Yesterday Redbreast announced a new expression which joins their Redbreast Lustau Edition (finished for 12 months in Oloroso casks) and together forms the start of the Iberian series. This series celebrates Redbreast’s long standing association with the Iberian peninsula and will be expanded (probably on a bi-annual basis) with other casks sourced from Spain and Portugal.
The new whiskey is called Redbreast PX Edition – it is matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks before being finished for 12-22 months in Pedro Ximénez hogsheads seasoned at the Páez Lobato cooperage in Jerez. While the wine itself was produced outside of the sherry triangle, it spent two years in Jerez and can therefore legally be called PX sherry – an exception that only exists for Pedro Ximénez.
Apart from the second Dream Cask Redbreast has not been using PX casks so far.
Redbreast PX Edition (46%, OB ‘Iberian series’ 2021, PX Sherry hogshead finish)
Nose: darker and sweeter than the Lustau Edition, though certainly not light years apart. Red berries, jammy blackberries, with toffee and chocolate. Hints of hazelnuts. Also a light citrusy overtone and hints of pot still / European oak spice.
Mouth: sweeter, but apparently spicier than the Lustau Edition as well. There’s an added layer of treacle and caramelized nuts, with candied orange slice. Hints of latte with vanilla syrup. Towards the finish I’m finding more liquorice, sweet malt and light nutmeg. Still a brighter citrus note as well, which means it doesn’t become cloying.
Finish: medium, on caramelized almonds and toffee, with a light hint of mocha.
If you have a sweet tooth, then this offers a nice variation on the Redbreast profile. It adds plenty of richness with toffee, syrupy notes and dried fruits without overdoing it. Available for around € 80 from The Whisky Exchange among others.