Tasting notes·Midleton

Redbreast 21 Years

Redbreast 21 Years Old is considered one of the most expressive bottlings in the Irish whiskey tradition. It is referred to as an Irish masterpiece, and for good reason.

The panel

Marcel
88
Sascha
89

Mean 88.5 · spread 1

Value for money 0/5

Distillery
Midleton
Type
Single Pot Still Whiskey
Country
Ireland
Age
21 years
Strength
46% ABV
Character
rich

Tasting

Nose

A seductive aroma caresses the senses and immediately captivates us. Even at the first impression, the scent of ripe sherry unfolds, gently harmonizing with a subtle wine-like quality and reminiscent of the complexity of a well-aged wine. As we dive deeper into the olfactory experience, an earthy undertone emerges, evoking thoughts of fresh earth, while a pronounced woodiness recalls decayed wood and further deepens the complexity. This multifaceted aromatic profile gradually develops and invites us to explore the various facets that intertwine harmoniously. With each breath, the experience intensifies, and we feel the rich aromas dancing together, preparing us for a flavorful journey.

Palate

With the first sip, a smooth interplay of flavors unfolds, gently caressing the tongue and immediately captivating us. Delicate wood notes blend with the intense depth of dark chocolate, while a tingling sensation enlivens the senses and stimulates the taste buds. Gradually, nutty nuances of hazelnuts join in, accompanied by a gentle sweetness reminiscent of vanilla pudding, further deepening the complexity of the enjoyment. This delicate balance between the various components creates a dynamic interaction that unfolds with each subsequent sip, inviting us to explore the rich facets. Finally, the finish leaves a warm aftertaste of dates and a hint of coffee that lingers long and impressively underscores the depth of this remarkable experience.

Finish

After the last sip, a warm feeling remains, gently bringing us back to the aromatic world of this whiskey and keeping the memory of the sweet aftertaste of dates alive. As this flavor gradually fades, a subtle wood note creeps in, highlighting the elegance of the aged distillate and continuing to stimulate the senses. A hint of coffee joins in, adding an extra dimension to the experience as it leaves us with a lasting impression. This harmonious interplay of aromas remains present long after the last sip, allowing us to relive the fascination and depth of the enjoyment. Thus, a resonance unfolds that delights not only the palate but also stimulates thoughts about the art of distillation.

Verdicts

Marcel

This whiskey is an impressive example of the craftsmanship of Irish distillers and leaves a lasting impression that stimulates both the senses and the mind. It invites you to engage repeatedly in its complex journey and to experience the fascination of enjoyment to the fullest.

Sascha

This whiskey impressively demonstrates the mastery of Irish distilling and convinces with its remarkable complexity. It invites you to take your time and discover the nuances hidden in each sip, making it a valuable addition for any connoisseur.

What it is worth

We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Midleton as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.

£10£100£1k£10k2005200820112014201720202023

Latest mean bid £342 across 192 lots · 2024-08

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2026-01-18.