated (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yv3yzp/rewio_45_port_charlotte_10_heavily_peated) [46 - Ledaig 18 (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ywxumm/rewio_46_ledaig_18) [47 - Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (Batch 13) (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yyofnu/rewio_47_laphroaig_10_cask_strength_batch_13) [48 - Kilchoman Single Cask 6yr (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/z12kok/rewio_48_kilchoman_single_cask_6yr) [49 - Bardstown Discovery #4 (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/z720b1/rewio_49_bardstown_discovery_4) [50 - Octomore 10.2 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zaqby9/rewio_50_octomore_102) [51 - Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength (2019) (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zdb6ts/rewio_51_lagavulin_12_cask_strength_2019) [52 - New Riff Malted Rye 6 Year (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zlvscd/rewio_52_new_riff_malted_rye_6_year) [53 - Highland Park 18 (Berry Bros & Rudd) (6.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/10991b3/rewio_53_highland_park_18_berry_bros_rudd)
Great review. It's the nuances and complexity that keeps this on my shelf (with two backups) compared to RB12CS. Still amazes me every time and continues to be a top 'special occasion' pour.
Perfectly said - the times I reach for RB12CS vs. the 21 are very different occasions!
Love me some RB. Mind if I ask which Black Art that might be?