Among whiskey Bottles from Ireland are often overlooked by drinkers. Scotch And bourbon. But Ireland’s whiskey traditions go back centuries — possibly even to the advent of whiskey itself. Over the last century, whisky production on the Emerald Isle has changed quite a bit. The category has experienced its fair share ups as well as downs.
Few Irish whiskeys Redbreast is more famous and iconic than they are. Through the tumultuous 20th centuryThe brand has been able to withstand the many ups, downs, and still maintain the traditional production methods that make Irish whiskey so special. To help better understand this quintessential Irish whiskey’s place in history, here are seven things you need to know about Redbreast.
Redbreast has existed for over 100 years.
In 1903, the Dublin branch of London-based importers W & A Gilbey released a 12-year-old whiskey known as John Jameson & Sons Castle “JJ Liqueur.” A few years later, in 1912, the Redbreast branding first appeared in marketing materials. While ownership of Redbreast has changed hands several times throughout the years, and there has been a fluctuating demand for the whiskey, it remains one of Ireland’s most recognized and trusted brands. Current owners of the brand are Irish DistillersPernod Ricard has a subsidiary called.
Redbreast is a bird lover.
The name “Redbreast” comes from the European Robin (known as Robin Redbreast), a bird that is native to Ireland and is known for its distinctive red-orange plumage. The chairman of Gilbey’s around the early 1900s was an avid amateur ornithologist and decided that the bird would make a perfect symbol for the whiskey.
Redbreast is an Irish whiskey that’s unique.
Blended bottlings dominate Irish whiskey exports. However, the country is well-known for its single pot still style. Single pot still whiskeys must use a mix of malted and non-malted barley. The spirit must be distilled at one distillery using a copper kettle still. Single pot still whiskeys are known for being easy to drink, smooth and rich with flavors of honey, vanilla and caramel. Redbreast 12, an Irish single pot still whiskey, is one of the most well-known.
Redbreast is closely linked to Jameson’s history.
Gilbey’s, the company responsible for creating the Redbreast brand, originally sourced its whiskey from the Bow Street distillery in Dublin where Jameson was made. The number of Irish whiskey distilleries had dropped to three by the middle 20th century. Cork, Jameson, Powers distilleries joined their resources to form Irish Distillers. This was in 1966 when the Irish distilling industry was at its lowest point. Irish Distillers continued to provide single pot still whiskey to Gilbey’s, which still bottled and sold Redbreast until 1986 when the brand was sold to Irish Distillers.
Redbreast was a pioneering single-pot still.
Single-pot still whiskey’s popularity declined by the middle of the 20th century when drinkers started to prefer blended Irish whiskeys. Redbreast was among the few brands to continue making this style throughout those years. The Irish distilling industry has experienced a boom in recent decades. significant growth, and more recent distilleries like Teeling They continue to carry on the Irish single pot still tradition.
Redbreast can be produced at the same distillery where many Irish whiskeys are made.
Redbreast, currently produced in County Cork by Midleton Distillery. Irish Distillers is the distillery’s home. They produce many well-known brands such as Jameson and Powers. Although the site has been used for distillation since the 17th century, Irish Distillers opened a new distillery in 1975.
Redbreast whiskeys are available in a large variety of styles.
Redbreast can be purchased in a variety of expressions from the 12 year-old to the rare, sought-after 27 years old. Each expression is aged for a minimum of 12 years in ex-bourbon or sherry casks. They all have their own flavor profiles, with vanilla, caramel and spice as the most common.
Redbreast is the ideal whiskey for bird lovers.
Redbreast, in keeping with its name, is actively involved in conservation efforts to save threatened birds. The brand will become a household name in 2021. teamed up with Birdlife International and actor Chris O’Dowd to help raise funds to protect common Irish birds. Redbreast 12 comes in a unique package that includes a functional birdfeeder. This allows Redbreast customers to help their local wildlife.