Discover The History of Redbreast Irish Whiskey

April 25, 2024

Today, Redbreast is the world’s most awarded Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, beloved by whiskey aficionados everywhere and a feather in the cap of Irish Distillers. But, did you know that its humble beginnings date all the way back to 1857, and a company called W & A Gilbey?

 

Gilbey’s were purveyors of spirits of all kinds, and sourced whiskey from only the best distilleries in Dublin to market under their own distinctive brands. Only natural then that they should team up with John Jameson & Son’s to create a 12-year-old expression called John Jameson & Son’s Castle ‘JJ Liquer’ Whiskey. A bit of a mouthful, no? That’s probably why it was renamed Redbreast in 1912.

rb product black cover
rb sections divider

How Did Redbreast Get Its Name?

Redbreast – quite a catching name for an Irish Whiskey, so how did it come about?

The tale goes back all the way to 1912, when the then chairman of W & A Gilbey was out bird watching – for he was a keen bird fancier himself.

Lo and behold, hidden amongst the underbrush, he spots a redbreasted Robin (perhaps it was even the first of Spring). Deep in thought to himself, a lone epiphany crossed his mind – Redbreast, why that would make a great name for a whiskey.

And so, Redbreast was born.

Redbreast Whiskey Served on the Rocks
rb divider bottom

DISAPPEARANCE AND REVIVAL

 

That’s when Redbreast really took flight and, by the mid 1960s, it was being bottled annually in batches of approximately 4,000 gallons. However, it wasn’t always a smooth journey. Gilbey’s ceased production of Redbreast in 1985 and sold the brand to Irish Distillers the following year. For a short time, Redbreast completely disappeared from the market. Thankfully, it rose like a phoenix from the ashes in 1991 after a makeover which benefited from Irish Distillers’ revamped wood programme.

 

Initially relaunched as a 12-year-old Single Pot Still Whiskey, Redbreast has since been released in 15 year old, 21 year old, and 27 year old expressions, not to mention a growing number of special editions. Built on a loyal following of ‘those in the know’, today Redbreast is the world’s most awarded Single Pot Still Whiskey, and is recognised as one of the finest Irish whiskies in the world.

rb product black cover
rb sections divider awards bottom
redbreast 21 world's best 1100x1100

THE WORLD’S BEST POT STILL WHISKEY

At the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, redbreast 21 Year Old was awarded the World’s Best Pot Still Whiskey – not a bad accomplishment if we do say so ourselves. To find out what makes this Redbreast expression so prestigious, click the link below.

BUY NOW

POUR YOURSELF THE PERFECT SERVE

Treat yourself to an extra special serve of Redbreast with these two cut-glass Redbreast tumblers. The best way to drink the World’s Best Pot Still Whiskey.

BUY NOW
redbreast tumblers 1100x1100
rb divider bottom

REDBREAST OLD FASHIONED

 

Drinking a Redbreast neat, or on the rocks, is the perfect way to take in the rich and creamy flavours of our signature expression. However, if you want to mix things up a little, you can’t go wrong with a Redbreast Old Fashioned.

 

 

redbreast old fashioned cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 50ml Redbreast 12
  • 50ml of Creme de peach
  • 5ml of 2:1 sugar syrup
  • 1 dash of Peychaud Bitters
  • 2 dashes of orange bitters

 

Method:

  • Gently stir the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  • Fill rocks glass with freshly cubed ice.
  • Strain into rocks glass.
  • Garnish with a long trimmed orange zest.
  • Serve and enjoy!

NEED MORE COCKTAIL INSPIRATION?

redbreast whiskey spritz

summer spritz

A Redbreast cocktail that captures the taste of summer.

redbreast lustau highball

Lustau Highball

A light cocktail influenced by the tastes of Japan.

Whiskey Sour Cocktail

Whiskey Sour

Our whiskey sour is a timeless classic

Old Fashioned Cocktail

Old Fashioned

Experience a twist on the classic old fashioned

redbreast whiskey highball

Whiskey Collins

The perfectly light springtime cocktail.

EXPLORE ALL COCKTAILS

Contact Us

Questions, comments, or a product review to share? We’d love to hear from you.

GET IN TOUCH
Cookie Management