Taste Profile Comparison: Redbreast 12, 18 and PX Cask
flavorcamp
March 16, 2025
5 min reading time
Welcome to our Taste Profile Comparison series, where we put your palate in the driver’s seat and break down how iconic expressions evolve—or transform entirely—across a brand’s lineup.
In this edition, we’re diving deep into the sherried, spice-laced world of Redbreast. Known for setting the benchmark in single pot still Irish whiskey, Redbreast has long been celebrated for its silky texture, rich dried fruit notes, and balanced oak influence.
We’ll compare the classic 12 Year, a gold-standard for many whiskey lovers, with two newer expressions that push the profile in bold new directions: the PX Edition, finished in Pedro Ximénez casks for a dessert-like twist, and the brand-new 18 Year, which promises even more depth, maturity, and elegance.
So… how much can flavor change with time, wood, and ambition? Let’s find out.
Redbreast is one of the most beloved names in Irish whiskey—and for good reason. As the definitive single pot still whiskey, Redbreast carries the weight of tradition with a distinctly rich, full-bodied character that has captivated drinkers for over a century.
Produced at Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Redbreast is crafted using a uniquely Irish method: a mash of malted and unmalted barley, triple-distilled for smoothness, and matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. The result is a signature style—creamy, spicy, and sherried, with depth to spare.
Now, Redbreast is expanding its range with two bold new releases. The 18 Year deepens the brand’s hallmark dark fruit and baked orchard notes into something richer—think roasted nuts, polished wood, and warming spice. Meanwhile, the PX Edition dials up the dessert factor, layering in velvety sweetness, sun-dried fruits, and a sherry-soaked richness that lingers beautifully.
To help you explore how each expression stands apart—and where their flavour DNA overlaps—we’ve broken down the tasting notes and mapped them across our Flavor Camp system. From fruit to spice, sweetness to structure, this side-by-side comparison highlights what makes each Redbreast release unique, and how time, cask influence, and blending choices shape the final sip.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the 12 Year or curious about how the 18 Year and PX cask editions evolve the classic profile, this breakdown is designed to guide your palate and deepen your appreciation.
Let’s dig into the details.
Redbreast 12 Year
- Appearance: Amber
- Aroma: A warm, festive aroma full of red fruits, dark honey, and molasses, layered with baked apples, vanilla, and the comforting scent of a burnt Christmas cake. Hints of cinnamon and spice round things out, evoking mulled wine and old wooden cupboards.
- Taste & Mouthfeel: Lusciously rich and creamy, with flavours of espresso, roasted nuts, and chocolate cake dusted in dried orange peel and baking spice. Notes of dried apricot, baked apple, buckwheat honey, and sultanas give it that chewy, candied depth—sweet, spiced, and nostalgic.
- Finish: Medium in length, with a tapering warmth of baking spice, dried fruits, and a soft echo of molasses and charred fruitcake. Comforting, familiar, and endlessly sippable.
- Overall Drinkability & Balance: An instant classic and crowd-pleaser, Redbreast 12 is incredibly drinkable without sacrificing complexity. The sweetness of dried fruits and honey is beautifully balanced by warming spice and just enough oak to keep things grounded. Rich but never heavy, it’s the kind of whiskey that feels both nostalgic and universally appealing—accessible for newcomers, satisfying for seasoned sippers.
Redbreast PX Cask
- Appearance: Tawny
- Aroma: Dark and decadent, with ripe blackberries, raisins, and plums leading the way. There’s a drizzle of dark chocolate and cocoa, plus a touch of balsamic glaze and licorice, adding a savoury twist. Clove, walnut, and a whisper of cinnamon give it backbone.
- Taste & Mouthfeel: Lush and brooding. Think damp cellars, mocha-drenched sponge cake, and Black Forest gateau. The sweetness is deep, but grounded by earthy undertones and warming spices. A dessert dram with layers of intrigue and just a pinch of mystery.
- Finish: Velvety and sweet-savoury, with lingering notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and a faint nuttiness. Opulent, with just enough structure to hold its richness in check.
- Overall Drinkability & Balance: Luxurious and full-bodied, the PX Edition leans into indulgence with its dessert-like richness. Yet despite the decadent layers of fruit, cocoa, and spice, it avoids becoming cloying thanks to a subtle savoury undertone and earthy backbone. It’s a bold pour, best enjoyed after dinner, and will especially appeal to those who love their whiskey on the sherried, sultry side.
Redbreast 18 Year
- Appearance: Deep Amber
- Aroma: Elegant and spice-forward, opening with candied orange peel, nutmeg, and allspice, supported by mace, cedar wood, and subtle pencil shavings. A swirl of red fruits and treacle toffee lend brightness, while dried apple with cinnamon adds a rustic, aged charm.
- Taste & Mouthfeel: A deeper, more contemplative sip. Leathery, with notes of cigar box, charred oak, and vanilla bean, unfolding into layers of almond cookies, cocoa, and that slightly bitter-sweet bite of an Eat-More chocolate bar. Spice builds slowly—warm, textured, and precise.
- Finish: Long and warming, with a lingering presence of toasted almonds, cocoa powder, and a touch of honeyed oak. Sophisticated and slow-burning.
- Overall Drinkability & Balance: This is where Redbreast steps into its most refined and contemplative self. The 18 Year is dialled in—rich, structured, and impeccably balanced. The spice and oak are assertive but never overpowering, interwoven with delicate sweetness and leathery depth. It’s not an everyday dram, but when you want complexity with poise, it delivers in spades. One for slow sipping and quiet appreciation.
