On this World Whiskey Day 2020, Redbreast Whiskey have launched their third annual Dream Cask release, a 28 year old ruby port single pot still whiskey.
The Dream Cask releases have become the most widely anticipated launches of the whiskey calender and drop each year on World Whiskey Day.
This World Whiskey Day, Redbreast are taking Irish whiskey fans on a new journey by releasing their first Dream Cask that has been fully finished in a Ruby Port cask.
According to the Midleton team the inspiration for the 28-year-old Dream Cask began during trials for Redbreast 27 Year Old – the oldest permanent expression in the Redbreast family. During this time, the Midleton Masters discovered a liquid worthy of the Dream Cask name which uniquely comprises both a ruby port cask component and finish.
Created by Master Blender Billy Leighton, in collaboration with Blender Dave McCabe, Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is the culmination of four extraordinary whiskey journeys dating back more than 30 years, which were set aside during the crafting of Redbreast 27 Year Old. Aged for a minimum of 28 years in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, an oloroso sherry butt and a ruby port seasoned cask, these exceptional liquids were then married in the ruby port cask to mature further as a single Dream Cask.
So what’s in the cask? A vatting of the following casks married together in this Port pipe.
Cask 1 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1989, matured in an ex-bourbon barrel and re-casked into a ruby port cask in 1995.
Cask 2 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Cask 3 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Cask 4 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in an ex bourbon barrel and re-casked into a sherry butt in 2011.
Master Blender Billy Leighton explained, “It’s more than three decades since my predecessors went to the Douro Valley and hand selected the cask which would become Redbreast Dream Cask I’m delighted to be able to share its creation with whiskey lovers around the world.”
“Our third Dream Cask was created with a very significant fortified wine component. This imparts a unique balance of flavours, with less vanilla sweetness and more fleshy fruits that are associated with port.”
Blender Dave McCabe added, “Because a Dream Cask is not constrained by volume, we have great licence to select a unique expression with a bold flavour which couldn’t be replicated in a permanent offering. Thankfully, Billy and I were in absolute agreement that this was the right time to release this year’s Dream Cask.”
According to Billy & Dave, the result is a smooth and silky Irish whiskey with notes of assertive spices, dark chocolate and cinnamon which slowly reveal a luxurious layer of sweet ripe plums and exotic fruits reminiscent of
the signature Redbreast style. Bottled at 51.5%, the ruby port cask finish further contributes notes of raisins, sultanas and berries, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity. It is this final marrying phase which also gives the expression an intense mahogany colour.
Potstilled Tasting Notes Here.
So how do you get a hold of one?
Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition will be available exclusively through an online ballot hosted on Redbreast’s private members’ club, The Birdhouse. The ballot will be live from 15:00 (GMT+1) on Monday, May 25 th until 14:59 (GMT +1) on June 2 nd when successful participants will be given an opportunity to purchase a 500ml bottle for €490.
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