Redbreast Irish Whiskey Missouri Oak Edition Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Midelton Distillery, Ireland
• MASH BILL: Malted and unmalted barley, per single-pot distilled Irish whiskey
• AGE: Not disclosed
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 101 (50.5% ABV)
• MSRP: $199
• BUY ONLINE: Redbreast Online Store

STEVE’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: All whiskey lovers, especially fans of Irish whiskey.

WORTH THE PRICE: If you’re a Redbreast fanatic, yes. If you’re fonder of bolder bourbons or Islay Scotch, probably not.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar, to get to know it. Any whiskey fan surely would love it, but if you are a cost-conscious drinker, consider a first date at a bar before committing long-term to a bottle.

OVERALL: On the nose come baked pastries, cooked cereal grains, lemon butter, pie crust, cinnamon and warm honey, brown sugar and toasted oak. Each sip delivers scant oak and spice followed by cooked barley, biscuit, cooked apple and Marcona almonds. Tropical fruits released in subsequent sips are truly delicious and surprising. Compared to Redbreast 12-year, this jabs nicely with spice (owed surely to the Missouri oak cask finish) while trading off the 12’s richer cooked dark fruits.

If you’re a lower-proof, softer whiskey fan, this is made for you. It’s a cozy drink, a warming dram that will leave you cheerful and summoning someone to bring the bottle for more.

BRAND NOTES

Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey, is delighted to announce the latest addition to its U.S. exclusive collection, Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition. Currently rolling out nationwide, this extraordinary expression, finished in virgin Missouri oak barrels, brings a captivating twist to the renowned Redbreast liquid.

 To celebrate the new launch, Redbreast, known as a champion for bird preservation, has sponsored a research study into the magnificent Cerulean Warblers that breed in the Ozark Forest, with the songbird gracing the packaging of the new expression in homage. Launching on May 8, whiskey enthusiasts across the United States will have the exclusive opportunity to experience this limited-edition release for an SRP of $199.   

Bottled at a robust 50.5% ABV, Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition seamlessly combines the signature Redbreast single pot still whiskey profile, aged in sherry and ex-bourbon barrels, with the unique influence of virgin Missouri oak from the Ozark Forest for 10 months. This exceptional oak takes center stage, elevating the Redbreast classic flavor profile with notes of cinnamon and ground ginger, complemented with the rich oak tannins, resulting in a satisfyingly long finish.

 The whiskey offers a symphony of flavors, opening with generous waves of toffee apple and vanilla, followed by ripe blackcurrants and black cherries. Simultaneously, the rich oak tannins soften into the background to welcome a luscious and creamy texture that seamlessly intertwines with the building sweetness, vibrant spices, and berries. The nuttiness and pot still spices linger before gracefully yielding to the soft oak notes, leaving a lasting impression that beckons for another sip.

As a brand that has been dedicated to sustainable forest management and the conservation of birdlife, Redbreast has proudly sponsored a study in partnership with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Arkansas State University, the University of Kentucky, and American Bird Conservancy to mark the release of Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition. Under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Larkin, Dr. Than Boves, and Dr. Darin McNeil, the research endeavors to evaluate Cerulean Warbler breeding season habitat use in oak forests of eastern Northern America. The potential recovery of this imperiled migratory songbird is strongly linked to the availability of healthy white oak forests. This collaborative effort seeks to refine forest management guidelines to better protect and enhance Cerulean Warbler habitat.  

“Cerulean Warbler populations have faced steep and persistent declines across North America, and their recovery is, in part, reliant upon a shift in human behavior away from unsustainable harvesting practices that threaten white oak forests,” says Dr. Larkin emphasizes. “We are delighted to collaborate with Redbreast on this research and are hopeful that together we can make a profound impact for years to come. The aim of our research is to gain actionable insights that will enable us to promote the highest standards of sustainable forest management, ultimately facilitating the species’ recovery.”

Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition Tasting Notes

Nose: Generous waves of sweet toffee apple and vanilla at first, closely followed by ripe blackcurrants and black cherries. The American oak embraces the pot still spices with additional notes of cinnamon and ground ginger, while nutty undertones akin to pecan pie linger gently in the background. 

Taste: Rich with oak tannins that slowly subside, giving way to the luscious and creamy texture of this wonderfully balanced pot still whiskey. The sweetness continues to build in tandem with the spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black peppercorns along with rich berry fruits and vanilla cream. 

Finish: Satisfyingly long with the nuttiness and pot still spices lingering for a time before finally yielding to the oak. 

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.