Redbreast Lustau Edition is a rather unique project of an Irish whiskey producer and a Spanish sherry bodega, with both names being mentioned. Usually distilleries source casks from small coopers who often use indistinct wines to season their casks, but in this case Bodegas Lustau (one of the most awarded sherry brands in the world) was asked to specifically prepare casks for this release. They teamed up with the Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage (also in Jerez de la Frontera) which provided the new casks.
The base whisky was between 9 and 12 years old. The spirit was first matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks and spent the last year of its maturation in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks. It is bottled at 46% and will be a permanent addition to the Redbreast range.
If you’re interested in trying the type of wine used to season the casks, you could look for Lustau Don Nuño, a dry Oloroso sherry of around 12 years of age (although the seasoning wine was quite a bit younger).
Redbreast Lustau Edition (46%, OB 2016)
Nose: funny how the nose doesn’t scream sherry in any way, yet it does capture the smell of a freshly opened cask of Oloroso in a way that most sherry bombs don’t manage. Nontheless quite soft. Quite some baked sweet apple with cinnamon and hints of candied fruits. Raisins and vanilla. Also a nutty side and a pinch of pepper.
Mouth: more sherry now, in a very elegant way. Sultanas, cinnamon, honeycomb. Quite fruity although the Redbreast tropical fruits are hardly noticeable (maybe a little banana). A slight hint of sawdust. Then back to candied orange peel, gingerbread and clove.
Finish: rather long, on malt and oak spices and faint sherry.
Redbreast chose a fairly delicate way of adding a Lustau sherry influence to their Irish spirit. Complexity is not that high, but the balance makes it a success. Around € 50 from Master of Malt.