Redbreast 12 year old Irish Whiskey

On 05/24/2021

I tasted the Redbreast 12 year old single pot still Irish at a whisky show a year before Covid and bought a bottle on the spot. I am not the biggest Irish whiskey fan, but the 12 year old convinced me to explore more. So it got added to my collection, and it is time for me to explore it a bit further.

Redbreast is a single pot still Irish whiskey produced by Irish Distillers at the Midleton distillery in Cork. Single pot still Irish whiskey is made from a mash using both malted and unmalted barley. It is then triple distilled in copper pot stills. Scottish whisky only uses malted barley. This style of whiskey is unique to Ireland.

Redbreast was originally produced by Gilbey’s, a Dublin spirits merchant using distillate sourced from Jameson’s Bow Street Distillery. In the 1980s, the brand was purchased by Irish Distillers, the producer of Jameson.

Other Redbreast releases available include Redbreast 12 year old Cask Strength, Redbreast 15 year old, Redbreast 21 year old, Redbreast Lustau Edition (matured for its final year in Bodegas Lustau sherry casks) and Redbreast 27 year old whiskey.

The first official mention of “Redbreast” only dates back to 1912, when Gilbey’s referred to the sale of “Redbreast” J.J. Liqueur Whiskey 12 year old. “Redbreast” was a nickname given to one of the whiskeys by Gilbey’s chairman at the time, who was an avid birdwatcher, in reference to Robin Redbreast.

Irish Distillers relaunched the brand in 1991. Midleton distillery also produces Jameson and Tullamore Dew whiskey. The Redbreast 12 year old whiskey is aged in first-fill Olorosso sherry casks and ex-bourbon barrels.

Also Read: Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Whiskey

Redbreast 12 year old Irish Whiskey Review

CONTRY: Ireland

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Yellow gold

NOSE: Sweet ripe red fruits sprinkled with toasted nuts, banana and pears. Vibrant and fresh. Hints of vanilla, spice, and freshly baked sugar cookies.

PALATE: Fruity sweetness and toasted oak. The Redbreast is luxurious and creamy with hints of marzipan, lots of fruit salad sweetness and roasted nuts. A balance of wood and red berry sweetness mixed with bits of pepper and ginger.

Add water carefully. Only a drop or two is needed. The water can quickly tone down the fruity sweetness too much.

FINISH: Long and creamy sweetness, lemon rind and pepper spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It is a lovely late summer afternoon sipping whisky. Not the most complex dram, but memorable and fruity. The sherry casks shine through on this release, and from here on, it just gets better.

The Redbreast 12 year old whiskey is an excellent start to the range, and I have tasted both the Lustau and the 15 year old whiskey, and the delicious taste expansion continues in the older releases.

Also Read: Bushmills 16 yo Whiskey

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/15/2021

In Whisky Comparison

My second side-by-side comparison for 2021 and I am looking at two well-known Irish whiskey brands: Tullamore DEW vs the Jameson Irish whiskey. Jameson whiskey is the top-selling Irish whiskey in the world, by quite a significant number.

Second is Tullamore DEW with Bushmills following not far behind. I am not the biggest Jameson fan, so we had some fun over the weekend pitting with these two drams against each other. I did it in a blind tasting to take out the bias element.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Red vs Black Label whisky

Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey

Tullamore DEW is a brand of Irish whiskey produced by William Grant & Sons. The distillery was founded in 1829 by Michael Molloy in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland. The Daly Family acquired the distillery after his death.

The brand changed hands various times, and William Grant and Sons purchased it in 2010. The whiskey is triple distilled, triple blended and triple cask matured. Tullamore DEW is matured in traditional refill casks, ex-bourbon casks and ex-sherry casks.

Jameson Irish Whiskey

John Jameson, a lawyer from Scotland, founded the distillery in Dublin in 1780 and it was called Bow Street Distillery. All four sons followed in his distilling footsteps, and his son John Jameson II took over the family business. At the turn of the 19th century, it was a world-renowned whiskey.

It is part of the Pernod Ricard whiskey portfolio. Jameson whiskey is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey. Like all Irish whiskey, it is triple distilled. The Jameson Irish whiskey is aged for 4 years in oak.

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson Irish Whiskey

	Tullamore DEW Whiskey	Jameson Whiskey
Type	Irish Whiskey	Irish Whiskey
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Light amber	Gold
Nose	Vanilla and caramel with hints of fresh flowers, butterscotch and citrus with subtropical fruit. In the background, there are faint hints of spice, moss and wood. After the addition of water, the spice and wood dominate the nose.	Freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruit with bits of spicy wood and caramel. Grain mixed with plums, pineapple. Complex and delicious.
Palate	Heaps of spice and oak with hints of grapefruit and lemon rind. Bits of toffee sweetness and malt. However, the peppery spice dominates everything. Adding water mellows out some of the spicy notes.	Very smooth. Medium body but the tropical fruit deliciousness promised by the nose is not there. Bits of malt, aniseed mixed with vanilla and pepper notes. Adding water softens the pepper notes.
Finish	Rather short and end in spicy notes	Short with pepper and orange rind.
My Rating	Very Good	Good
Comments	Quite a spicy whiskey.	The nose promised the world. However, it all fell flat on the palate. Not as complex as I was expecting after the delicious nose.
Price	$29	$32
Pairs well with	Irish Dubliner Cheese.	Hawaiian pizza, Smoked salmon, dried fruit.

My tasting notes for the Tullamore DEW dates from 2016. Since then, my palate has evolved and matured from all the different whisky we taste. Putting these two Irish whiskeys next to each other show how much my tastes has changed.

The Tullamore DEW has notes of caramel, fresh flowers, oak, malt and nearly overwhelming pepper heat. It needs a few drops of water to tone down the spiciness. The Jameson brings notes of banana bread, tropical fruit, malt and vanilla. It has a unique and complex nose, but the nose does not continue on the palate.

The Tullamore DEW was rated ‘Very Good’, and I rated the Jameson whiskey as ‘Good’. However, in the blind tasting, the Jameson came out better than the Tullamore DEW. The Jameson whiskey’s nose is more elegant and inviting, and on the palate, the Jamesons is smoother.

In the Tullamore DEW, the tropical fruit, floral notes, and oaks are more pronounced on the palate than the Jamesons. However, the pepper spiciness of the Tullamore DEW overwhelms all the other tastes. Especially on the finish, the pepper spice of the Tullamore DEW drowns out the fruity sweetness. It is not as smooth as the Jameson, and the finish is shorter as well.

If I had to choose between the two Irish drams, my preference would be the Jameson Irish whiskey. It will never make my list of favourite brands. However, it is excellent for an Irish coffee in winter and this bottle will not go to waste.

Also Read: Teeling Single Malt vs Single Grain Irish Whiskey

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Chivas Regal XV Blended Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/01/2021

In Blended whisky

Today I look at something relatively new. Not a new brand, Chivas Regal has been one of the best selling whiskies globally, but a new release. Launched in 2018, Chivas Regal XV whisky is a 15 year old blended Scotch whisky that has been finished in casks that previously held Grande Champagne Cognac.

I have written extensively about the history of Chivas Regal. You can find more in my blog post on the Chivas Regal 12 yo whisky and Chivas Extra. These two releases, especially the Chivas Regal Extra is recognizable for the sherry influence. It will be interesting to see what some finishing in Cognac will do to this fruity house style.

Chivas Regal XV is a blend of grain and single malt whiskies with Strathisla spirits being a significant component. This distillery is known as the spiritual home of Chivas. Strathisla distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands. I was curious to find out what Grande Champagne Cognac is and if it had anything to do with bubbly.

Cognac Grande Champagne is a cognac brandy made from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne region, distilled in the Grande Champagne region, and matured in the Grande Champagne region. The area is located just south of Cognac town, sandwiched between the Charente river and its tributary, the Né.

Also Read: Bisquit & Dubouché VS Cognac

Chivas Regal XV Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Warm amber

NOSE: Fruity sweetness and toasted oats. Bits of creamy oak, oranges, cinnamon and brown sugar, brandy-soaked sultanas. A green floral note in the background. Clean, elegant and inviting.

PALATE: Oak, pepper and dried fruit. Not quite as sweet as the nose suggests. Hints of grain and apples with cinnamon. Adding water brings the fruity sweetness to the front with buttery caramel and sultanas. There is a luxurious mouthfeel to this dram. It is silky smooth and very drinkable. Only the slightest hints of the cognac cask but enough to make it noticeable. Not the most complex dram, but approachable.

FINISH: Cinnamon, toasted oak and soft fruity notes. Medium length but warming and delicious.

RATING: EXCELLENT

A delicious blend. I opened this bottle towards the end of December, and I don’t think it will see the middle of February. The only bottle we finished faster was the Ardbeg An Oa. It is delicious and drinkable.

I missed the sherry notes from the Chivas Extra a bit, but the creamy mouth made up for the loss. This bottle will make a perfect gift for a whisky lover.

The cognac finish makes it luxurious; however, it remains easy drinking. The Chivas Regal XV is not overly complicated or intimidating, but approachable and delicious. The XV whisky cost about R520 in SA, which I don’t think is too expensive for a 15 year old dram.

Also Read: Balvenie Golden Cask vs Caribbean Cask Whisky

Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/17/2020

In Whisky Comparison

In the world of whisky, few comparisons are as intriguing as the showdown between Ballantine’s Finest and Teacher’s whisky—an affordable blended whisky battleground for these two brands. Today, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s whisky, exploring what makes these blends unique and irresistible to whisky enthusiasts.

In the world of whisky, few comparisons are as intriguing as the showdown between Ballantine’s Finest and Teacher’s whisky—an affordable blended whisky battleground for these two brands. Today, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s, exploring what makes these blends unique and irresistible to whisky enthusiasts.

India has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most enthusiastic whisky-drinking nations. While homegrown Indian distilleries like Amrut and Paul John have made a mark, the Indian market also embraces distinguished Scottish whiskies with open arms.

Names like Chivas Regal, Glenlivet, Ballantine’s, Teacher’s, Jack Daniel’s, and Johnnie Walker grace the shelves of liquor stores across the country. Moreover, many local brands, such as Signature whisky, Royal Stag, Antiquity Blue, and Royal Challenge, are exclusively available in India. It’s essential to note that these regional favourites are a rarity outside of India.

In this head-to-head comparison, I’ve chosen my favourite, Ballantine’s Finest, and pitted it against Teacher’s whisky, renowned for its affordability and popularity in India.

Ballantine’s Finest Whisky

Let’s begin with Ballantine’s Finest, a Scotch whisky with a legacy dating back to 1827. George Ballantine embarked on a journey of providing a meticulously curated range of blended Scotch whiskies to discerning customers from his grocery store in Edinburgh. The brand flourished, and in 1895, Queen Victoria bestowed upon George Ballantine & Son a Royal Warrant.

Today, Pernod Ricard owns and continues the tradition of Ballantine’s. The heart of Ballantine’s Finest is a blend of up to 50 malts, including names like Miltonduff and Glenburgie, alongside four single grains.

Teacher’s Whisky

Turning our gaze to Teacher’s whisky, we find one of India’s more budget-friendly Scottish blends. It’s not uncommon to see friends in places like Bangalore stocking up on cases of Teacher’s. Founded around 1830 by William Teacher, this brand began its journey by selling blends from his wife’s Glasgow grocery store.

It wasn’t until 1863 that Teacher perfected the Highland Cream blend, officially registering the brand in 1884. Over time, the portfolio expanded to include the Ardmore distillery; at one point, they even held ownership of GlenDronach. Today, Teacher’s is a proud member of the Beam Suntory family.

The heart of Teacher’s whisky still derives from the Ardmore distillery, characterized by peat-smoked malt. Jim Murray, renowned in the whisky world, bestowed a remarkable rating of 90 upon Teacher’s whisky in his Whisky Bible.

Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s Highland Whisky Comparison

	Ballantine's Finest whisky	Teacher's Highland Cream whisky
Type	Blended Whisky	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Light gold	Dark gold
Nose	Fruitcake, glazed cherries, wood and spice.	Smoke, gentle earthy peat, raw alcohol, vanilla, malty notes. Quite subtle.
Palate	Smooth with a full body. Flavours of Christmas cake, dried fruit and muscovado sugar. In the background are hints of peat and smoke. Complex and delicious.	Notes of smoke, peat and pepper but it has a raw alcohol edge. Fruity sweetness only comes out after you add a bit of water. Water tones down the raw alcohol notes but make the smoke and peat disappear.
Finish	The finish is brilliant. Long and lingering, It ends in notes of spice, ginger and fudge.	Long and spicy with hints of pepper.
My Rating	Divine	Good
Price	$27	$25

I titled this feature ‘The Battle of the Budget Blends’ on my social media this weekend, reflecting the fun and excitement of our tasting experience. To ensure an unbiased evaluation, we conducted a blind taste test. Even without labels, Ballantine’s Finest stands out with ease.

After allowing both drams to breathe for about 10 minutes, I noticed the initial alcohol notes that had greeted me with Teacher’s had evaporated. What remained was a delightful sweetness that emerged over time, almost verging on cloying with the addition of water.

The Teacher’s Highland Cream whisky had notes of earthy peat, malt and vanilla mixed with fruity sweetness and pepper.

In contrast, Ballantine’s Finest maintained its character as a delicious, smooth, and easy-drinking whisky throughout. There is bold notes of Christmas cake, dried fruit, and cherries mingling with oak, ginger and fudge. Full bodied and delicious.

These two blended drams boast similar prices, making the competition even more intriguing. As I reflect on the feedback from my social media posts, it’s evident that Teacher’s whisky has a dedicated fan base, with around 50% of the commentators declaring it their favourite.

Teacher’s whisky might find its niche in cocktails where you want a hint of smokiness. However, John and I agree: Ballantine’s Finest takes the crown in this battle. Its easy-drinking nature, creamy texture, and overall deliciousness make it a top choice for whisky enthusiasts seeking an exceptional experience.

When it comes to Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s whisky, there’s no denying the enduring charm and excellence that Ballantine’s Finest brings to the table.

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Also Read: Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/15/2020

In Whisky Comparison

When it comes to the world of spirits, few names resonate as widely as Jameson and Johnnie Walker Black Label. In this article, I will delve into the realms of blended whisky versus Irish whiskey as I compare these two iconic brands: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky.

Before we embark on our tasting journey, let’s get to know our contenders a bit better.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Jameson Irish whiskey traces back to 1780 when John Jameson, a lawyer from Scotland, founded the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin. This marked the inception of a legacy that would conquer the world. However, turbulent world events such as the Irish War of Independence and Prohibition in the US posed significant challenges to the Irish whiskey industry.

Fast forward to the 1960s, when Irish Distillers, a conglomerate comprising Powers, Jameson, and the Cork Distillery Company, emerged to breathe new life into Irish whiskey. In the 1970s, these distilleries centralized production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, a pivotal moment in the history of Jameson.

Today, Jameson is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey, triple-distilled to achieve that famed Irish smoothness. It matures for four years in oak barrels and has consistently been one of the top-selling whiskies since 1909.

As part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio, Jameson shares the stage with other esteemed Irish whiskey brands like Redbreast, Green Spot, and Yellow Spot.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Now, let’s turn our attention to Johnnie Walker. You’ve undoubtedly seen the iconic walking man symbol adorning bottles in liquor stores worldwide. While Johnnie Walker boasts a range of expressions, the Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch is a true gem in their collection.

Johnnie Walker, a brand synonymous with Scotch whiskey, is known for its global presence. Johnnie Walker Black Label, in particular, represents a blend of approximately 40 whiskies from across Scotland.

Part of the Diageo stable, Johnnie Walker has various releases, including the intriguing Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky.

It’s time to pit these two giants, Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label, against each other.

Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

	Jameson Whiskey	Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
Type	Irish Whiskey	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Gold	Deep polished amber
Nose	Freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruit with bits of spicy wood and caramel. Grain mixed with plums, pineapple. Complex and delicious.	Faint smoke, red berries and tropical fruit, Christmas pudding with heaps of vanilla toffee and winter spice.
Palate	Very smooth. Medium body but the tropical fruit deliciousness promised by the nose is not there. Bits of malt, aniseed mixed with vanilla and pepper notes. Adding water softens the pepper notes.	Smooth and rich with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A creamy toffee sweetness with hints of spice and cereal. You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness.
Finish	Short with pepper and orange rind.	Awesome. Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, smoke, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice.
My Rating	Good	Divine
Comments	The nose promised the world. It was delicious and complex, however, it all fell flat on the palate. Not as complex as I was expecting after the delicious nose.	Rich and rewarding. Full bodied.
Price	$32	$40
Pairs well with	Hawaiian pizza, Smoked salmon, dried fruit.	A cheese platter or roasted pork.

Interestingly, the Jameson and Johnnie Walker Black Label receive similar ratings on Whizzky, yet they offer distinctly different tasting experiences.

The Jamesons bring freshly baked banana bread and tropical notes with malt, vanilla and pepper. The nose is warming and inviting, but the richness doesn’t quite translate to the palate. The Black Label has Christmas cake and red berries mixed with peat, smoke and buttery toffee. Complex, bold and delicious.

While the Jameson teases with promises on the nose, it falls short on the palate. The Black Label, however, delivers a bold and unforgettable flavour profile that captivates the senses.

In this tasting journey, a clear favourite emerges. The Johnnie Walker Black Label commands the stage as the whisky to savour first. In my humble opinion, there is no contest. Its boldness, rich flavour, and memorable character set it apart from the Jameson Irish whiskey.

In conclusion, each iconic spirit carries its unique legacy and flavour profile. Whether you lean towards the smooth embrace of Jameson or the bold allure of Johnnie Walker Black Label, both whiskies offer a taste of tradition and craftsmanship that has conquered the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.

Stay tuned for more spirited comparisons as we continue our exploration of the world of whiskey. Additionally, if you’re curious about how Jameson stacks up against other Irish whiskey contenders, check out our side-by-side comparison of Jameson with Tullamore DEW in another tasting adventure.

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Also Read: Johnnie Walker Red Label vs Black Label whisky