March means one thing in my world: it’s time to talk Irish whiskey. And what better way to kick off the month than with the latest addition to the Redbreast Iberian series? The new Moscatel wine finish has arrived, draped in a stunning blue label, and after spending serious time with this bottle, I can say it has genuinely surprised me in ways I didn’t expect.
The Iberian series has been a really popular range for Redbreast, and for good reason. The Lustau edition was a firm favorite among many, myself included.
This new release follows a familiar blueprint: maturation in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, followed by a six-month finish in Moscatel-seasoned wine barrels from Bodegas Quintapeñas in southern Spain.
It’s bottled at 46% ABV, and while I’m unsure about its chill filtration or coloring status, the oiliness of the liquid suggests it may well be non-chill filtered. Price-wise, it lands around £80 to £85 in the UK, which positions it as a compelling step up from the standard Redbreast 12, especially as that bottle continues to climb in price.
Now, let me talk about what makes this whiskey genuinely remarkable: the nose is a lime bomb. I know that sounds unusual, and it is. Lime is one of the most uncommon notes you’ll encounter in whiskey, and this bottle is absolutely loaded with it. Freshly squeezed lime juice, lime oil, lime zest. Think of making a daiquiri and getting all those oils and juices all over your hands.
Layered beneath that citrus explosion, you’ll find nutmeg, allspice, classic Redbreast notes of chocolate and butter, and even a bitter orange quality reminiscent of Campari. Let it breathe, and a beautiful white chocolate note emerges. I could honestly spend all day just smelling this whiskey.
On the palate, you get a fascinating contrast between the classic single pot still character and the Moscatel influence. There’s that wonderful oily, soft spiciness I’d compare to a more youthful Redbreast 15, with black pepper, bread-and-butter gristiness from the malted and unmalted barley.
Then the Moscatel pushes through with concentrated dark chocolate, citrus, and a lingering, pulsing dryness that always makes you want another sip.
Add a splash of water and it transforms into something creamier, sweeter, and almost supercharged with fudge and mocha notes.
This feels like the perfect spring whiskey to me. Bright and tart, yet with deeper, richer layers underneath. Credit to Redbreast and Midleton for proving that even at their enormous scale, they can still produce something genuinely interesting and a little bit different.
I’m giving the Redbreast Moscatel a solid 8 out of 10. If you’re a Redbreast fan or an Irish whiskey enthusiast with St. Patrick’s Day approaching, this deserves a place in your collection. But I’m curious: which Iberian series release has been your favorite so far?
To see my full tasting, watch my YouTube video.
Read the full article at Is Redbreast Moscatel Finish The Perfect Spring Whiskey?
