Review #37: Redbreast 12yr Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40% abv, OB

that's 'whiskey' with an 'e'

I never noticed that before: it's spelled "whiskey." Finally the orthographic payoff to writing these reviews.

So this is, I believe, a mix of malted and unmalted barley from the pot stills at Midleton -- i.e., Jameson without the grain whisk(e)y. Some of it is matured in sherry casks, some of it not. (I think most of it in old refill casks.) Even though it's a light-ish whiskey, my impression is that it goes all out of balance when the weather's warm -- it's a really a dead-of-winter whisky. We'll get started on it early anyway.

Nose: an almost estery fruitiness, which I can't help associating with Juicy Fruit gum. I used to really like Juicy Fruit, but I don't want it here ... then some fresh cereals, dried fruits, and some kind of oil. I've seen "linseed" in reviews before, but to me it's more of a machine oil, like the stuff that goes in a chain saw. Some oakiness, too.

Palate is soft and sweet, with the fruits really coming to the fore: some sherried fruits (raisins and prunes and so on), but then a blast of apples/apricots/Juicy Fruit. Ends on oak spices and lots of creamy vanilla.

What I like about it most is the cereal flavors that mix with the sweet vanilla. The oiliness gives it a little weight -- the whole would be cloying without it -- and generally it's pleasant without being particularly interesting.

score: 81