Redbreast Irish Whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers at its world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork, Ireland, proudly presents Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition. The extraordinary single pot still Irish whiskey has launched exclusively to Global Travel Retail available now at Dublin and Cork Duty Free, Ireland, at €108 RRP and forms part of the Redbreast Iberian Series.
This exceptional expression has been created by marrying together whiskey aged in four distinct cask types – American ex-bourbon, Spanish oloroso sherry butts, Portuguese tawny port hogsheads and European virgin oak casks. Featuring this unique and rare combination of casks, the whiskey offers extraordinary complexity, with waves of sweet spices, delicate wine tannins, generous dark berry notes and subtle oak tones. Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition embodies the symphony of flavours from each barrel, instantly transporting the consumer across the Bodegas of Spain and Portugal, to the bright warmth of the Iberian Peninsula with each sip.
Dublin International Airport, which welcomed almost 32 million travellers in 2023 and is connected to over 190 destinations worldwide, and Cork Airport, the international gateway to the South of Ireland, represent incredible launchpads for the exquisite new GTR exclusive from Redbreast in its flagship home, where the brand carries iconic status. Brought to life in the stunning retail environments, amongst so many prestigious brands, including local heroes, Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition is in truly excellent company.
Following the 2023 limited-edition release of Redbreast Tawny Port Edition, Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition marks the fourth expression in the award-wining Redbreast Iberian Series, which is inspired by Redbreast’s long-standing connection to some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most celebrated cooperages and winemakers. Each release combines the craft and rich heritage of the region with the excellence of Midleton Distillery’s single pot still whiskeys to create expressions that are truly remarkable.
The use of Oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels, synonymous with the renowned Redbreast Iberian Series, remain as a cornerstone for the expression. These barrels, integral to Redbreast's identity, pay homage to the brand’s legacy and ongoing success. The influence of the Oloroso sherry seasoning imparts notes of dried fruits, orange peel and nutty undertones, while the use of ex-bourbon barrels contribute aromas of sweet vanilla, toasted oak and dustings of nutmeg.
The dynamic quartet of barrels work in harmony, marrying together the core of Redbreast’s distinguished identity with a unique twist. The result is a whiskey that seamlessly weaves tradition with innovation, a testament to Redbreast's devotion to both its heritage and the pursuit of new and exciting taste experiences for its consumers.
Master Blender, Dave McCabe expands: “There's a profound joy in creating a whiskey that mirrors the vibrant journey taken to create it, so I am delighted that the flavour of the final liquid is reminiscent of our travels, encapsulating each encounter, all of which have played a pivotal role in shaping the Redbreast Iberian Series to this day. Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition is a harmonious whiskey, echoing the diversity and richness of the outstanding barrels we have found across the Iberian Peninsula, and I can’t wait for both enthusiasts and those new to the range to experience it first-hand.”
Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition invites the discerning traveller to explore the distinctive influence of each barrel and savour the combined story of craftsmanship and adventure. Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition is bottled at 46% ABV and is exclusively available now through Global Travel Retail at Dublin and Cork Duty Free at €108 RRP.
IG: @RedbreastIrishWhiskey #
Link to purchase: https://www.theloop.ie/
Whiskey Press Releases
*************
Nose: Toasted wood with a decadent and enticing selection of fresh and dried fruits, including notes of freshly picked plums, raisins, fig, and orange peel. Aromas of sweet vanilla with light dustings of nutmeg are carefully balanced by nutty and herbal undertones, while the pot still spices enhance the overall body and complexity of this wonderfully balanced whiskey.
*************
INTRODUCING:
JAMESON REMIXED CARIBBEAN BEATS
.png)
FULLY AGED FOR 21 YEARS IN RUM CASKS, THIS EXCEPTIONAL WHISKEY CELEBRATES WHERE THE RHYTHM OF THE CARIBBEAN MEETS THE BEAT OF THE IRISH DRUM
Jameson, the world’s bestselling and most awarded Irish whiskey is delighted to presentJameson Remixed Caribbean Beats, an extraordinary 21 year old Irish whiskey aged entirely in rum seasoned casks. Jameson Remixed Caribbean Beats is the newest addition to The Jameson Anthology, and it explores brand new flavours from Jameson for an altogether different take on the classic Irish icon. It follows Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still, which launched last year to celebrate the spirit of classic discontinued whiskeys, as part of the Jameson Anthology.
Representing a truly exceptional interpretation of Jameson Irish Whiskey, Jameson Remixed Caribbean Beats is a blend of single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys that were initially laid down in rum casks sourced from the Caribbean island of Barbados more than two decades ago. Eighteen years later, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman was curious to explore how a second style of rum might impact the flavour of the liquid and decided to age the whiskey for a further three years in Selección de Maestros Havana Club rum seasoned casks, which imparted an especially rich rum contribution.
Fully aged for 21 years in the rum seasoned casks, the grain whiskey picked up sweetness in the form of brown sugar and vanilla, while the pot still took on fruit flavours of orange zest and mango. This rare expression retains a clear reference to Jameson’s unmistakably smooth DNA through its balance of grain and pot still whiskeys, yet it is elevated to new heights with its exceptional aging, thanks to the experimental minds of Jameson’s masters and makers at Midleton Distillery.
Presented in recyclable packaging, this unique whiskey offers warming spices and flavours of chocolate dipped honeycomb, citrus and coconut shavings. The grain whiskey’s soft and elegant presence gains additional vibrancy from many years of ageing in rum-seasoned casks, paying homage to Irish, Caribbean and Cuban craftsmanship, while putting a new spin on the world’s most celebrated Irish whiskey.
Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman comments: “Excited by a 2001 trial with Caribbean rum casks, through innovation, careful craft and over two decades of maturation, we worked to marry two traditional spirits together – Irish whiskey and rum – and in doing so, found the sweet spot where the rhythm of the Caribbean meets the beat of the Irish drum. We can’t wait for whiskey enthusiasts to experience Jameson Remixed Caribbean Beats.”
Brewing and Distilling Specialist, Angela Coral Medina adds: “Jameson Remixed Caribbean Beats embodies the craft and quality for which Jameson has always been renowned. Maturation in rum casks creates a delicious and unique flavour that brings together spice, earthiness, and sweetness, while complimenting the traditional fragrant, floral and fruity notes that are synonymous within the much loved Jameson style of whiskey.”
Bottled at an ABV of 46%, Jameson Remixed Caribbean Beats is priced at RRP €280 per 500ml bottle, with a limited quantity of 2,900 bottles available exclusively online viahttps://www.jamesonwhiskey.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Warming spices accompanied by figs, toasted almonds, muscovado sugar, and coconut shavings. The pot still spices are accentuated by the rum seasoned oak adding notes of ginger and candied fruits which complement the grain whiskey’s floral character that gently lingers in the background allowing the rum influences to shine through, adding vanilla, tobacco leaf and cacao nibs.
Taste: Luscious and sweet at first with notes of chocolate dipped honeycomb, orange zest, and mango. Spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with dustings of white pepper add a mild intensity, working in balance with the herbal and earthy qualities creating further complexity. The grain whiskey’s soft and elegant presence brings additional zest and vibrancy from the many years of ageing in the rum-seasoned casks while the pot still-driven fruits and sweetness have been further amplified.
Finish: Long and lasting with the fruits and sweet spices lingering for a time before slowly fading, allowing the oak and rum seasoning to have the final say.
@JamesonWhiskey
*************
Best of Irish Whiskey and Best of French Oak
MIDLETON VERY RARE LAUNCHES FORÊT DE TRONÇAIS
Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most loved whiskeys, is delighted to introduce Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais. This first-of-its-kind whiskey represents the pinnacle of excellence and rarity in the world of Irish whiskey as it showcases the harmonious fusion of Irish and French luxury and craftsmanship.
Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais is the result of a visionary collaboration that began in 2017. In search of the perfect cask to enhance and complement Midleton’s portfolio of exceptional whiskeys, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and his team from Midleton Distillery embarked on a cask procurement trip to France. Exploring the Tronçais forest, they discovered the rare and sought-after T5 oak cask, renowned for its fine grain and delicate flavours, which O’Gorman was convinced would add a new dimension to the subtle aromatics in the renowned Midleton Very Rare Irish whiskey family.
Exemplifying the artistry, expertise, and tradition of Midleton Distillery, a bespoke batch of very special Midleton single grain and single pot still whiskeys matured over decades spanning the 1980s-2000s in American bourbon barrels were selected and carefully filled into T5 casks, which were left to mature under O’Gorman’s watchful eye.
After three long years, he declared it a whiskey par excellence. Combining these wonderful grain and pot still distillate styles, the result is an elegant and refined whiskey that gracefully delivers notes of poached pears, caramelised apples, and honeycomb, all elevated by the subtle influence of the Tronçais oak.
Kevin O'Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, comments: "We may have created 'the Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey' with Midleton Very Rare, but we are constantly driven by the desire to push boundaries and create something new. Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais represents our relentless pursuit of perfection and innovation while staying true to the unmistakable Midleton character and DNA, as we introduce some of the world’s finest oak to produce an outstanding and elegant Midleton expression."
Midleton Distillery's collaboration with Taransaud cooperage, who are world renowned for their expertise in cask-making, further emphasises the craftsmanship behind this extraordinary release. Acclaimed for their meticulous attention to detail, Taransaud carefully monitored the natural air drying of the T5 oak staves over a five-year period, preparing them to infuse the best of Midleton whiskeys with unique aromas, flavours and tannins that carry the distinct characteristics of the Tronçais oak.
Jacquelin de Pracomtal, Vice President at Taransaud adds, “We are immensely proud to be part of this historic collaboration that showcases the utmost rarity and excellence in both Irish whiskey and French coopering. Our dedication is reflected in each T5 oak cask that was used to infuse the whiskey with its distinct characteristics. We love to collaborate with the finest brands in their field and the Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais embodies exclusivity and our ‘par excellence’ approach to our craft. We are honoured to have contributed to its creation.”
To celebrate the essence of Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais, the whiskey is presented in an exclusively designed bottle & cabinet with handcrafted intricate details. The bottle colour is inspired by the Midleton duck egg blue colour which features on the orchid in the Midleton logo.
The cabinet, created by Manufacture Jacquemin, a third-generation traditional woodcrafts business based in the Jura Mountains in Eastern France, is made from fine oak from the Tronçais forest and features laser-cut illustrations that pay homage to the enchanting French woodland and its role in this whiskey's unique story.
The Forêt de Tronçais forest, established in the 1600s to sustainably supply oak for shipbuilding, holds historical significance and continues to be managed with utmost care and respect, following a regular forestry cycle that allows for natural regeneration and preservation of its ecosystem.
Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais is bottled at 48% ABV and will be available in select markets including Ireland, USA, Northern Ireland, Global Travel Retail, France, UK, China, Hong Kong and online to order from the 13th of October from 12pm at the RRP of €5,000 / $5,000 / £4,400.
Limited to just 1,380 bottles for its initial release, Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais will be made available on an ongoing basis, subject to the availability of this rare liquid as the years progress.
Shop online: https://
#PinnacleofIrishWhiskey
#MVRSustainabilityJourney
IG: @MidletonVeryRare
****
INTRODUCING REDBREAST 10-YEAR-OLD DISTILLERY EDITION
Designed and crafted by Master Blender, Billy Leighton, alongside Blender, Dave McCabe, Redbreast 10-Year-Old Distillery Edition is a reimagining of Gilbey’s historic 10-year-old expression, last produced 50 years ago and the more recent 2021 Redbreast 10-Year-Old limited edition release that marked 30 years since the resurrection of Redbreast Irish Whiskey by Irish Distillers. Redefining Redbreast 10-Year-Old, the new whiskey is composed of three exceptional distillates. By combining light, medium and traditional or ‘heavy’ single pot still distillates, this new expression honours the DNA of each member of the Redbreast family. The inclusion of the traditional pot still at the relatively younger age of 10 years, adds a robust, spicy and full-bodied character to the liquid.
The three distillate styles have been matured across four different cask types. American bourbon barrels and sherry casks give the liquid familiar Redbreast flavours that consumers have come to know and love as the former imparts sweet caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and clove, while the latter provides sumptuous dried fruit notes of sultanas along with a nutty character. Redbreast fans will recognise, from previous releases, the inclusion of Pedro Ximénez sherry casks in this new expression, driving up the juicy dried fruit characteristics of the whiskey, while the addition of virgin European oak casks heighten and intensify the vanilla and wood spice notes.
Leighton notes, “By using the full range of distillates alongside traditional barrels, those reserved for limited-edition Redbreast offerings and the new introduction of virgin oak, the liquid serves as a homage to the full breadth of craft and flavour within the Redbreast family. Redbreast 10-Year-Old Distillery Edition showcases not only the journey that the Redbreast brand has been on to date but also foreshadows the unique tastes and flavours that are yet to come as the single pot still renaissance continues.”
Located on the grounds of the heart and soul of Irish whiskey and carefully conserving many old distillery buildings dating as far back as 1794, the Midleton Distillery Experience has recently undergone extensive redevelopment and has been transformed into a world-class, multi-sensory Irish whiskey experience with the potential to welcome more than 200,000 domestic and international visitors annually. Featuring new and immersive whiskey tours, tastings, and experiences incorporating all seven of Irish Distillers’ whiskey brands including Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, Jameson, Powers, The Spot Whiskeys, Method and Madness, and Knappogue Castle, the attraction will further cement Midleton’s reputation as a world-class whiskey destination.
Blender, Dave McCabe, comments: “It's an honour for me to be part of Redbreast’s remarkable journey of success as it continues to flourish. What better way to pay tribute to this than by creating a liquid to celebrate the newly refurbished Midleton Distillery Experience, where the brand’s rich past, present, and future are showcased alongside those of Irish Distillers other remarkable Irish whiskey families?”
Bottled at 43% ABV, Redbreast 10-Year-Old Distillery Edition is available from the newly re-opened Midleton Distillery Experience in Cork and Jameson Distillery Bow Street in Dublin at RRP of €120 or €125 for a personalised bottle.
Full tasting notes:
Aroma Opens with a rich medley of aromas including dark berry fruits and vibrant citrus zest, along with toasted almonds, hazelnut, and chocolate. The oak-driven influence of this wonderfully complex whiskey adds waves of sweet-scented vanilla with a perfumed balsamic wood note that complements and heightens the pot still spices accompanied by liquorice and herbal undertones.
Taste: Luscious and full-bodied with creamy vanilla surrounded by forest fruits of sweet cherries, blackcurrants, and blackberries. The pot still spices and herbal notes build over time adding subtle nuances of peppermint with a delicate touch of anise and grated ginger, while the wine-seasoned oak casks carefully impart soft tannins, giving balance to the fruits and spices.
Finish: The pot still spices remain for a time, before finally yielding to the oak and woodland fruits that continue to gently linger until the very end.
INTRODUCING REDBREAST TAWNY PORT CASK EDITION
.jpg)
Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition marks the third release of the brand’s acclaimed Iberian Series. The series is inspired by Redbreast’s long-standing connection to some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most celebrated cooperages and winemakers, combining the craft and rich heritage of the region with the excellence of Midleton Distillery’s single pot still whiskeys to create expressions that are truly extraordinary. Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is the second limited edition to join the series, following the 2021 release of Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition, and permanent expression and series anchor, Redbreast Lustau Edition.
.jpg)
Expertly created by esteemed Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe, Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is a single pot still Irish whiskey initially matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. To add a new dimension to the flavour profile, a portion of these maturing whiskeys were re-casked into tawny port casks for a number of years. All of the whiskeys were then skilfully blended and completed their maturation journey by marrying in freshly seasoned tawny port hogsheads for a final maturation period of 14-25 months.
The resulting Irish whiskey combines notes of praline, buttery baked goods and dried cherries from the earlier tawny port influence, followed by a warming sweetness of toasted caramel and vanilla carried through from the bourbon and an added depth of dried fruits from the sherry. The final maturation period in newly procured tawny port casks elevates the nutty character further and provides a sweet finish for a rich, full-bodied whiskey.
The inspiration for Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition started over 12 years ago, when Leighton took a trip to the Douro Valley in Portugal to visit some of Midleton Distillery’s partner cooperages and winemakers.
.jpg)
Reflecting on the trip, Leighton shares: “Enjoying lunch with the late renowned winemaker Joaquim Anacleto and Gesprove Winemaker José Pinheiro overlooking the valley, we were discussing the various wines and spirits that had influenced our whiskeys over the years and tawny port came up in conversation. Having worked with Ruby Port previously, we pondered the differences tawny port holds and subsequently the intriguing flavour profile that it could add to our whiskeys. Since then, we have been ageing single pot still whiskey in a small number of tawny port casks we receive annually from this beautiful sun drenched valley and, needless to say, we have been delighted with the results.”
Blender, Dave McCabe adds: “The combination of ageing some of the liquid in tawny port casks for a longer period, and re-casking all of the whiskey in tawny port hogsheads for its final maturation is what makes this expression so special. The flavour profile of Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is in keeping with the recognisable Redbreast family DNA, yet provides an exciting twist from another part of the Iberian Peninsula. And each subsequent expression in the series will represent a new discovery from this rich region, which to date has greatly influenced the Redbreast style over the course of its history.”
Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is bottled at 46% and will be available from 18 September in the USA, Ireland, UK, China, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Global Travel and online at the RRP of €100, £79, $100.
IG: @RedbreastIrishWhiskey #RedbreastTawnyPort #PassItOn
Link to purchase from 18th September
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Sweet and warming confectionery notes of buttered pastry accompanied by aromas of caramelised almonds with subtle undertones of praline and dried cherry. Scented floral honey with whisperings of a delicate herbal character linger in the background while the seasoned oak and pot still spices accentuate the sweet and full-bodied nature of this wonderfully balanced whiskey.
Taste: Rich and nutty at first with notes of chocolate coated hazelnut and salted caramel, quickly followed with fresh plums and dried fig. The tannins’ soft presence works in harmony with the luscious and creamy texture, evoking notes of orange marmalade with delicate hints of toasted oak.
Finish: Lingering finish which sees the pot still spices and fruits slowly fading, leaving the tawny seasoned oak to have the last word.
No comments:
Post a Comment