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Irish
Distillers has introduced a
limited-edition addition to Redbreast’s
acclaimed Iberian Series, finished in
Moscatel wine casks sourced from a
historic winery in the hills of southern
Spain.
Redbreast has introduced Redbreast
Moscatel Wine Cask Edition, the fifth
release in the acclaimed Iberian Series.
While all Redbreast expressions mature
in a combination of ex-bourbon and
ex-sherry casks, the Iberian Series
stands apart through its use of
specially sourced sherry casks selected
for these limited offerings. Created by
Master Blender David McCabe, this
edition honours both tradition and
innovation by incorporating Moscatel
wine casks from the historic Bodegas
Quitapenas to further deepen the
signature character of the renowned
Irish single pot still whiskey.
The new Moscatel Wine Cask Edition draws
from Redbreast’s longstanding ties to
fortified wines. It begins maturation in
ex-American whiskey casks and Spanish
Oloroso sherry casks, then receives a
16-month finishing period in Moscatel
casks from Málaga. Bottled at 46% ABV,
the resulting whiskey delivers a bright
Mediterranean-inspired profile with a
refined, citrus-forward personality.
Over many decades, McCabe and former
Master Blender Billy Leighton have built
close relationships with cask makers and
winemakers across the Iberian Peninsula,
inviting whiskey drinkers to explore the
region’s flavours. For this release, the
team at the Midleton Distillery once
again partnered with Bodegas Quitapenas,
now guided by fifth-generation
custodians Marta Suárez Prieto and
Víctor Suárez Onrubia. Their European
oak hogsheads were seasoned with
Moscatel wine for two years before being
transported to Midleton and filled with
a custom batch of Redbreast Single Pot
Still Irish Whiskey.
The whiskey offers a layered tasting
experience, opening with sweet tangerine
and orange peel, followed by subtle
herbal tones reminiscent of chamomile
tea accented with nutmeg and cedarwood.
The wine-seasoned oak introduces vanilla
alongside floral honey and sugar-glazed
fruits, while the pot still character
brings gentle hints of black peppercorn
and clove.
Master Blender David McCabe noted: "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. "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, which was founded in 1880.
Their remarkable family heritage
inspired the richness and depth of this
expression."
Marta Suárez Prieto of Bodegas
Quitapenas added: "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," said Marta Suárez
Prieto. "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."
Irish Distillers say that this one was
specially crafted for savouring neat or
over ice, priced around £85
the Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask
Edition will be available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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