Redbreast Lustau - review

Whisky Review 

Redbreast Lustau (2023) 

ABV: 46%

RRP: £55-60

"Overall, the Lustau feels bolder and more charismatic than the 12 year old. A nutty, spiced, sherry bomb from County Cork's new Midleton distillery. "

Redbreast's 'Lustau' is a collaboration between the Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, Spain and Redbreast's classic Irish whiskey. It has been initially matured in bourbon and sherry casks for approximately 9-12 years, before receiving an additional 1 year finish in first-fill, sherry butts which have been seasoned with oloroso from Bodegas Lustau. How does this change the profile of the classic Redbreast 12? Lets find out....

Nose: The first and standout aroma's I get are that of almonds and brown sugar. Prunes and other dried fruits are prominent as the sherry influence has taken an active hold of this whiskey. It doesn't seem to have the floral and biscuit notes on the nose which I get with the core 12 year old, instead its dominated by strong sherry notes and a touch of citrus fruit in the back. 

Taste: I find it slow to develop on the palate, but the first sip offers a sizzling spice on the tongue. Once that dissipates, I get lots of dried fruits such as prunes and raisins, along with oak, almonds and dark chocolate. Fairly typical tasting notes for a sherry bomb, proving that cask selection has chosen some very active casks. 

It has a red wine feel in terms of thickness on the palate, feeling quite light, but then I'm more commonly used to drinking cask strength whiskies. 

The finish is oak spiced with a touch of smoke and heat, sort of a medium finish in length with the spice lingering. 

Many would possibly consider this a 'winter warmer', but at this abv its also a pleasurable easy sipper.

Something I would very rarely do to any whisky, let alone a 46% whiskey, is add water, but curiosity got the better of me as I felt there was more on offer from this dram than what I was finding. 

A couple drops of water, and the bourbon influence is now more present on the nose with sweet honey and shortbread. The spices become more toned down on the palate and the liquid, whilst lighter again, has a sweeter, nuttier, more bourbon type of feel to it. This comes down to personal preference, but I'm surprised how much a little water changes this experience. 

Score: 

6/10

This is good whisky, but not quite standout. Its an easy sipper and if you like a whisky with a taste profile including almonds and spice, then this one could be for you. A little water seems to change the cask dominance here, with it being a sherry bomb drinking it untouched, but more of a bourbon style dram when water is added. One thing I do like, is how Redbreast include the calories per 30ml serving (76Kcals). I think this is great for those people who are watching their intake whilst also wanting to enjoy the odd dram.  I'd personally like more distilleries to follow this example. Overall, the Lustau feels bolder and more charismatic than the 12 year old. A nutty, spiced, sherry bomb from County Cork's new Midleton distillery. 

*This whisky was self-purchased and the above review reflects my personal opinions only.