First Impressions
Redbreast 21 — the pinnacle of single pot still Irish whiskey and probably the most awarded Irish whiskey in history. First released in 2013. Jim Murray named it Irish Whiskey of the Year and World's Best Pot Still Whiskey. Malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled, 21 years in first-fill bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts.
The Gilbey's Heritage
Originally bottled by Gilbey's, a Dublin spirits merchant, using pot still distillate from Jameson's Bow Street Distillery. In the 1980s, Irish Distillers (now Pernod Ricard) acquired the brand and moved production to Midleton Distillery in Cork. Redbreast 21 showcases traditional single pot still craft that nearly died out in the 20th century. Non-chill filtered at 46%.
Tasting
Extraordinarily complex nose — honey, lemon zest, shortcrust pastry, tropical fruit. The palate is creamy with candied almonds, melon, and pear, with lemon acidity cutting through for balance. Dark chocolate and toffee beneath. The finish is long and lingering with ginger spice and lemon curd.
The Verdict
Redbreast 21 earns a 9.5 — possibly the finest Irish whiskey available today. At £215, it's premium, but the 21 years of maturation are fully earned. The single pot still tradition — malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled — creates a uniquely Irish complexity. The pinnacle of a tradition that nearly vanished.
