Redbreast 1997 22 YO All Sherry Single Cask

Redbreast 1997 22 YO All Sherry Single Cask, 55.9 %

This single cask Redbreast release is bottled exclusively for the brand new The Single Malt Shop, in Ireland. They went online just a couple of weeks ago, and already have a very impressive line up of whiskies for sale.

Here is the brief description of this Redbreast:

“First laid down to mature on the 17 October 1997 in ex-bourbon barrels, this exceptional liquid was then re-casked in an Oloroso seasoned sherry butt on 25 March 2010.”

This Redbreast 1997 22 YO All Sherry Single Cask was bottled in 2020, and is limited to 465 bottles.

At the Midleton Distillery they produce several different styles of whiskey; including light, medium and traditional pot still styles. This single cask release is a traditional pot still style.

You can buy the Redbreast 1997 22 YO All Sherry Single Cask on The Single Malt Shop at € 475.

Nose: Rich, fruity and complex. Dried fruits and dark, red berries. Vanilla, leather and a soft oakiness. Floral notes playing in the background. Cinnamon and white pepper. A hint of alcohol bite at first, but that does dissipate fairly quickly. Just the Irish Dragon rearing its head. With time I also find almond paste and a soft astringency.

Taste: Full bodied and very rich. Intense - yet soft - tannins upfront. Mahogany wood, incense and wild, red berries. Creamy vanilla and earthy cinnamon. Caramel and fudge. Christmas cake.

Finish: Very long finish. The tannins are softer now, more of a mellow and caramel like oakiness. Still very cream and rich - almost buttery. The sweetness is now deeply sugary, but with an edge to it - a fascinating and playful edge - bitter-ish but not. Vanilla and milk chocolate. In the end a lovely minty honey.

Comment: The Irish Dragon does not sleep tonight. It is guarding this treasure!

Score 92/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas