This expression came up in Irish whiskey tasting with our local whisky community. Redbreast 15 year old comes from the New Middleton distillery in Cork, famous for making Single Pot Still whiskey (also known Pure Pot Still).
So far they are the only ones making it with an age statement (under the Redbreast brand). The whiskey is made from malted and unmalted “green” barley, a traditional, yet nowadays rare Irish way of making whiskey.

Having a great history with Redbreast 12yo, I surely was looking forward tasting this dram. Like the younger version, Redbreast 15YO has been aged in a combo of Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry casks. Unlike the 12 year old, it’s bottled non-chill filtered and at a higher proof.
Like THE BOONDOCK SAINTS, marching through!
My expectations were high, and they were matched. This is an stunning Irish whiskey (so far the best Irish I have ever tasted). Redbreast 15YO has almost anything you need from a good whisk(e)y. It has complexity and character, it is very strong, yet sophisticated from time to time.
Striking with force, especially in the amazing finish, it naturally brings Irish mobster movie into my mind. This has the The Boondock Saints written all over it. I guess the movie is more harsh than this great Irish whiskey but then again, there is some nice complexity in the movie as well.
And it’s the thought that counts! In my opinion, this has some gangster movie quality in it, with an Irish twist of course.
Matured in:
Combination of Ex-Oloroso Sherry and Ex-Bourbon casks.
Non-chill filtered, no added color
Nose: Starts with dry citrus notes, like red grapefruits with dash of sherry. Sherry gets stronger with time. Hints of sugar and black currant, water brings out dark fruits and hay.
Taste: Bitter at the start – dry and sweet sherry with dried fruits. From time to time, like sweet red wine. Water adds fresh and bitter grapefruits and some dark chocolate notes.
Finish: Bitter and peppery, fresh like Fisherman’s Friend. Salty, yet bit sweet licorice notes. Sherry notes as well. Amazing finish and aftertaste!
Balance: Nicely balanced, with a stunning finish. Rich and versatile dram. Good start and gets better in every step, great Irish Single Pot Still whiskey!
Redbreast 15YO Scoring
95Nose:Taste:Finish:Balance:
Distillery: New Midleton Distillery Region: Cork, Republic of IrelandDid you know?
New Midleton distillery has the biggest capacity in Ireland. Producing whiskeys like the best selling Irish whiskey in the world, Jameson and Tullamore Dew, which has an annual capacity of 1.5 million cases per year. Brands coming from Midleton also include Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Green Spot and Yellow Spot, along with Redbreast of course.

Edit 2019/07/17
Bought me an own bottle of Redbreast 15 year old, couple of years after my first taste of this single pot still greatness. Have to admit, the quality was equally good, if not even better. You should really buy this whisky when you get a chance.
You can buy it from Amazon UK:

Had to buy me an own bottle, with bottle code: L722031307 13:22
2 Comments
Try 21 Year Old. Stunning!
I have to, some day. The 12yo cask strength is also in my wanted list