Irish whiskey darling Redbreast now has two completely different particular launch ranges delivering periodic additions to the portfolio: the Iberian Sequence and the American Oak Sequence. The latter kicked issues off in 2023 with Kentucky Oak Version, a standout debut that noticed Redbreast completed in virgin casks constructed from oak harvested from a single farm in Kentucky. For the sequel, Redbreast is utilizing virgin oak from the Ozark Forests in Missouri, which is admittedly not fairly as bespoke because the inaugural launch. Quite a lot of white oak barrels come out of the Ozarks.
As for what’s within the bottle, the identical idea applies right here as earlier than. That is basic Redbreast constructed from malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills and matured in American oak bourbon barrels and Spanish oloroso sherry butts for an unspecified interval that’s then completed for 10 months in virgin (or first-fill) oak casks from the Ozarks. Let’s test it out.
Whereas Kentucky Oak carried a basic Redbreast nostril wealthy in coconut and vanilla, it is a large departure from the flagship with the virgin oak end exhibiting much more darkish toffee, pie spice, and roasted nut notes. Because it opens, issues get a bit dusty with extra barrel char and toasted oak aromas. That heavier wooden profile carries over on the palate the place prime notes of barley sugar, vanilla bean, and cooked stone fruit rapidly give solution to extra overbaked notes of darkish brown pie crust and crunchy chocolate biscuits. It’s soothing and heat however with considerably extra spice and pepper than the Kentucky Oak providing, simmering right into a beneficiant end with notes of peach tart, ginger tea, and chocolate mints.
I used to be admittedly skeptical of future iterations of the American Oak Sequence, questioning how completely different one batch of American oak casks may actually be from one other. Redbreast has confirmed its level with Missouri Oak, and whereas I didn’t take pleasure in it fairly as a lot because the inaugural providing, I’m actually wanting ahead to the subsequent installment. I assume there might be 48 potential choices (plus some territories)!
101 proof.
B+ / $199
Redbreast Single Pot Nonetheless Irish Whiskey Missouri Oak Version
$199
