Simon Wittenberg takes a look at the oldest permanent expression to be added to the Redbreast line-up, one of the most popular pot still whiskeys.

Irish Distillers has launched the new Redbreast 27 Year Old. Bottled at 54.6% cask strength, it now spearheads the Redbreast Irish Whiskey range, which already counts the 12, 15 and 21 Year Old, plus the Lustau Edition (introduced in 2016).

For over 30 years, the team at Midleton has travelled to Portugal’s Douro Valley to discover the finest caves in the region in a bid to provide drinkers with a truly unique taste experience.

As a result, Redbreast 27 Year Old includes whiskey matured in ruby port barrels that deliver fleshy fruit characteristics with notes of toasted oak.

When peering at the tasting glass, Redbreast 27 Year Old has a nice rich colour, and the nose of this expression is delightful, thanks to a mix of exotic fruits and red berries, which is complemented by vanilla and a touch of treacle.

Once it reaches the palate, the taste and finish are just as exquisite, where hints of ripe stone fruits come to the fore, all balanced with a subtle kick of spices and chilli.

Master Blender Billy Leighton said, “It gives us great pleasure to reveal the latest member of the Redbreast Irish Whiskey family. In creating this whiskey, Dave [McCabe] and I drew on our experience of working with sherry and other wine casks over the years as we have evolved the range.

“This time, we wanted to push the boundaries and yet create an expression that would seamlessly take its place at the head of the family.

“Nearly three decades in the making, we are incredibly proud to present Redbreast 27 Year Old – a cask strength Redbreast expression that is a joy to behold in each and every sip.”

Blender Dave McCabe added, “The ruby port barrels contribute notes of mango, pineapple and berry to the robust flavour of Redbreast 27 Year Old, clearly distinguishing it from the previous expressions in the collection, treading a beautiful balance of tradition and innovation.”

Redbreast 27 Year Old – Where and How?

Redbreast 27 Year Old is available now in 11 markets, priced at €495 per bottle (around £440 or US$550 subject to the exchange rate).

For more information, visit www.redbreastwhiskey.com.

Please take a look at pictures of our Redbreast 27 Year Old tasting kit on the Luxurious Magazine Instagram page.