Redbreast has launched its Iberian Series with the release of Pedro Ximénez Edition whiskey. The new collection from the Iconic Irish whiskey brand celebrates their long-standing connection to some of the regions most celebrated cooperages and winemakers.
The limited-edition Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition is a single pot still Irish whiskey, triple distilled and initially matured in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks before being re-casked into Pedro Ximénez hogsheads from the southern tip of Spain for a minimum of 12 months. Higsheads are just half the size of a standard sherry bott and therefore, the increased surface area intensifies the flavor contribution from the Pedro Ximénez-soaked wood
On the nose, the whiskey delivers hints of fruit, spices and toasted nuts, which combine with the subtly sweet aroma of Pedro Ximénez sherry seasoned casks. The palate features a zesty, syrupy mouthful as it balances fruit, spice, and toasted notes. The finish is described as “satisfyingly rich and long, sweet flavors linger on the palate.”
Also joining the Iberian series will be Redbreast Lustau Edition. which launched back in 2016. It will be the anchor of the series, while new limited editions will be unveiled over time.
“Iberia has been central to the history of Redbreast, and my colleagues and I have been visiting the peninsula since the 1980s,” said Master Blender Billy Leighton. “The close relationships fostered there over decades have led to many delightful discoveries that take the region’s influence on our whiskey to another level, while sitting comfortably within the Redbreast family. It gives me great pleasure that the new Iberian Series gives us an outlet to bring our best discoveries to consumers around the world. The collection will add new and exciting chapters to the Redbreast Family story with whiskeys finished in casks sourced from the sun-drenched bodegas of Spain and Portugal, suffused with the natural warmth and sweetness of the Iberian Peninsula.”
Dave McCabe, Blender at Irish Distillers added, “The creation of the Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition came about thanks to strong relationships and good fortune. A number of years ago, our friends in Antonio Páez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez presented us with an exceptional opportunity to trial casks which had been pre-seasoned with Pedro Ximénez sherry for two years. Finding that the wood contributed a very different flavour profile to the traditional Spanish sherry cask, we finished our Redbreast whiskey in these hogsheads for between 12 and 22 months, adding a distinctive twist to the signature Redbreast character.
“Underpinned by the much loved Redbreast Lustau Edition, each subsequent expression in this series will represent a new chapter in exploring the casks, flavours and aromas from this region.”
Bottled at 46% ABV, Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Pedro Ximénez Edition will be available in Ireland beginning September 27, in the UK, Finland and Global Travel Retail from late September, and in the US from November. It will be priced at €80, £72, $86.
For more information, head over to Redbreast’s official website.
In May, Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door Whiskey and Redbreast announced the release of a limited-edition 10-Year Aged Bourbon finished in Redbreast casks, dubbed The Master Blenders’ Edition.
Earlier that month, Irish Distillers unveiled the fourth release in the Redbreast Dream Cask series, the Oloroso Sherry Edition, a 29-year-old single pot still whiskey.