Credit: Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Redbreast Irish Whiskey has announced the launch of Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition, the fifth release in its acclaimed Iberian Series. Crafted by Master Blender David McCabe, the limited-edition single pot still Irish whiskey was finished in Moscatel wine casks from the historic Bodegas Quitapenas in southern Spain.
This new expression honors the brand’s historic ties with fortified wines from the Iberian Peninsula, expanding on the core range’s maturation in ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
The whiskey was first matured in a combination of ex-American whiskey casks and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. It then underwent a final maturation period of 16 months in Málaga Moscatel casks.
Bottled at 46% ABV, the finishing period is said to impart a noticeably elegant and more citrus-forward personality to the whiskey.
The project involved a partnership between Midleton Distillery and Bodegas Quitapenas, a Málaga-based winery founded in 1880. The winery is now led by fifth-generation custodians Marta Suárez Prieto and Víctor Suárez OnrubiaI.
Curated hogsheads made from European Oak were seasoned with Moscatel wine for two years at the Spanish winery. These casks were then shipped to Midleton Distillery in Ireland to be filled with the bespoke batch of Redbreast.
“The launch of Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition is a celebration of Redbreast’s heritage, craftsmanship, and incredible legacy dating back to the late 1800s,” said Master Blender David McCabe.
He added: “The use of Spanish Moscatel-seasoned casks is a tribute to Redbreast’s historic ties to sherry and fortified wines, and our appreciation for the incredible people across the region, including Marta and her family at Bodegas Quitapenas.”
Marta Suárez Prieto of Bodegas Quitapenas also commented on the collaboration.
“It has been a great honor to work with David and his team at Midleton on the launch of Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition, which pays such a wonderful tribute to our rich family history,” she said.
Prieto continued: “Along with my cousin Víctor, we have taken great care to season the casks perfectly, to ensure the new expression is infused with wonderful flavor notes of sweet honey, dates and caramelized fruits alongside gentle herbal, floral and citrus tones.”
According to official notes from the brand, the whiskey opens with notes of fresh, sweet tangerine and twisted orange peel, with herbal hints of chamomile tea, nutmeg, and cedarwood. The wine-seasoned oak imparts vanilla and floral honey, while pot still spices add subtle notes of black peppercorn and clove.
The Iberian Series from Redbreast explores different cask finishes from Spain and Portugal. Previous expressions have included finishes in casks that held Lustau sherry, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and tawny port.
Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition is available from RedbreastWhiskey.com with a suggested retail price of $109.99.
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