Redbreast Irish Whiskey

Last year I spent some time filming with the makers of Jameson Irish Whiskey. These weren’t the suits, or the guys on the distillery floor. These were the Four Masters: the four big wigs who control the flavour, blending, look and – essentially – the future of Jameson, Paddy, Powers, etc.

So after spending some time doing the filming bits, we naturally chatted about Whiskey. I have to say, I was never a real afficianado of the drink in the past, but their knowledge prompted me to taste and enjoy the various Jamesons, Paddys, etc and even to begin to appreciate the subtle differences.

As filming was wrapping up, I asked each individual Master what his favourite whiskey was. Funnily, there was no mention of Jamesons or Paddys or even of the £90-a-bottle Midleton. Instead, they all nominated a somewhat secret and scarcely promoted band – Redbreast.

The name brought back vague memories from childhood – when there might have been the odd bottle in my grandfather’s cupboard. 

Anyway, to cut a long story short, when our own business partnership recently had reason to toast itself in an unfamiliar bar,  I went to get the drinks in. And what did I see behind the counter? A bottle of 15-year old Redbreast, as well as a bottle of the 12-year old – the first time I had ever seen either behind a bar counter. Naturally, the orders I had taken from my chums went by the wayside and I presented the table with a series of large Redbreasts.

Let’s just say that after a great amount of fruitful sniffing, sipping, smacking and swallowing, Redbreast is now the Official Drink of our Company.

For anyone who needs to know all the technical stuff, here’s what the website says about Redbreast:

“Unique among whiskeys, Redbreast is a ‘Single’ unblended, pure pot still Irish whiskey which has been triple distilled in oak casks for not less than twelve years. This uncompromising dedication to authenticity and quality gives Redbreast a traditional smooth mellow character and a taste which is full flavoured and assertive but not over-robust.”

Sláinte!

67 Responses to “Redbreast Irish Whiskey”


  1. 1 Joe Seibert March 21, 2007 at 5:16 am

    I am a Yank and one of my friends lives here in Philadelphia. Every time her mother visits from Dublin she brings me a bottle of Redbreast and it is the best whiskey that I have ever tasted. Thanks.

  2. 2 BunE April 17, 2007 at 10:32 pm

    The Redbreast was first presented to me after a successful legal outcome and has become unofficial “fee”. Ahhhhhhh Whiskey

  3. 3 KMac September 1, 2007 at 4:08 pm

    “I am a Yank and one of my friends lives here in Philadelphia. ”

    The first time I had Redbreast was at Nodding Head’s Brew Pup in Philly. The actually have it on the bar. I’ve been able to find it in some NJ liquer stores.

  4. 4 chuck October 12, 2007 at 5:13 pm

    I agree! I was first introduced to Redbreast at a cousin’s home in Nashville, TN (USA). She was having some friends over for a small morning gathering that included “Irish Coffee”. I had been a “Jameson” man for many years – but was in need of a morning drink.
    WOW! Now I drink Redbreast or nothing at all.

  5. 5 Lyle Flanagan December 9, 2007 at 9:35 pm

    I am from South Africa. We only have a few Irish whiskey’s here namely: Jameson; Bushmills and Tullemore Dew. and that is about it. Please if you can help me to discover more Irish whiskey Brands it will be my absolute pleasure.

  6. 7 rbaldwin December 28, 2007 at 9:48 pm

    My family here in Canada has been a fan of Jameson for years. Recently, however, my dad’s friend returned from his annual trip to his homeland Ireland. This time he brought back with him a 12 year bottle of Redbreast. I had one sip and was astounded. It’s beautiful. Nothing need more be said. It’s simply beautiful.

  7. 8 Mark December 30, 2007 at 12:42 am

    I was introduced to Redbreast at one of the best Irish pubs in Dallas, the Idle Rich Pub. I purchased a bottle myself, and just received a 750ml bottle for Christmas. Drinking Redbreast neat or on ice is a pleasure. Smooth, full and so very drinkable. I am one American that is very sold on high end Irish whisky.

  8. 9 penny January 11, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    I first had Redbreast by happy accident about 8 years ago-found it online at classic whiskey , ordered 2 bottles -one for my irish father in law and the other for me .I was excited to try it having only Jameson to compare to. wow and wow again.I can happily say it is a favorite gift to give , I love to share it with my friends and family.I will never drink another whiskey again !!! THANK-YOU !

  9. 10 Joseph January 30, 2008 at 12:10 am

    This is certainly one of the best. I believe it is either a close second or tie to the Jameson 12 year. Absolutely fantastic

  10. 11 Gary O'Shawn Rutherford February 8, 2008 at 11:10 pm

    The first time I had Red Breast was in Calgary, AB Canada at an Irish Pup, James Joyce on 8th Street, downntown Calgary. We had sipped a few different Whisky’s such as Bushmills, Middleton, Tullamore Dew and Red Breast. There is no comparison in my mind as to what was the best of the best. Yes, Middleton is more exclusive but the overall balance and flavor for me was in the Red Breast.

    The second time I had this lovely pot still was in Tempe, AZ at Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant. The owner was gracious in lending a hand in our tasting of a few more Irish Whiskys, notably Middleton, Powers and Connemara. The latter was to much like a scotch for my taste and once again, I found the Red Breast to be the favorite.

    Happy to say, I have a few bottles of this now and glad that BEVMO keeps a good stock of Red Breast.

    • 12 Robert Strauss April 3, 2011 at 10:03 pm

      Now that is a recommendation that I can trust. I think I might give a bottle to my son, Rob, on his 35th birthday. You might remember, Rob, old friend, as you helped teach him to hit a baseball when he was three years old. I haven’t heard from you in forever. Give me a call at 832-314-2828.

      All the best,

      Bob

  11. 13 Ditch Road Dunnigan February 22, 2008 at 12:49 am

    …Redbreast? is 2nd to none. You can pay more, say $60.00 for a bottle Old Bushmills 16 year old. But Redbreast Pot Whiskey remains the best Irish, or for that matter any Whiskey I’ve ever drank…and I’ve drank a lot.

  12. 14 Ted Curtin March 4, 2008 at 2:11 am

    My son has just presented me with a bottle of Redbreast 12year old for my 82d birthday. I have been a fan of single malt Scotch, and I have sampled many a whiskey around the world in my Navy career; but I must say that the Redbreast is by far the best, by any measure,

    God save Ireland!

  13. 15 Larry Vincent May 12, 2008 at 3:39 am

    I recently returned from a trip to Dublin, but not before stopping at duty free to bring a bottle of this delicious whiskey with me. I discovered it at the bar of the Morrison Hotel. Feeling guilty for giving Guinness all my attention on my trip, I asked the bartender for a whiskey recommendation. Before he could answer, a chap two stools down from me said, “there’s only one to try — Redbreast — take a bottle home and you’ll make all your friends happy.” I gave it a try — even benchmarked it against some of the other whiskeys at the bar. It was spectacular. Fortunately, I’ve found a local store here in the states that imports the 12 year. I highly recommend it.

  14. 16 Rick May 15, 2008 at 5:27 pm

    I often stay at the Bunratty Manor B&B near Bunratty Castle when doing business in Shannon, Ireland. The proprietor, Noel, introduced me to Redbreast one evening when we were sitting up late chewing the fat, as it were, and knocking down a few pints. He said it would be the best nightcap I’d ever tasted. And he was right! I drink nothing else. My wife likes it, too, but she prefers Celtic Crossing liqueur.

  15. 17 Rob R. June 19, 2008 at 12:29 am

    My Fiancee and I frequent a Pub in Alexandria, VA (O’Connell’s). The bartender that usually takes care of us is from Dublin. He would pour quite a bit of Redbreast to some of the regulars…. and I said “Oh, I’ve never had Redbreast before.” Next thing you knew, I had about a triple shot of Redbreast in front of me!! Haha…. Yes, they do take care of us!

  16. 18 Roy November 27, 2008 at 1:48 am

    The best whiskey on the planet, period. ‘Nuff said.

  17. 19 Jeff December 6, 2008 at 7:55 pm

    One of my co-workers is of Irish heritage and started getting me into the Irish whiskeys that are maybe not household brands. I love Tullamore Dew and have just purchased my first bottle of Redbreast and Powers. My local corner store orders Redbreast for me and gets it within 3 days and sells it to me for the lowest price allowed in Michigan, $45.00, maybe I am too good a customer. Anyway, this is without a doubt the best whiskey I have ever tasted am hooked for life. I bought it for Christmas but made the mistake of trying a taste the other night. I predict that there will be another bought for Christmas as I am excited to let others have a taste when they come over. That is if I decide to share. The price will keep me from using it for anything but holidays and special occasions, that is after I indulge in this first offering.
    Thanks Ryan for the tip!

  18. 20 Brenda Ross December 8, 2008 at 10:04 pm

    I have been a whiskey lover for years. I started with Scotch and drank it for at least ten years. I discovered Irish whiskey about fifteen years ago and for a long time was a Black Bush lover. One flight from Toronto to Calgary I sat next to a charming gentleman who was a Scotch drinker. During the flight, I did my best to educate him about and encourage him to try Irish whiskey. Upon disembarking, we walked together to the baggage claim until he excused himself. While standing at the baggage claim, he came up behind me and asked if I “had room for this.” He handed me a bag with a bottle of Redbreast in it. He then thanked me for my “delightful company.” I didn’t realize at the time what a special gift he was giving me. I love Redbreast and will always remember my first bottle.

  19. 21 Don December 19, 2008 at 5:47 am

    After reading this and the comments, I tracked down a bottle and shared with family in Southern California. What a special treat. Thanks to all for this great experience.

    Toasting,

    Don

  20. 22 CHARLES MORRIS December 25, 2008 at 5:42 am

    It’s a half an hour into Christmas Day and gifts have been opened(we are all adults)My son was generous enough to give me a box of
    Monte Cristo cigars and a bottle of 12 year old Redbreast Irish Whiskey…I had never tried Redbreast but I will never be out of it now that I have.It is,by far, the best tasting and most wonderful flowing Irish whiskey one can ever hope to swallow…Jamison is,at best,a distant second….JUST REMEMBER THE NAME..REDBREAST….IT WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND…NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE !! REDBREAST –A NAME TO REMEMBER—A TASTE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET

    CHARLES—VA SUBURBS OF WASH.,D.C.

  21. 23 Gary Gray March 3, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    I stopped by my little corner liquor store a few weeks ago to pick up my usual order of wine. While waiting for them to box it up, I headed over to the Irish whiskey section, which normally consists of a meager offering of three brands. As I was reaching for a tin of Black Bush I noticed a newcomer — Redbreast. And, as they say, the rest is history. Now my biggest concern is that Redbreast will disappear from their shelves as mysteriously as it appeared.

  22. 24 David Gibbs April 14, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    I’ve been a longtime single malt scotch whisky drinker for many years- I even teach a course in tasting & understanding single malt scotch. But I am totally an advocate of Irish whiskey! I think Irish whiskies are smoother and much more palitable than scotch. I highly recommend Black Bush, Jameson 12 y/o and Tullamore Dew 12 y/o as excellent examples. But far and away the very finest is Red Breast! As all these testimonials attest, do whatever you can to get some and you’ll understand the difference in Red Breast and anything else.

  23. 25 Larry June 27, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    Redbreast 12 year old is the finest thing any human will ever taste while they are alive…………..

  24. 26 Ted Anderson July 6, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    Redbreast is the smoothest whiskey I have ever tasted. It is simply delicious to sip neat and warmed by your hand on the glass. (I discovered this because I never manage to put the glass down until it’s empty.)

  25. 27 Jay October 17, 2009 at 1:52 am

    This is truly the best whisky ever made, and i am crushed to find out that it is no longer sold in nova scotia. The world seems a little emptier don’t you think…..

  26. 28 Vince October 29, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    Redbreast, God what a discovery! Sorry John Powers you have been moved to second shelf.

  27. 29 Greg Koelpien November 8, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    Discovered this fine beverage at a small whiskey shop in Dublin. Not only is it the only whiskey my wife and I drink, whenever she feels a cold or the flu coming on, she downs a shot at bedtime, and ALWAYS sleeps better and feels better in the morning. Take THAT, swine flu! Redbreast. It cures what ails ya.

  28. 30 pauldavid November 15, 2009 at 4:28 pm

    When I flew for the Navy I ran into Redbreast one evening at the Patuxent Naval Air Station in southern Maryland… Saw it at the package store and said, “hmmm, i never heard of this..” and took a bottle home… and never looked back! Now that I live in AZ it’s impossible to locate it locally (thank god for mail order), but it remains the ultimate spirit! Tip to Redbreast!
    Paul, Flagstaff AZ

    • 31 Robert P December 17, 2009 at 5:10 pm

      Try looking at a bevmo around the valley, also there are several large liquor stores in the valley that might have them (like total wine and more) if you’re even in the Phx Area.

  29. 32 David Levene December 23, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Hello there

    As a lover of Red Breast, and not able to find the brand in Johannesburg, could you please advise me as to who, if anyone imports your exquisite product into South Africa.

    Thank you
    David Levene

  30. 33 Harold Brasket December 25, 2009 at 10:52 am

    My son just gave me a bottle for Christmas. Untill something better comes alone, this is my favorite Irish Whiskey. A class by itself.

  31. 34 Washington Carrasco December 27, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    A friend from the opposite end of California just stopped in for a Xmas visit. He asked if I like whiskey. I told him that I don’t. He produced a bottle of 12-year-old Redbreast. I am no judge of whiskey, but I have to say that I quite enjoyed it.

  32. 35 Dennis Myers March 3, 2010 at 3:06 am

    My brother in law turned me on to different Irish Whiskey years ago. He can into town this past summer and we went to a bar for a concert. I’ve been their a couple time a discovered Redbreast. I ordered a round of Redbreast for the guys. It was the first time that the others tasted Redbreast. That night we drank both bottles they had and all of us keep a bottle on hand for company. The taste is so so so smoooth. I went from Irish Whiskey on the rocks to Redbreast neat. If you ever come out with a Redbreast shirt , please send me a email for a location to purchase one. NO!, make it four shirts for the guy’s . Need I say anymore. God Bless ” MAY THE POT STILL NEVER RUN DRY”

  33. 36 Deanna March 8, 2010 at 8:52 pm

    Distributors here in Juneau, Alaska have a hard time getting Red Breast to us. However, Neil @ The infamous Lucky Lady manages to get a few bottles in time for St Patricks Day! A delicious treat for those of us who appreciate the best!

  34. 37 Neil March 12, 2010 at 10:50 pm

    My nephew introduced me to Redbreast about a year and half ago. This is my favourite whiskey. I’m a Canadian who loves good Canadian Rye whiskey, but Redbreast is the best. Fortunately the LCBO here in Ontario stocks it and our local LCBO store always has some on stock. For the price of 45 dollars Canadian it beats hands down some of the best 18 year single malt scotch whiskeys.

  35. 38 Dennis March 18, 2010 at 3:44 am

    I found some in San Diego last November. I bought it on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. I usually prefer Powers. My cousin there doesn’t normally like Irish Whiskey but found Redbreast to be quite tasty.

  36. 39 GMFWashington April 25, 2010 at 10:48 pm

    Buddy of mine has some good recipes for Redbreast-based cocktails. http://www.12bottlebar.com

    Ireland is high on my list of places to visit, for what it’s worth

    • 40 Harold Brasket April 26, 2010 at 2:36 am

      If they involve nything but a dash of water don’t do it! What a waste.

      • 41 twelvebottles May 10, 2010 at 8:35 pm

        Harold – If you’re paying $12+ for a classic cocktail, I would not only hope for your drink to include $3-$4 worth of spirit (the price of Redbreast), I’d demand it! We all deserve the best ingredients in our cocktails, and Redbreast is unbelievably delicious in any drink.

  37. 42 Kirby July 28, 2010 at 1:28 am

    Forty years ago my father turned me on to rye whiskey, which I loved for many years. I later moved on to Irish whiskey. I finally thought Jameson’s to be the best ever. Three years ago I was introduced to Redbreast. Ahh!….home at last! There are only three true ways to drink Irish whiskey; I profess a fondness for all three. I drink it as only it should be. #1…straight out of the bottle, #2…in a glass and when I’m hard up, #3…..in a glass over ice. Slainte!

    • 43 Jane August 6, 2010 at 2:26 am

      I just found an old, unopened bottle of Gilbey’s Redbreast 12 years old liqueur whiskey in my mother-in-law’s cabinet. It’s in a squatty bottle with red and black print on the label. I’m guessing it’s been here at least 40 years. I wonder if it’s still good and if it is worth much?

  38. 44 John January 26, 2011 at 5:55 am

    I’m 66 years old, always been a single malt scotch drinker. Last spring I was given a shot of Redbreast being served at a gathering of friends and family following a funeral. I was amazed at the taste and smoothness, I have since switched from the single malts to Redbreast.

  39. 46 Jane May 8, 2011 at 12:30 am

    OK, all you Redbreast fans. Do you think I should open the bottle I found in my mother-in-law’s cabinet (probably been there at least 40 years) or keep it unopened forever as a collector’s item? It is in a squatty bottle with red and black print on the label (12 year).

  40. 48 Michael Procton June 6, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    North Carolinian here, recently introduced to the magic that is Redbreast at the Dubliner Irish Pub in Salzberg, Austria. Having been told that the difference between Scotch and Irish whiskey is the expansion of the tasting notes beyond “turf and dirt,” I set about on my way. This stuff rocks.

  41. 49 Dana June 16, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    Does anyone know where I can find a Red Breast shirt? PLEASE let me know…

  42. 50 Rapparee June 21, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    I love Redbreast, but before I’ll say it’s my favorite Irish whiskey I need to have it side by side with a glass of Greenspot. I haven’t had any Greenspot since 2009 when I was in Ireland and so far I haven’t been able to find it anywhere in the States. Anybody know of a distributor in the U.S. ?

  43. 51 Paul Ó Duḃṫaiġ June 28, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Once upon a time most Irish whiskies were PPS (Pure Pot Still) like Redbreast. If anything standard 12 year old Jameson was equivalent to Redbreast, redbreast simply been a bottling by a private wine merchant who had their casks filled at the Old Jameson distillery. It’s only in the 1960′s that Irish whiskey switched to mostly been blends. Basically to survive and grow volume they switched to blends. As a result standard Jemmie is only about 50% PPS (rest is grain whiskey).

    If you were to come across a bottle of Jameson from the 1960′s or 1970′s it would be a very different beast to what you buy now.

  44. 54 Bzmiuhec September 4, 2011 at 10:03 pm

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  45. 58 Hsrooofy September 7, 2011 at 7:59 pm

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  46. 63 Paddy Curry November 19, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    Being a true lover of Irish whisky, I have at one time or another tried them all, and have done much side-by-side comparisons from the cheapest to the most expensive and I.M.H.O. there is no finer whiskey for the price and taste than Redbreast. It is truely UISCE BEATHA (The Water Of Life). I actually prefer the 12 year old over the 15 year old. A bit sweeter and not quite the earthy tones of the 15 year old,( which seem to vary from year to year). The 12 is more consistantly smooth and simplistic and always leaves me with a great after taste. Now I’m not saying I’d pass up on a dram of Green Spot or Midleton Very Rare, or even a Bushmills 21. But for the price . . . . I pray to St. Patty they never change Redbreast.
    And Paul, your right about pre 60′s Jameson! A totally different whiskey from todays standard . . . . it’s a shame they had to change it to keep the barrels rolling.
    And Jane, my grandfather once told me “that a bottle of good whiskey sitting on a shelf collecting dust does noone any good”! Drink that bottle you found in your grannies closet. The aging process of whiskey stops once it leaves the cask and enters the bottle so hanging on to it won’t make it taste any better than right now. Bottoms Up dear!
    For anyone in the New England (U.S.) area, I’ve had no problem finding Redbreast in and around Connecticut. It usually goes for around $54 (U.S.) a bottle near me, but I usually take a ride up to the New Hampshire State Store where I’ve picked it up for as little as $36 per 750ml bottle. I buy it by the case, which last me the year.
    B.T.W., I think the tradition of pouring whiskey over the grave of someone who’s passed away is a fine custom . . . . as long as I can sift it through my liver first :-)

  47. 64 Gregory W. Smith January 4, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    I was at an Irish bar in Schenectady, NY. Katie O’Byrnes. This bar serves beer and whisky period. At the end of the evening, I asked the barmaid to share a drink with me and she poured us a couple of Redbreast whiskys neat. I am a Single Malt Scotch drinker that will now only drink Redbreast when at my favorite Irish pub.

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