Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Redbreast, including where to buy, how to enjoy, and how to contact us if you have a question.

About Redbreast Whiskey

How to Enjoy

Shop & Visit

Nutritional Information

About Redbreast Whiskey

What is Redbreast Whiskey?

What’s the history of Redbreast Whiskey?

Our past will always be a point of pride. Built on a loyal following of those ‘in the know’, today Redbreast is the largest selling Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the world.

Successful from its founding as W & A Gilbey in 1857, the small basement cellar at the corner of Oxford Street and Berwick Street in London profited from the introduction of the off-license system in Britain. Within a few years, Gilbey’s had branches in Dublin, Belfast and Edinburgh.

By 1875, Gilbey’s was selling 996,000 bottles of Irish whiskey a year. Gilbey partnered with Jameson and started selling the Castle Grand Whiskey brand. The name ‘Redbreast’ was first officially used in 1912 and is attributed to the then-chairman of Gilbey’s, an avid bird fancier.

In 1991, Redbreast was relaunched by Irish Distillers Limited, and in 2005, the seminal Redbreast 15 was released—later named Irish Whiskey of the Year.

Today, Redbreast continues to pioneer award-winning whiskeys and elevate the storied reputation of this iconic whiskey even further.

Read more about our history.

Where is Redbreast Whiskey made?

How is Redbreast Whiskey made?

For more than a century, Redbreast has stayed true to the Irish Pot Still whiskey making tradition.

Each pot of still whiskey is made with a mash bill of a mix of malted and unmalted barley from farms in the Munster region surrounding our distillery. The soft, clear water we use at Midleton Distillery comes from the Dungourney River, which flows through the lush green hills of neighboring Clonmult.

Single Pot Still Whiskey has been safeguarded and nurtured under the watchful eye of the Midleton Distillery for almost two hundred years. And Redbreast is proudly considered the definitive expression of this Single Pot Still art.

Explore every stage and chapter of the traditions, art and secrets that go into making the iconic and signature tastes of Redbreast.

Is Redbreast a single pot still whiskey?

What does Redbreast Whiskey taste like?

How should I store Redbreast Whiskey?

What is the shelf life of Redbreast Whiskey? How long can I keep it for?

How many different products does Redbreast Whiskey have?

Discover the Redbreast family and browse our selection of single pot still Irish whiskeys here.

Try our signature bottling, Redbreast 12 Year Old, which boasts the flavor complexity and distinctive qualities of pot still whiskey, or Redbreast Cask Strength for a glimpse of Redbreast 12 in its natural, full-flavored taste. Redbreast 15-Year-Old, due to its careful use of first-fill and refill casks, offers accentuated spices present in the whiskey’s full, complex flavor. And for the aficionado, explore the extremely limited quantities of Redbreast 21 Year Old, the ultimate expression of Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

How to Enjoy

What’s the best way to drink Redbreast Whiskey?

If you’re looking for a way to appreciate a complex spirit like whiskey, drinking it neat can be a great place to start.

Drinking whiskey “neat” means enjoying whiskey by itself, at room temperature, without any mixers or dilution. It’s one way to appreciate the complexities and nuances in an aged Irish whiskey like Redbreast. Here are a few pointers:

We recommend using a tulip-shaped or Glencairn glass, which allows the aromas to gather and concentrate in the glass. Neat whiskey is typically served at room temperature (60 to 65 degrees),allowing you to experience all the flavors

When you’re ready to drink, start by smelling the whiskey, taking time to note the subtle aromas. What do you smell? Vanilla? Spices? Wood?

Then, take small sips, allowing the whiskey to coat your palate.

You can also enjoy your whiskey on the rocks (add one or two ice cubes), with water (add a few drops to open up the spirit), or in a cocktail.

Discover our complete guide to drinking – and savoring – whiskey.

What cocktails can I make with Redbreast Whiskey?

What type of glass should I use to drink Redbreast Whiskey?

Shop & Visit

Where can I buy Redbreast Whiskey?

How can I tell if I have an authentic bottle of Redbreast Whiskey?

We recommend only making purchases at reputable retailers. To verify authenticity, look for clear, high-quality printing on labels. If the label is low-quality, askew, or has errors, it may not be an authentic bottle. Make sure the seal is intact. If you have any questions, please send us a message at our contact form here along with information about your bottle (including photos of the bottle, photos of the front and back labels, LOT code, and place of purchase).

Where is the Redbreast distillery located? Can I visit it?

Does the Redbreast distillery host tastings and tours? How can I book a distillery tour and/or tasting?

Yes, at the Midleton Distillery Experience, you can enjoy a range of experiences featuring Redbreast and other iconic whiskeys like Jameson, Powers, The Spot Whiskeys, and many more. Experiences offered include a fully guided distillery tour, premium whiskey tasting, cask opening experience, cocktail making class, or extended duration tour, going behind the scenes across our historic 15-acre site. Come face-to-face with the largest pot still in the world, visit our micro-distillery, stroll through a live maturation warehouse, and sample some of the world’s most awarded Irish whiskeys.

Pre-booking on our website is recommended. Taste, learn, shop, and take in the magic of the Midleton Distillery. You can also book a Redbreast tasting at the Jameson Bow Street Distillery.

Nutritional Information

What is the nutritional content of Redbreast Whiskey? How many calories are present in one serving?

Contact Us

Where can I follow Redbreast Whiskey on social media?

I have a business inquiry/media inquiry/question. How do I get in contact with Redbreast Whiskey?

Is Redbreast Whiskey hiring? Where can I find out about open roles?