Redbreast Small Batch (Batch# B1/19)

I've had a couple batches of the Redbreast 12 CS. I loved both. It seems like the components are relatively similar between those and this Small Batch, although this is presumably younger as an NAS release. I paid more for this than those, so it better have been worth it. Batch B1/19. Bottle No. 4484. Nose: Lemon cookie and shortbread cookie. Orange and lemon citrus. Walnut and chestnut. Vanilla, butterscotch, and caramel. Graham cracker and vanilla frosting. Apple, pear, raisin, cherry, and apricot. Substantial heat, as expected at 58.7%. Cinnamon, flour, and oak. Palate: Orange cream soda. Apple, raisin, plum, pear, apricot, and orange. Vanilla and caramel. Milk chocolate and toffee. Graham cracker. Cola. Shortbread cookie and a hint of the lemon cookie from the nose. Black pepper and cocoa. Almond and cashew. Cinnamon and oak hit with a hot and heavy punch. Finish: Apple, raisin, date, and fig. Dried apricot and dried cranberry. Custard, caramel, and vanilla. Toffee and shortbread cookie. Walnut, almond and a huge cashew note. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg. The length is exactly what you'd expect of a 58.7% whiskey. Long as they make 'em. Another phenomenal whiskey from the Redbreast line. Besides that, I've yet to try a cask strength Irish whiskey I didn't love. It seems there's some to be said for a cask strength shortbread cookie. Yet, this isn't just shortbread cookie like your run of the mill Irish. In true Redbreast fashion, this runs the gambit of fruits and sweets. It's unique to its 12-year old counterpart, reflecting the Bourbon cask moreso than the sherry. Yet, the quality is there. Ultimately, I give a very slight edge in quality to the 12-year CS. Considering that was cheaper than this Small Batch, VFM creates further disparity between Redbreat's two CS offerings. With that being said, I'm comparing this bottling to one of my all-time favorites. The reality is that the Redbreast Small Batch Cask Strength is a standout expression, earning a 4.5/5 in my book.

Fantastic Sherry and pepper heat. Maintains the slight sweetness of a typical Irish but adds to its complexity with hints of cocoa and pepper.