A beautiful pure pot still whiskey (or "single pot still" as it's now officially known). Triple copper pot distilled from a combo of malted and unmalted barley, this whiskey aged in a combo of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks for a rich, thick, sweet, pungent whiskey with impressive depth and complexity.
Fruity and tangy. Notes of zesty citrus, cut hay, guava, beeswax, manuka honey and tropical fruits.
Creamy and smooth, notes of cooked fruits, fried banana, orange groves, nutmeg, butterscotch and caramel lattes.
Custard, peppermint and grapefruit.
None better. period.
I'm normally an Islay / big-peat fan. But if I have to name a favorite non-peated, this may be it. Compared to e.g. Aberlour and Glenlivet 18's, which are also among my favorites, there's less (almost none) of what I call the "cardboard" taste. It's just rich, smooth, honey-y, and terrific. Originally I was going to say that it's a bit lighter than typical Scotch whiskies, but sipping one now I'm not so sure I'd say even that. The thick honey is really coming through. Aberlour and Tomatin feel a *tad* bit more pork-fattier, but this one is just really really nice.
If you've had Redbreast 12 don't be fooled. Redbreast 15 is not even in the same game. Redbreast 15 is my favorite whiskey I've ever had. And I've had a few $750 bottles. Taste is so smooth and the finish leaves no residual negative tastes. I know this is now in limited supply so if you see it, buy it.
smooth, vanilla, port, honey up front. oak and fruit finish.
smooth, rich and perfectly balanced. I never thought Irish whiskey could be so good, but what with Bushmills 16 yo and 1608 I have been proven profoundly wrong.
