Which Single Pot Still Shines Brighter?

When Irish whiskey fans talk about the gold standard for Single Pot Still, Redbreast inevitably enters the conversation. Which is why today we’ll be having a look at the Redbreast 15 vs Redbreast 18. Distilled at the legendary Midleton Distillery—home to Ireland’s most iconic pot still expressions—Redbreast has built a reputation for layered sherry cask maturation, silky texture, and an unmistakable house style.

The label’s distinctive robin taking flight isn’t just a charming visual; it symbolises Redbreast’s heritage of “whiskey taking wing,” evolving with age as each expression soars to new complexity. And today, we explore just such a progression: the beloved Redbreast 15 stepping up against its older sibling, the Redbreast 18.

This isn’t just a simple age comparison. It’s a look into how maturation, cask influence, and Midleton’s pot still DNA shift over three extra years. The result? Two whiskies that share a lineage—but express themselves in wonderfully different ways.

Tasting Notes: Redbreast 15

Stats

• Age: 15 years
• ABV: 46% (92 proof)
• Category: Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
• Distillery: Midleton
• Flavour profile: Malt House Classic
• Chill-filtered: No
• Natural Colour: Yes

Nose

Shortbread biscuits coated with strawberry marmalade and vanilla icing lead the way. A gentle interplay of milk chocolate, nutmeg, and cardamom follows, rounded out by a subtle lift of orange peel.

Palate

A lively burst of black pepper and cinnamon brings warming spice, contrasting beautifully with rich mocha. As the palate deepens, candied strawberries and roasted pecans tie together the sweetness, spice, and creaminess in classic Redbreast fashion.

Finish

Medium-long with lingering cacao and a flash of cherry. A surprising touch of lime emerges late, shifting the whisky from its creamy palate into a drier, more textural finale.

Food Pairing

Best with mildly sweet treats—shortbread, light pastries, or fresh fruit slices. It’s not an ideal match for savoury dishes, though cured meats can hold their own.

Verdict

Strengths

• Wonderfully rounded flavours that embody the traditional Single Pot Still profile.
• A delightful spice backbone that adds dimension without overpowering.

Weaknesses

• Irish whiskey prices climb sharply with age, and for its cost, there are punchier or more complex options available.
• A definite crowd-pleaser, but not necessarily a boundary-pusher.

Tasting Notes: Redbreast 18

Stats

• Age: 18 years
• ABV: 46% (92 proof)
• Category: Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
• Distillery: Midleton
• Flavour profile: Dessert Delight
• Chill-filtered: No
• Natural Colour: Yes

Nose

A decadent tiramisu note leaps from the glass—lush, creamy, captivating. Beneath that sits a delicate mix of crème brûlée, fresh-baked biscuits, dried plums, and ripe cherries, making for an elegant and layered aromatic experience.

Palate

Think chocolate-covered banana bread dusted with vanilla sugar. Add gentle swirls of cinnamon, cardamom, and a sprinkle of white pepper, all balanced by a soft hibiscus note and a restrained touch of mocha.

Finish

Medium-long with mocha taking centre stage again, supported by lingering cinnamon, biscuit notes, and a subtle rounding of dried figs.

Food Pairing

A standout match is overaged Gouda, where the saltiness amplifies the whisky’s richness. Surprisingly, Peking Duck also creates a beautiful contrast. Desserts aren’t ideal here, though a crisp green apple slice works in a pinch.

Verdict

Strengths

• Exceptionally smooth and flavourful, with a stunning tiramisu-led nose.
• Mocha and spice interplay is refined and highly enjoyable.

Weaknesses

• Surprisingly gentler than the 15-year-old, lacking the same punch.
• Despite its age, it delivers less complexity than expected—more “silky smooth” than “explosively expressive.”
• The price jump for just three more years of maturation will give some buyers pause.

Redbreast 15 vs Redbreast 18 — The Comparison

Going from 15 to 18 years in the Redbreast lineup is a fascinating study in subtle evolution rather than dramatic transformation. Midleton’s pot still influence remains unmistakable in both: creamy textures, spice-led character, sherry richness, and a polished feel.

The Redbreast 15 is the more energetic of the two—peppery, lively, and full of mocha-driven intensity. It feels bold, flavour-forward, and surprisingly muscular for a pot still Irish whiskey.

The Redbreast 18, meanwhile, leans into refinement. Its textures are silkier, its sweetness more integrated, and its flavours more dessert-like. Where the 15 crackles, the 18 glides.

Is the extra age worth it?
That depends entirely on what you value:

• If you prefer complex spice, character, and vibrancy, the 15 may actually be the more exciting dram.
• If you want luxurious smoothness, dessert-like aromas, and mellow elegance, the 18 will win easily.

But in a pure value conversation, many enthusiasts still favour the 15.

Final Thoughts

Redbreast continues to soar—much like the bird on its label—as one of the most consistent and beloved Irish whiskey brands today. Both the 15 and 18 showcase Midleton’s mastery of Single Pot Still distillation and sherry-led maturation, even if they each take flight in different ways.

If you’re chasing punch, spice, and character, go for the Redbreast 15.
If you crave luxury, velvet texture, and dessert-driven depth, the Redbreast 18 is your bottle.

For many whisky lovers, the sweet spot remains right at 15 years—but both expressions prove why Redbreast stands among the top Irish whiskies in the world.