Redbreast Aged 12 Years Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Batch B1/21 750ml

Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength is the full strength, undiluted expression of the whiskey widely regarded as the definitive single pot still Irish whiskey. While the standard Redbreast 12 is bottled at 40% ABV, this cask strength edition is bottled without dilution to offer a glimpse of Redbreast 12 in its natural, full flavored state straight from the cask. Distilled at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork from a traditional mash of both malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills, then matured in a combination of bourbon seasoned American oak barrels and Oloroso sherry seasoned Spanish oak butts. This is Batch B1/21, bottled at a robust 56.3% ABV, non chill filtered and of natural color to preserve the full oily texture and concentrated flavor. Each batch of Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is a slightly different ABV depending on the specific casks selected, and B1/21 earned an Editor's Choice rating from Whisky Advocate as a singularly distinctive batch. For drinkers who love the classic Redbreast 12 sherry forward style but want more intensity, weight, and depth, the cask strength delivers everything the standard bottling does and then some.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Rich golden amber with deep highlights (natural color, no added coloring).

Nose: Golden sultana, fragrant spice, dried orange slices, star anise, baked apricot, festive spices, orange peel, and hints of flaked chocolate bar over a good whack of old sherry.

Palate: Spices leap from a butterscotch and red berry base, vociferously showing clove, star anise, and ginger root, parting to welcome milk chocolate, vanilla pod, oak, juicy nectarine, damson, sultana, and pineapple. Supported by layers of vanilla, honeycomb, and a whisper of coffee. Rich, fully rounded, and mellow despite the cask strength.

Finish: Long and warming with luscious fruit and spice, vanilla sweetness, and a touch of oak lingering evenly.

FAQ

What is cask strength? Cask strength means the whiskey is bottled at or near the natural alcohol strength it reaches in the cask, without dilution down to a standard bottling proof. Batch B1/21 of Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is bottled at 56.3% ABV, compared to the standard Redbreast 12 at 40% ABV. This delivers a more concentrated, intense, full flavored experience.

How is this different from the standard Redbreast 12? Same age (12 years), same distillery, same cask types (ex bourbon and Oloroso sherry), but the cask strength is bottled undiluted at 56.3% ABV instead of 40%, and is non chill filtered with natural color. The result is richer, oilier, more intense, and more complex, showing the whiskey in its natural full flavored state. Many enthusiasts consider the cask strength the superior expression for serious sipping.

What does Batch B1/21 mean? Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is released in numbered batches, each bottled at a slightly different ABV depending on the specific casks selected. B1/21 means the first batch of 2021, bottled at 56.3% ABV. Whisky Advocate awarded this particular batch an Editor's Choice rating, calling it singularly distinctive. The batch number is printed on the front of the bottle and box.

How should I drink it? At 56.3% ABV, sip it neat first to experience the full intensity, then add a few drops of water to open up the aromatics and reveal additional layers. The high strength means it takes water well. A contemplative sipping whiskey rather than a mixer, though it makes a powerful Irish coffee or whiskey cocktail.

How does this compare to other Redbreast releases? The cask strength sits alongside the standard Redbreast 12 Year as the higher proof version of the flagship. Above them sit the 15 Year, the 21 Year, and the ultra premium 27 Year ruby port cask release. The 12 Cask Strength is the enthusiast's pick for everyday Redbreast at full power.

Where can I buy Redbreast 12 Cask Strength online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.