Redbreast 12 years Cask Strength is nothing more than the full, un-cut version of the Redbreast 12 and that right there is fantastic. It’s basically taking something that is already phenomenal and turning it up 11. The only way it could possibly get better is if it was the ungodly amazing RB21 being delivered at CS, but let’s not greedy.
Midleton describes Single Pot Still whiskey as being “fuller and deeper in flavour than most and possesses a distinctive, creamy mouthfeel” which is beautifully displayed in this full bodied and uncut expression. To top it all off they don’t subject the whiskey to chill filtration thus retaining all of the oils that get stripped out during that process. Nor do they taint the whiskey with e150 caramel coloring so you’re getting this almost as natural as it can possibly be.
Redbreast 12 years Cask Strength Review
Distiller: Middleton
Age: 12 years
ABV: 59.9%
Price: $60*
Cask Strength
Non-Chill Filtered
Natural Color
EYE
Amber
NOSE
Sweet buttery toffee, fruit and that malty coppery pot still character come first followed by pleasant notes of vanilla, bourbon-like spice, toasted nuts and a light bit of hay. Add some water and hints of butterscotch, dried apricots, buttery pastry and brown sugar appear. This is a wildly complex nose.
PALATE
Malty coppery pot still floods the palate and creates a flavorful surface for caramel, toffee, bananas foster, light pear and Almond Roca. It’s warm and flavorful, but add some water and it all kicks up a notch with notes of dried apricots, brown sugar, hay and spice coming to the party.
FINISH
Long and lightly wood finish of caramel, butterscotch and that lovely single pot still character.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Perfectly balanced with a round thick body and a heavy oily texture.
OVERALL
Redbreast 12 years Cask Strength is phenomenal. I’m an Irish whiskey fan through and through and not only is this a fantastic example of a truly lovely Single Pot Still Whiskey, but it’s delivered in all it’s glory at full cask strength, non-chill filtered and at natural color. It’s hard to get better than this when it comes to Irish Whiskey. Sweet complex aroma and flavor all bundled up in a malty coppery single pot still character… why the hell am I still typing? I need to go pour myself another glass!
SCORE: 93/100
*Disclosure: This bottle of Redbreast 12 years Cask Strength was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Redbreast 12 years Cask Strength
Redbreast 12 years Cask Strength - Value
At only $15 more than it’s lower ABV brother I feel like this a great value, you’re getting a lot of great whiskey for your money here.
Overall
- Nose - 94
- Palate - 93
- Finish - 92
- Balance, Body & Feel - 93
User Review
( votes)( review)
Fantastic! Have yet to find something better
One of my faves too. Cheers Zachary!
This is my favorite Irish Whisky…actually favorite whisky period. I never had the RB12. What do you recommend I venture into next? I have a sizable collection into bourbon, but this one just opened the flood gates into Irish.
If you’re enjoying this I’d recommend trying out some of the other RB offerings like the Lustau and the 15, or 21 if you can swing it. If you’re looking to find some good daily sippers try Jameson Black Barrel and Bushmills 16. Teeling is putting out some really good stuff and I love all of their Brabazon releases and their single malts. Hope that helps!
Andrew, as someone living in Ireland we get access to some releases that are harder to find abroad…but if you can find them online ‘Glendalough 13 Mizunara Cask Finish’ and ‘JJ Corry The Gael’ are two relatively recent releases of Irish whiskey that I found beyond even some of the other excellent stuff around at the moment.
JJ Corry started underwhelming but a few weeks opened it became magic.
Josh,
Received a bottle for Christmas and tried some tonight over ice. You weren’t kidding how water opens it up. This is one smooth drink that seems to get better the longer it sits in the glass. I also like the lingering tingle I get on my palate when I chew it. This is definitely a special occasion pour.
I’m glad you got to experience that. Thanks for sharing, cheers Mark!
Odd how the ‘disclosure’ part of your webpage runs off the main page and is partially covered up. Surely you have nothing to hide?
Whisky / whiskey brands ‘pay you in kind’ to write about their product, nothing wrong with that. It’s called soft marketing.
Hi Lapin,
You seem to have an odd chip on your shoulder, so let me help you out here.
I have zero to hide, that’s why there’s a disclosure on the site. I recently did an overhaul on the site with a new re-design and not everything is still working/looking correctly and with 1,200+ reviews it’s taking time to fix all the formatting issues, but thanks for just now showing up to the site and then nitpicking. Very productive use of time.
I receive $0 compensation and writing about samples I receive is completely at my discretion and 100% disclosed; it’s called integrity.
Cheers!
Picked this up yesterday based on your review. Just love it! I wasn’t sure if I’d like Irish Whiskey but no more! Thanks again for the heads up!
Happy to hear you like it. Cheers!
I got a bottle of this recently (batch B1/13), because I’ve always enjoyed the 12 year old. At first I was rather disappointed as it was very “closed” on the nose and even the palate. I usually drink cask-strength neat for the full experience, but decided to add a bit of water to it, and it really opened up nicely. It’s still not yet quite lived up to my expectations, but we’ll see how it evolves as the bottle gets drunk. Oh, and thanks to a certain Mr J Murray, my other favourite the 21 is now either impossible to find or twice the price it was… bastard!
I’m in that same boat as you with the 21. So good, cheers Martin!
Now that Middleton Very Rare has been ridiculously re-priced and overvalued, this Red Breast 12 Cask Strength has filled its spot as my everyday go-to. Amazing whiskey that is well-priced and simply delicious.
You are absolutely correct about Redbreast Cask Strength. One of the best Irish Whiskies you’ll ever taste. Just mind blowing. A bit hard to find but when you do it is well worth the few extra bucks for it.
Cheers!