Redbreast reveals Dream Cask Double Edition

Irish Distillers has launched the fifth bottling in its Redbreast Dream Cask series – a 30-year-old single pot still whiskey.

Only 714 bottles will be available of the Redbreast Dream Cask Double Edition, launched to mark World Whisky Day tomorrow (21 May).

Master blender Billy Leighton and blender Dave McCabe married two dream casks to create the limited edition 30-year-old, having each selected their favourite barrel from Midleton’s inventory.

Leighton’s selected cask was originally laid down in a first-fill oloroso Sherry butt in May 1990. Meanwhile, McCabe’s was laid down in a first-fill Bourbon barrel in November 1991. Each cask was chosen at optimum maturity, then combined.

“Bottling these outstanding casks together at precisely the right moment has resulted in an incredibly complex Irish whiskey that harmoniously balances the vanilla sweetness and caramel creaminess from the Bourbon barrel and the deep, dark fruitiness from the Sherry butt,” explained Leighton.

“With an ABV of 56.9%, the resulting liquid is rich in robust spice with wood-driven characteristics and notes of dark-roasted coffee, sweet liquorice, orange peel and smoked almonds amplified by the wine cask’s influence.”

The 714 bottles will be available exclusively through an online ballot hosted on the brand’s private members’ club, The Birdhouse, at an RRP of €550 (US$582.69). 

The ballot will be open from 23 May, for entries from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, England, Scotland and Wales. The ballot will close on 30 May.

In 2021, the brand received 11,000 bids through a ballot for its fourth release in the Dream Cask series, a 29-year-old Oloroso Sherry Edition.

McCabe commented: “The traditional Redbreast style is so often associated with the influence of Sherry casks that we sometimes overlook the role Bourbon casks play in its composition. I am honoured to have been able to select my perfectly aged dream Bourbon cask for this year’s Dream Cask and to pay homage to that unbeatable harmony that makes Redbreast so special.”

On the nose, Redbreast Dream Cask Double Edition presents aromas of autumnal fruits, black cherry, hazelnut and tobacco. Meanwhile the palate delivers flavours of honey menthol, liquorice and coffee, complementing the pot still spices. The finish is long and rich, with a balance of fruits and oak.

McCabe continued: “We are incredibly fortunate that we have the variety of aged stock at Midleton Distillery to explore and make our dreams a reality. Sharing our discovery with whiskey drinkers across the world is one of the most exciting and joyful aspects of my role to date.”

Earlier this year, Redbreast teamed up with chef Richard Corrigan to create limited edition dishes and a signature cocktail using the brand’s 12-year-old bottling.