Redbreast Irish Whiskey Unveils New Permanent Expression To The Redbreast Family: Introducing Redbreast 18 Year Old

The award winning 18 Year Old is the first permanent new addition to the Redbreast family in four years and offers a unique twist for Redbreast with the addition of cream sherry casks in the aging process

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Redbreast, Ireland's most awarded single pot still whiskey* announced the release of its latest expression, Redbreast 18 Year Old. This new member of the Redbreast family has been meticulously crafted, offering a unique take on the classic Redbreast style.

Having already earned prestigious accolades throughout 2024's international global tasting competitions, including four Gold Medals from The Irish Whiskey Masters, Beverage Testing Institute, International Spirits Challenge, and International Wine & Spirit Competition, Redbreast 18 Year Old adds a new and exciting element to the Redbreast range as the first 18 Year Old release for the brand. Also a first for Redbreast, the new expression uses the addition of cream sherry casks for a unique and distinctive flavor and will be available for an MSRP of $249.99.

Constantly seeking innovation, Redbreast Master Blender David McCabe and Redbreast Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton, meticulously nurtured Redbreast 18 Year Old, drawing inspiration from the aged inventory at Midleton Distillery while also embracing a diverse array of cask types to introduce to the Redbreast portfolio. Crafted from malted and unmalted barley and triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, this exceptional expression has been aged in a cask combination of ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry, cream sherry and a portion aged in ruby port casks.

Redbreast 18 Year Old masterfully intertwines the signature charm of oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels that have become synonymous with the brand, enriching the whiskey with its distinctive flavors. While Redbreast 12 Year Old embodies vanilla sweetness, toasted wood, and dried fruits, and Redbreast 15 Year Old features a more herbal profile, the additional aging of Redbreast 18 Year Old elevates this experience with lush blackcurrant and raspberry notes, pronounced tannins and a luxurious chocolate presence. Redbreast 18 Year Old also includes whiskey aged in ruby port casks, as found in Redbreast 27 Year Old, creating rich flavors of autumnal fruits, toasted oak and nuttiness with a dusting of spices.

"The addition of Redbreast 18 Year Old to the Redbreast core range beautifully bridges the gap between our older and younger offerings," said Master Blender David McCabe. "We wanted to unlock a new taste profile for the Redbreast permanent range while still offering something that feels distinctly Redbreast in its style. By incorporating the cream sherry casks, we've created a whiskey that boasts a rich profile of dark chocolate, blackcurrants, and hazelnuts. This expression not only honors our heritage but also showcases our commitment to innovation in Irish whiskey making."

The tantalizing addition of cream sherry casks from the esteemed Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage, along with the more traditional cask profile portfolio, promises something both new and familiar. Not only do they unveil a delightful syrupy sweetness that complements the inherent Redbreast taste, the expression also introduces a captivating array of new flavors that take center stage in this extraordinary expression. The resulting Redbreast 18 Year Old whiskey bursts with berry fruit aromas, toasted almond and cinnamon notes, hazelnut chocolate tones, and caramelized stone fruit sweetness.

"The unveiling of Redbreast 18 Year Old is a moment of pride for us. We're incredibly fortunate to have a variety of aged stock at Midleton Distillery, and with its unique flavor profile, we are confident this will be a welcome addition to whiskey enthusiasts' collections and a delightful first-hand experience for those new to whiskey," said Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton.

Enjoy Responsibly. Bottled at 46%, Redbreast 18 Year Old is available nationwide starting September 2024 for an MSRP of $249.99. 

Redbreast 18-Year-Old Tasting Notes

Nose: Delectable berry fruit aromas of ripe blackcurrants and raspberries accompanied by sugar glazed cherries and dried fig. Indulgent tones of hazelnut chocolate and caramelised stone fruits with warming and fragrant notes of toasted almonds and cinnamon, nestled alongside polished oak and worn leather.

Taste: Full-bodied and rounded, with the oak tannins complementing the decadent sweetness of sun-kissed grapes and autumnal fruits. Vibrant spices of freshly peeled ginger and hints of liquorice weave amongst the wine seasoned oak influences of dried fruits, dark berries and orange peel.

Finish: Rich and lasting. The pot still spices, fruit and oak slowly fade harmoniously, showcasing the balance of this wonderfully complex whiskey.

*Based on the tasting results of the six most influential tasting competitions over the past thirteen years (2011-2023), including The Irish Whiskey Masters, IWSC, ISC, Beverage Testing Institute, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland's leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world's most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world's bestselling and most awarded Irish whiskey, achieving +1% net sales growth globally in FY24. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets around the world.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son, and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network.

We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard USA

 Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Co´digo Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson's Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo and Brancott Estate; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne and Mumm Napa sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As "creators of conviviality," we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking.