The seventh and final Irish whiskey is the Redbreast Dream Cask collection is set to be a 38-year-old bottling known as the Zenith Edition
Redbreast has unveiled the final bottling in its Dream Cask collection, the Zenith Edition. The 38-year-old Irish whiskey is the seventh release in the series, which launched back in 2018. Last year, they launched a 27-year-old single pot whiskey known as the Port to Port Edition.
The oldest release in the series and distilled in 1985, Redbreast Dream Cask Zenith Edition spent 27 years in bourbon casks, before aging for over a decade in a first-fill Oloroso sherry cask. Both the first and last Dream Cask editions were distilled in 1985 and share Redbreast’s traditional pot still style. While the inaugural release, bottled at 32 years, ventured into Oloroso Sherry barrels in 2011, the Zenith Edition recasked into sherry casks in 2013 was left to continue to mature until now,
Speaking about the launch, Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton says, “The release of Redbreast Dream Cask Zenith Edition marks a bittersweet moment – the end of a remarkable chapter. This collection has been a labour of love and each edition has been a celebration of the craft and passion that defines Redbreast. Handing over the baton to Dave fills me with pride, knowing that the legacy of exceptional whiskey-making will thrive under his expertise.”
Dave McCabe, Master Blender at Irish Distillers, adds: “As I take on the role of Master Blender, I am both honoured and excited to be part of the legacy forged by Billy. This release represents a grand finale of the Redbreast Dream Cask collection and symbolises the culmination of tradition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Working alongside Billy has been an honour, and Redbreast Dream Cask Zenith Edition as the final Dream Cask release, acts as the perfect ode to Billy’s passion which inspired the Dream Cask series in the first place.”
Tasting Notes
On the nose, herbal and spice notes mingle with black cherry, currants, and mango leading to aromas of wood and linseed. The palate features tropical fruits alongside waves of vanilla and chocolate leading to flashes of peppercorns, mint, ginger, and nutty undertones. The palate lingers with spices eventually fading, leaving the fruits and oak to have the final word.
Bottled at 45.3% ABV, the Zenith Edition features an SRP of €1,000 and can be purchased via an online ballot beginning at 12pm GMT on Monday, May 20th.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Earlier this month, Redbreast unveiled the latest addition to its American Oak series, the Missouri Oak Edition.