Redbreast Dream Cask 38 year old Zenith Edition, 45.3%

Released in 2024, the last chapter was distilled in 1985, just like the first edition. It spent 27 years in second-fill bourbon barrels before being recasked into oloroso sherry butts in 2013. Spicy and herbal on the nose with underlying dark sherry fruit, black cherry, sprigs of rosemary, black currant purée, Concord grape jelly, dried citrus, and some lovely layers of walnut and seasoned oak. Though it dances lightly on the tongue, there’s rich fruit on the palate with flavors of red apple, vanilla essence, and black cherry, then a slow, drying finish of gingersnaps, dark fruit, and increasing oakiness. (822 bottles; €1,000)