Redbreast is one of the most iconic names in Irish whiskey, celebrated for championing the Single Pot Still style—a uniquely Irish category defined by a mash bill of malted and unmalted barley distilled in traditional copper pot stills. Produced at the legendary Midleton Distillery and owned by Pernod Ricard, Redbreast has become synonymous with depth, tradition, and craftsmanship. Among its range, the Redbreast Lustau Edition stands out as a collaboration of Irish distillation and Spanish sherry expertise, finished in hand-selected Oloroso sherry casks from Bodegas Lustau.
This bottling aims to bring together the warm, resinous character of Single Pot Still whiskey with the richness and complexity of deeply seasoned sherry wood. While its packaging leans into bold orange accents that give it a distinct visual identity on the shelf, what truly matters is the liquid inside—an experience that many describe as a decadent, dessert-like dram. In this review, we examine whether the Lustau Edition earns its reputation as one of the most indulgently sweet offerings in the Redbreast lineup.
Tasting Notes: Redbreast Lustau Edition
Stats
- ABV: 46% (92 proof)
- Age: NAS
- Distillery: Midleton Distillery
- Ownership: Pernod Ricard
- Category: Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
- Chill-Filtered: No
- Natural Colour: Yes
The Redbreast Lustau Edition is designed to showcase what happens when traditional Irish whiskey meets Spanish sherry influence. To explore this fully, I tasted it neat from a Glencairn glass, allowing time for the whiskey to open and reveal the layers created by its sherry-cask finish.
Nose
Approaching the glass, the nose is immediately luscious, rich, and impeccably balanced. The first impression is a wave of caramel—high-quality fudge mingling with creamy butterscotch. This sweetness transitions seamlessly into dark, sticky dried fruits such as prunes, figs, and dates, all classic markers of Oloroso sherry maturation.
An inviting note of chocolate-covered almonds adds depth, joined by undertones of marzipan and silky dark chocolate. Nothing here feels out of place; every aroma is woven together with precision. It’s a nose that rewards slow inhalation, each pass offering a different dessert-like nuance.
A few drops of water send the caramel notes surging forward, transforming them into something reminiscent of the warm, glossy caramel sauce drizzled over sundaes. It maintains its elegance throughout—never cloying, never flat.
Palate
The palate introduces a broader spectrum of flavours, blending sweet, spiced, and tannic notes. The sweetness of butterscotch, apples, raisins, and dried plums echoes the nose, but it is joined by deeper, earthier tones. There’s a thread of liquorice, supported by a lively medley of warming spices: nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
What stands out most is the creamy, dessert-like mouthfeel, giving the impression of warm apple cobbler served with heavy cream. It’s comforting, rich, and evocative—an indulgent sip that leans heavily into the pleasure-driven side of whiskey.
When water is added, the spices shift subtly. Crushed white pepper appears, adding dimension, while the butterscotch becomes even more pronounced. Everything feels magnified, more intense, and slightly more structured.
Finish
The finish is of medium length, which is somewhat surprising given the boldness of the flavours leading up to it. It begins with lingering caramel—smooth, buttery, and warm—before giving way to the slightly bitter edge of liquorice root.
Imagine if Werther’s Original crafted a caramel sweet with a liquorice centre; that’s the essence of this finish. For those who enjoy liquorice, it may strike a perfect balance. For those who don’t, it may sit less comfortably. Personally, I find myself caught between appreciation for the caramel and hesitation toward the liquorice.
With water, however, the balance improves noticeably. The bitterness recedes, allowing the caramel and soft sherry notes to shine more clearly.
Verdict
The Redbreast Lustau Edition is, at its heart, liquid dessert in a glass—a decadent, richly structured Single Pot Still whiskey that showcases Redbreast’s strengths and the beautiful synergy between Irish distillation and sherry finishing.
Strengths
- A sumptuous, balanced nose filled with caramel, dried fruits, and chocolate notes.
- A creamy, dessert-like palate reminiscent of apple cobbler with spices.
- Excellent integration of sherry influence from Bodegas Lustau.
- Takes well to water, enhancing sweetness and reducing bitterness.
Weaknesses
- The medium-length finish feels shorter than expected given the bold palate.
- The liquorice note in the finish may be polarising, especially for those less fond of it.
At around €55, the Redbreast Lustau Edition offers excellent value for what it delivers: complexity, sweetness, depth, and the unmistakable character of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. It’s a bottle I’m happy to keep on my shelf—both for dessert pairings and for those moments when a rich, comforting dram is exactly what the evening calls for.
If you enjoy sherried whiskey, have a sweet tooth, or simply want to experience one of the most accessible yet expressive examples of the Single Pot Still style, the Redbreast Lustau Edition is a confident recommendation. A testament to what Ireland does best—and a pleasure from nose to finish.
