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!
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.
The Redbreast was first presented to me after a successful legal outcome and has become unofficial “fee”. Ahhhhhhh Whiskey
“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.
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.
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.
Hello,
jameson 1780 is very good and exported.
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.
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.
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 !
This is certainly one of the best. I believe it is either a close second or tie to the Jameson 12 year. Absolutely fantastic
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.
…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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
The best whiskey on the planet, period. ‘Nuff said.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Redbreast 12 year old is the finest thing any human will ever taste while they are alive…………..
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.)
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…..
Redbreast, God what a discovery! Sorry John Powers you have been moved to second shelf.
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.
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