Irish Whiskey in the 90+ Club
The 90+ Club is a collection of exceptional whiskies that have scored 90 points or higher from Whisky Advocate’s trusted ratings, marking them as benchmarks of their categories. Redbreast 12 Year Old is no exception. This quintessential Irish whisky has earned its place by defining what the category can be through its elegance, complexity, and stylishness. In this Behind the Score, we dig into the Irish whiskey’s Quality, Craftsmanship, Terroir, and Uniqueness.
Long-standing Irish Quality
“Redbreast Liqueur Whiskey” has been proudly produced since 1933. Irish Distillers Limited has been the brand owner since 1986, reintroducing it in 1991 with a thorough makeover—flawless pot still distillate and a revamped wood program. Over three decades later, it remains Irish pot still whiskey at its finest and richest. Elegant, complex, and stylish it offers notes of toffee, maple syrup, banana bread, and layers of fruit. Approachable and well-priced, it is a must for any serious Irish whiskey enthusiast.
Pot Distilled Craftsmanship
Redbreast 12 Year Old undergoes triple distillation; first in a wash still, then in a second or feints still, and finally, and almost always unique to Ireland, in a third or spirits still. Handmade, copper pot stills are used—the largest in the world in fact—causing a chemical reaction that leaves excess sulphur behind, making a lighter, more pleasant spirit. Master distiller Brian Nation carefully monitors when to make his cuts to create the most fragrant, floral, and flavorful spirit.
An Unmalted Terroir
Redbreast 12 Year Old is produced using both malted and unmalted barley that has been mostly sourced from farms within the Munster region by the distillery. While unmalted barley is a bit unusual, it does impart a silky, creamy mouthfeel which is quite appealing. It also makes the whiskey a little less biscuity, with more spicy notes. Likewise, the distillery’s soft, clear water is sourced from the nearby Dungourney River, and filtered through a cavernous limestone system.
A Unique Maturation
Maturation may be what truly separates Redbreast, however. The distillate is aged in large sherry casks, made from European oak, and all manufactured by hand at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain. These “butts” will have held sherry wine for two years. Ex-bourbon barrels are likewise employed, made from American white oak, built in Kentucky, and having held bourbon whiskey for at least three years. Redbreast continues to experiment with barrel maturation through line extensions, like Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition, which is also a proud member of the 90+ club.
Earning a Place in the 90+ Club
Redbreast 12 Year Old secured its 90-point score for its pot still perfection produced from local barley and water and matured in the finest casks from across the globe. But it’s not the only great Irish whiskey in the 90+ Club. Others worth trying include Jameson Black Barrel, sumptuously rich and intense are aging in double-charred, and Green Spot, another pot still classic with an incredible depth of flavor.
