I got to try Redbreast 21 at Whisky Live LA (hence the shoddy image) and I was floored by what I was experiencing. So much so that I kind of forgot to write down my notes while I sipped on my first sample. Sheepishly I went back for seconds and the smiling Irish brand manager was more than happy to oblige and this time I was more thoughtful with my approach.
I stepped aside to one of the small standing tables that littered the event hall floor and took my time slowly nosing, sipping and focusing on the whiskey and it soon came apparent that my first assumption was correct. This is a fantastic whiskey and I was right to go back and get another sample to spend more time with it.
Of course my next thoughts were about how I could smuggle that bottle out of the hall. Seeing as how I wanted to be invited back to the next one I decided against grabbing the bottle and running out the door laughing maniacally which was the subtle plan my lubricated brain had concocted.
Redbreast 21 Review
Distiller: Irish Distillers (New Midleton)
ABV: 46%
Age: 21 years
Price: $250
EYE
Light gold
NOSE
Complex tropical leaning fruit with strong notes of vanilla, spice, honey and that wonderful lightly coppered single pot still character. Lighter notes of apples and dark sweets like caramel and brittle haunt the background along with a light bit of wood.
PALATE
Same complex tropical leaning fruit from the nose slides through on the palate and again is accompanied by notes of vanilla, spice, a rich single pot still character and a stronger woody presence than the nose. A touch of honey, citrus and a light earthy quality team up with a bit of mint to add interesting facets to this complex palate.
FINISH
Spice, vanilla and toasted nuts give way to a sweet and coppery single pot still character that fades out nice and slow.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Perfectly balanced with a rich full body and thick supple texture. It’s a fantastic drinking experience.
OVERALL
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love the Redbreast 21. It’s warm and complex from nose through finish with subtle notes creating shifting facets that keep the senses working. If it weren’t $250 I would have 4 or 5 bottles of it sitting on my shelves at home right now. It’s simply stunning and I promise that as soon as I break down and buy myself a bottle I’ll be posting a much better picture… and of course updating this section since it won’t make sense any more.
SCORE: 95/100
Redbreast 21
Redbreast 21 Value
It’s obscenely good, but it’s hard for me to call anything priced at $250 a great value so let me put it this way. If you’re looking for one of the best examples of Irish whiskey out there and you happen to have a budget of $250 then I would highly recommend this.
Overall
- Nose - 96
- Palate - 95
- Finish - 94
- Balance, Body & Feel - 95
Redbreast 21 is truly fantastic. It does sell for $200 in the Los Angeles area and is well worth it at that price.
Amen Malto!
I’m in Canadaada where we usually pay ALOT more for our booze . But one local retailer is selling this online for CDN$188 ..your reviews piqued my interest soi might go for it as I already love my first whiskey (am a newbie), the regular redbreast 12.
Oh man, that’s a good price. If you like the 12, the 21 will blow your mind (at least it did mine :P). Cheers!
Just found and purchased my first bottle tonight. Will be saving this for St. Patrick’s day. Small amounts over the next few years lol
Enjoy!
A few years back, I had the pleasure of spending my birthday celebration at an Irish pub where I was treated to Redbreast 21 for the first time. My family and friends treated me to a meal and unlimited glasses, neat. After my first introduction, I was in love. Our night came to a close upon learning we (mostly I) had depleted the establishment’s entire stock of Redbreast. Lol. Had I known at the time the $250 per bottle pricetag, which I am sure was more when served by the glass, I may have appreciated the wonderful gift even more! By far, this is now my favorite whiskey!
Damn, those are some great people have around, that’s an awesome sounding birthday with a great whiskey to boot. Cheers David!
Hi Josh! I figure it’s already $350 around Cambridge MA, have you bought your own bottle anyway? lol
I have. It’s about $220 around here. Cheers!
hello! how are you? Is the RedBreast 21 artificially coloured?
I do not believe it is. I don’t think any of the Redbreasts are.
I treated myself to this to celebrate my 60th. Absolutely incredible whiskey. Was like a tropical fruit bomb. I love the 12 CS and that will always be in the bar but had to have this.
Your review was spot on
Have a great 2017
Cheers Peter, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing!
My wife just surprised me with a bottle of this from Dublin Airport Duty Free – $160!! I said thanks – you should’ve bought more! I look forward to giving this a try.
That’s a great price. Cheers!
I agree wholeheartedly…Probably the best whiskey I ever had.
It’s just incredible!
I love this so much I bought 6 bottles!
Nice!