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Irish Distillers unveils Sherry-focused Redbreast
Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers has launched Redbreast Lustau Edition, a permanent expression described as a “twist” on the brand’s core Sherry-influenced single pot still whiskey.
Irish Distillers has launched Redbreast Lustau, a new permanent addition to its range
The no-age-statement whiskey was launched last night (1 September) during an event at the Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, Spain. Initially matured for between nine and 12 years in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-oloroso Sherry casks, the liquid was vatted before undergoing a year-long finishing period in first-fill butts seasoned with oloroso Sherry at the Bodegas.
A “new interpretation” of the signature Redbreast character, Redbreast Lustau Edition is said to offer nosing and tasting notes of dark fruit, prunes, spices and marzipan with a creamy mouthfeel and a long, sweet finish.
Redbreast Lustau Edition is the result of a decades-long partnership between Bodegas Lustau and Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery in County Cork.
“With Redbreast Lustau Edition, we seized the opportunity to celebrate the iconic Sherry influence on the Redbreast range, and to do this we turned to our friends at Bodegas Lustau to source the finest oloroso Sherry casks in the world,” said Billy Leighton, Midleton head blender.
“I am honoured to be able to finally reveal Redbreast Lustau to the world as it represents the mutual bond, based on our commitment to excellence in craftsmanship, which we have built over time at Bodegas Lustau.”
Brendan Buckley, global innovation and prestige whiskey portfolio director at Irish Distillers, added: “We are delighted to introduce a fifth permanent expression to the Redbreast range as it demonstrates the appetite among connoisseurs and spirits aficionados alike for new, innovative and diverse Irish whiskey offerings.
“Since we relaunched the brand in 2011, it has gone from strength to strength, and we are committed to spreading word of Redbreast around the world as the Irish whiskey renaissance continues.
“Our work on Redbreast is part of a wider commitment from Irish Distillers to lead the revival of the quintessential single pot still Irish whiskey style and Irish whiskey in general, to educate fans about the breadth and quality that the category has to offer.”
Redbreast Lustau Edition is bottled at 46% without chill filtration and is available from this month in Canada (RRP C$90), France (€65), Ireland (€69) and UK (£55). It will also launch in the US from 1 October priced at US$69.
The launch follows data released from the Distilled Spirits Council which shows high-end premium Irish whiskey case sales in the US have shot by up 589% since 2002.