REDBREAST IS RELEASING A CASK-STRENGTH VERSION OF ITS EXCELLENT 15-YEAR-OLD WHISKEY

Redbreast, the brand behind one of the very best Irish whiskeys out there, is focused on producing single pot still whiskey matured in a variety of different cask types. It has a portfolio of age statements that starts at 12 years old and goes all the way up to 27. It also gives some whiskeys special secondary maturations: It released a cask-strength version of the 12-year-old in 2011, for instance. In that same high-proof vein, the brand just announced a limited-edition, high-ABV version of its excellent 15-year-old. The cask-strength version of Redbreast 15 is only available in the U.K.-for the time being, anyway.

Redbreast is produced at the Midleton Distillery just outside of Cork in the south of Ireland, the same facility where best seller Jameson is made, along with Midleton Very Rare, the Spots, Powers, and other Irish whiskeys. The brand's newest release marks the 20th anniversary of Redbreast 15, which first debuted in 2005. While that whiskey is bottled at 92 proof (46 percent ABV), the limited-edition cask-strength version comes in much higher at 112.6 proof (56.3 percent ABV).

"This release is a celebration of everything Redbreast 15 Year Old represents-heritage, craftsmanship, and character," said master blender Dave McCabe in a statement. "Bottling it at natural cask strength allows the whiskey to fully showcase its complexity and vibrancy."

Master blender emeritus Billy Leighton, who moved to that role in 2023 after more than four decades with Irish Distillers, added that Redbreast 15 was originally supposed to be a one-time release. "Its overwhelming success led it to become a permanent part of our portfolio," he said. "This cask strength edition captures the spirit of that original moment-delivering a whiskey that is both deeply familiar and thrillingly new."

Like other Redbreast whiskeys, the 15 Year Old Cask Strength was matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry-seasoned barrels before bottling. We did not get to sample this whiskey, but the official tasting notes describe it as being a bright and crisp dram with equal parts herbal notes and spice on the palate.

Adding to the exclusivity, this very limited release is assembled from just 15 casks. It can currently only be purchased via the Middleton Distillery Collection website for €130 (about $140). Hopefully, that will change soon. In the meantime, the rest of the lineup, including last year's fantastic new 18-year-old expression, is available at websites like ReserveBar.