Jameson Red Breast

Redbreast Irish pot-still whiskey has been sold since 1939 and is frequently hailed as Ireland's finest.

The Old Midleton distillery was part of the Cork Distillery Company, which merged with John Power & Son and John Jameson & Son in 1966 to form Irish Distillers.

The new company was joined in 1972 by Bushmills, a situation which created a monopoly on the production of Irish whiskey. The Old Midleton boasted the world's largest potstill, with a capacity of over 31,500 gallons.

The new Midleton is an enormous modern distillery in County Cork built by Irish Distillers in 1975to streamline the production of its many brands. The transfer of production between the distilleries was seamless: the distillery workers left the Old Midleton distillery in the evening and started at the new complex the following morning.

This brought an end to nearly 200 years of Jameson production in Dublin, but the Old Jameson Distillery in Bow Street is now a visitor's centre. Tourists can also visit the Midleton complex, which is home to many other brands beside Jameson, including Green Spot, Paddy, Power's and Redbreast.

Made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley and then triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, Pot Still whiskeys are characterised by full, complex flavours and a wonderful creamy mouthfeel.

Redbreast 12 Year Old was awarded the trophy for the second consecutive year in the International Wine & Spirits competition. Winner of Double Gold at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Nutty, rich and oily. There are notes of dried peels, ginger, linseed and cut fruits including a touch of melon.

Palate: Spicy with great body. Nuts and citrus (peel and juice) with hints of marzipan, dried fruits and a hint of Sherry. You turn it over in your mouth forever.

Finish: Long and creamy with custard and spice.