At Ireland’s largest distillery, the Midleton Distilleries Complex, millions of liters of whiskey are produced each year, including Redbreast 12 Years Old. In this Redbreast 12 Years Old review, you’ll find our experience with this iconic Irish single pot still whiskey.

The origins of Redbreast whiskey stretch back a long way. In 1857, W&A Gilbey was founded in London, then known as a wine importer and distillery. With a steady supply of casks thanks to their wine trade, they initially began maturing whiskies from other distilleries, only later releasing them under their own label.

The Redbreast name appeared later. In August 1912, Gilbey’s began selling the ‘Redbreast’ J.J. Liqueur Whiskey 12 Year Old. The name Redbreast is inspired by a bird—the robin—and pays tribute to a former Gilbey’s chairman who was an avid bird enthusiast. Today, the robin also graces the brand’s logo. Nice story—but how does it taste? Here are our tasting notes.

Today, Redbreast whiskey is produced at the Midleton Distilleries Complex in the town of Midleton, County Cork, Ireland. The distillery is owned by Irish Distillers Ltd (Pernod Ricard), the French drinks group.

Redbreast 12 is an Irish Single Pot Still whiskey. That means it’s made from 50% malted and 50% unmalted barley and triple-distilled in copper pot stills. It is then matured in a combination of bourbon-seasoned American oak casks and Oloroso sherry–seasoned Spanish oak butts.

Pouring Redbreast releases aromas of fruit, vanilla, and honey, with hints of spice, sherry, and wood. Given a little time in the glass, more fruit develops: blackcurrant, raisins and a buttery note reminiscent of baked apple. It’s an inviting, complex nose that makes a strong first impression.

The packaging promises a complex, spicy, fruity aroma with roasted wood tones, but for us the fruit notes take center stage on the nose.

The first sip is smooth and slightly sweet, then turns spicier with oak accents and a touch of bitterness, cocoa and dark chocolate. The finish is long, with notes of vanilla and oak.

Redbreast has become a household name among Irish whiskey lovers, and with good reason. It brims with character and complexity, yet the flavors are well-balanced and the texture is silky. The result is an easy-drinking whiskey with depth, suited to both newcomers and seasoned whisky drinkers.

+      Beautiful presentation

+      Plenty of depth and character

+      Long, creamy finish

-    The spicy profile won’t be for everyone

This review is based on a full bottle. Want to know more about our reviews? Read our review page.