The latest addition to the Redbreast American Oak series finds the Irish distillers-owned brand finishing its whiskey in virgin Missouri oak casks.
Rebreast has unveiled the latest addition to its American Oak series, the Missouri Oak Edition. The Irish whiskey brand launched the US-exclusive series in 2022 with the Kentucky Oak Edition.
Initially aged in Sherry casks and ex-Bourbon barrels, Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition spent its final 10 months maturing in virgin Missouri oak casks from the Ozark Forest. On top of sweet toffee apple and vanilla notes, the American oak delivers additional notes of cinnamon and ground ginger with undertones of pecan pie lingering in the background. The sweet and creamy palate features oak alongside notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black peppercorns along with rich berry fruits and vanilla. The finish is long with notes of pecan and pot still spices joined by hints of oak.
“The whiskey spent a total of 10 months maturing in the exquisite virgin Missouri oak barrels crafted by Kelvin Cooperage,” explains Master Blender Dave McCabe. “Due to the nature of virgin oak barrels being so giving in flavour during maturation, it was crucial for us to regularly sample the evolving liquid to ensure it imparted a measured influence that didn’t overpower the signature Redbreast style.
“After 10 months, the expression has attained its peak flavour, with the Missouri oak imparting distinct notes of cinnamon and ground ginger, complemented by subtle nutty undertones reminiscent of pecan pie.”
As part of the release, Rebreast has partnered with the University of Kentucky, the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Arkansas State University, and the American Bird Conservancy on a study delving into the breeding season habitat of the cerulean warbler in eastern Northern America. Dr Jeff Larkin, Dr Than Boves and Dr Darin McNeil will lead the study.
“Cerulean warbler populations have faced steep and persistent declines across North America, and their recovery is, in part, reliant upon a shift in human behavior away from unsustainable harvesting practices that threaten white oak forests,” said Larkin. “We are delighted to collaborate with Redbreast on this research and are hopeful that together we can make a profound impact for years to come. The aim of our research is to gain actionable insights that will enable us to promote the highest standards of sustainable forest management, ultimately facilitating the species’ recovery.”
Bottled at 50.5% ABV, the Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition single pot still Irish whiskey is available across the US for an SRP of $199.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
In September, Redbreast introduced a Tawny Port Cask Edition, a limited-edition single pot still Irish whiskey finished in tawny port casks from Portugal’s famed Douro Valley.