Redbreast Lustau

Score: 71

Redbreast Lustau Edition is one of those drams that quietly earns its place on the shelf, not through flash or rarity, but through sheer drinkability and depth. It’s a single pot still Irish whiskey aged between 9 and 12 years, finished for one year in Oloroso sherry butts from Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, and bottled at a generous 46% ABV. The result is a whisky that leans into its sherry finish without losing the core Redbreast character. On the nose, it’s a rich medley of dried fruits—raisins, dates, and prunes—wrapped in caramel, roasted almonds, and a touch of marzipan. There’s a syrupy density to the aroma, like a compote reduced to its essence. The palate follows through with dark berries, plums, and apricots, layered over caramel, vanilla, and oak. Spice notes like clove and nutmeg add warmth, while the mouthfeel is creamy and full. The finish is medium in length, carrying dried fruit, soft oak, and a hint of liquorice root, with a bittersweet edge that keeps things interesting. What makes Lustau stand out in the Redbreast lineup is its balance, it’s sweeter and richer than the 12 Year Old, but not cloying, and the bump in ABV adds welcome texture and weight. It’s a dessert dram in the best sense: indulgent, comforting, and just complex enough to keep you coming back. For those in the club who enjoy sherried profiles but want something distinctly Irish, this is a bottle worth pouring and repouring.