Here's which one you should buy. | Redbreast 15 vs. 12 (Cask Strength)

[@nastasifitness]

Thanks for the review! There is a difference in cask make up (1st,2nd,3rd fill bourbon/sherry casks) between these. To me they are different whiskies and both great. Also, I have been drinking 12 CS since it came out in 2011 and there can be huge batch variations.

[@dextercool]

Good to know. How's the 2020/2021 batch, I wonder.

[@Gwhisky]

I've only had a couple expressions of the 12 and I liked both. In my mind they weren't too different, but they were about a year apart. I'm sure there have been some dramatic changes over the years. More to explore!

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

For me consistency of quality and presentation comes first. Consistency of flavor profile or lack of it doesn't bother me as long as the whisky is well presented and not tainted by poor casks or poor distilate. In general maintaining consistent flavor profile requires huge stocks and fair deal of "interventions". Having batch releases at cask strength with consistent flavor profile is falacy IMHO. Cheers!

[@dextercool]

I got the 12cs based on your previous vid - gorgeous whiskey, very rich luxurious taste. I got a bunch of little bottles to sample and the 15 was not better, just different and more refined and layered.

[@Gwhisky]

Absolutely. Comes down to personal taste. Both excellent.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I've never tried Redbreast 15, but Redbreast 12 CS was one of the best whiskies I've ever sipped; seriously World Class, and I don't generally love Irish whiskey. That was a few years ago (maybe 5?), and I can't remember the last time I saw it on the shelves.

[@Gwhisky]

Shame it's tough to find over there. Same here, I've only ever stumbled across a couple bottles here in Taiwan. 100% agree. World class stuff.

[@cancelchannel3394]

Great review, think I'll start with the 12 year cask strength and later on add the 15 year 😊

[@MasterTaster]

Both colored, which is typical for Irish ☘️. Both excellent whiskies. I’d still go with the 12 though.

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers!

[@yoursinsincerely39]

That's an easy one to start off the head to head series. For a beginner unaccustomed to the high ABV, the 15% would be preferable. But for the initiated the 12 CS wins every time. I am waiting for the Redbreast 12 CS vs Blue Spot duel!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah. I'm waiting for the Blue Spot to make it to local shelves, and I'm not holding my breath! 🥃

[@jeffmill999]

My 2017 12CS kicks ass.. Never had the 15....

[@Gwhisky]

Nice! 🥃

[@jeffmill999]

Afraid I have been blowing my whisky budget on young locals since I became a bachelor last 2 months...Luckily, I have a nice stash. I am afflicted with the old whisky young lady syndrome.. Cheers buddy...

[@ironmantran]

(feb 2024) What a gem of a video: both just return to Ontario for 160$CA /each ! The C.S always gets me. thx

[@chefmarv6499]

Haven't tried the 15, only the normal 12 and its CS version. I really like the change from the usual scotch profile. More spices, different fruits, etc. I guess the unmalted barley helps.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah the Redbreast line is a great malternative. High reachability, affordable, and delicious! Cheers Chef! 🥃

[@VinegarAndSaltedFries]

I don’t know how you did it, I keep going back to both of these amazing whiskey’s again and again. I’ve purchased the Cask Strength 3 times and the Redbreast 15 4 times lol. I honestly can’t decide. I do love the mouth feel of the 15.

[@Gwhisky]

Fair enough! I'm a sucker for cask strength, but no shade at the 15. Both excellent!

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

You are so right Geoff. Both are fantastic and it probably depends what you're profile preferences are in preferring one over the other. As you know, I like a good, big and bold whiskey, so the CS12 edges it for me too. Great comparison. Cheers.

[@Gwhisky]

Seems we're both suckers for cask strength stuff! 🥃

[@attilafrencz4454]

Great review! I love th 12 CS more as well, but in my market it is priced around 80$ while the 15 is 45$... so I went ahead and stocked up on that when I noticed that in most of Europe the price is double :)))))))

[@Gwhisky]

Wow! That's a hell of a deal! I'd stock up myself!

[@bluemarlin8138]

That is absolutely dirt cheap, especially for the 15. It’s about double that in most places.

[@themole2024]

I would love to get the 12 cask strength. I see that it is listed at 74.99 when available. the 15 is listed at 104.99 where I shop in California.

[@Gwhisky]

Makes the choice easy, then! 🥃

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

My preference is definitely the 15 but that is based on the old bottlings. The older 15 & 12cs both had ncf nc on the packaging. The new ones I see on the shelf do not have this info so have been hesitant to get them. Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah annoying that they don't mention chill filtration anymore.

[@jeremysalituro]

The answer is both. But if you can’t then stick with 15, it’s delightful. Not as harsh, easy to enjoy. And I’m a cask strength guy.

[@WhiskyLock]

Really helpful comparison Geoff. Ive been considering getting one of these as a more premium counterpoint to some other Irish whiskies I'm planning to review. Still havent quite decided 😂 but it's nice to know that both are good and your notes help a lot 👍

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Shane. I think you'll likely get more out of the 12 cs, but the batches can vary quite a lot. I've had some stellar ones and I've had some that were kind of underwhelming. The gamble of batchy whiskies... 🥃

[@Rohit_M]

A very good review Geoff and your notes are spot on. Would 15 be better compared in a flight of say regular 12, Lusteau, 15 or perhaps even Yellow spot? RB12 CS maybe better judged against say Blue Spot CS. Also it seems there are two batches of RB12 CS every year so maybe more variations across the batches? Just my opinion. Btw, I have all of them and yet to crack open the Blue spot.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Rohit. Yes of course there are factors like batch to consider, so these conclusions really just apply to my bottles. Broadly speaking though, I do think the 12 is a more interesting expression. I haven't had many batches, but I can confidently say I've preferred them all to the 15 year old. Unfortunately I've never had the Lustau or the Yellow Spot. The Blue Spot is on my bucket list! Cheers!

[@Rohit_M]

@@Gwhisky Agreed Geoff the 12 CS is a definite pick over the 15 and it has a good following. The Blue Spot seems to have garnered a cult status now given how little is available so yes it is a bucket list candidate for sure.

[@LoucoPorWhisky]

Review the Yellow Spot :D

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Another good one Geoff, I really do enjoy your videos. Short and to the point with great descriptors. These side by sides are excellent. Maybe you’ll consider doing Talisker 10 vs Storm. Both readily available and close in price, but different. Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks buddy! I'll keep an eye out for the newer Talisker Storm. I think that would be a great side-by-side! 🥃

[@vishnuquick]

Discovered your channel recently. I am loving your content!. Haven't tasted either bottle here. As for colouring, the thumb rule says whiskies that come in dark bottles are usually uncoloured. But i do think some of the laphroaigs are coloured lol!. So can't be sure.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for tuning in Vishnu. Welcome! That rule makes sense, as we can't make out the colours inside the bottle, but as you said there are a few whiskies that seem to think it's necessary to add colourant anyway. Sigh...

[@ItalNico]

Great review. Unfortunately where I live the 15 yr costs a lot more than the 12 CS, unless you want to buy the watered down 40% version so I've yet to purchase it. I'd like to try the 21 yr someday, but it is usually insanely priced so I just stick with the 12 yr CS.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah that 21 is one that I'm really hoping to try someday, but it's just too expensive. Sorry to hear the 15 costs so much in your market. On the bright side that underscores just how good the 12 is in terms of value! 🥃

[@garyhartel2180]

I tried the 21, but to be honest it pulled so much from the oak casks it felt like I was French kissing a forest. The 15 was perfect.

[@andreipuscarenco532]

Great review! I got the 12 CS right after ur video about it and loved it. Its in my top 5 for sure! Can wait to try 15 when it will come out in Quebec ( never😅🙄) Keep up the great work!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah surprised they even had the 12. Glad you enjoyed it buddy! 🥃

[@andreipuscarenco532]

@@Gwhisky I ordered from Alberta 😅🤫🤭

[@triktrak_1451]

Thanks for the vid, Geoff! I'm looking to try an Irish whiskey, and I'm kind of a Scotch newbie who's cuckoo for Campbeltown (all 3 distilleries). I'd like an alternative to Scotch, but I'm afraid that Irish whiskey won't have the punch and character that I love. Any suggestions?

[@Gwhisky]

From Ireland? I'm no expert on the Irish stuff. To my knowledge there's nothing there that will scratch the Campbeltown itch. Waterford has some unique and experimental whiskies. There are quite a few peated Irish expressions, but none that I would say offer an alternative to anything like Springbank or Kilkerran, unfortunately. This would be a good question for Jim (The Whiskey Novice)! Good luck! 🥃

[@triktrak_1451]

@@Gwhisky Thank you!

[@chentim1751]

I have tried 15, a very decent dram,but I haven’t tried 12 CS, just purchased one, will let you know what I think,

[@Gwhisky]

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, Tim! 🥃

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, got the CS (still closed) apart from that I’ve had the normal 12, which isn’t that bad really. Some day I’ll be doing a side by side. If you’ve got the whiskies comparison videos are always good. Good video, slàinte mhath Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks David. I quite like the regular 12 myself, despite the low abv. If you're a fan of that, I'm sure you'll love the CS. Thanks for watching my friend! Cheers! 🥃

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

At roughly 40 euros for the 12 yo CS and 45 euros for the 15 yo in Bulgaria I'd stock on both blind. Yes, the 12 CS looks like the better bang for buck but still, 15 yo 46% Irish whiskey at this price is not something we see every day. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Hey no shade on the 15, it's great stuff, too! 🥃

[@KrenarKabashi]

i wishes those prices are in my country too.

[@Leconte112]

12cs is my choice.

[@Gwhisky]

💯

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

12CS is in my top 10, I’ve been wanting to see a video comparing against the 15 for a while. Thnx

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

Funny cause regular 12 is ehh

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I like the regular 12's flavours, but it's definitely too weak. Cheers man. 🥃

[@dextercool]

More mellow music - likin' it ..... :)

[@Gwhisky]

Cool! I downloaded a bunch of "jazzy" background music recently. Trying it out...🥃

[@juanmlsanabria]

I've only had The 12 CS, i got The batch B1/21 and i was a bit dissapointed, i don't know if it is just that this is not my wheelhouse or if i just got a Bad bottle. Actually i prefer the regular 12. I think i won't Buy it again. I haven't tried the 15 yet. Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

Fair enough. I've heard there's quite a bit of batch variation, and some bottles are better/worse. I've only tried to 12 cs and I enjoyed both. Cheers!

[@dairyyang5457]

This video is great! Comparison can be so helpful to know the big difference and keep that in mind easier. As for me...would go for both! Sounds all delicious and interesting, hah🍺🍺🍺

[@Gwhisky]

Great whiskies. I think you'd like them. The 12 would be your style!

[@jackthepickledhound]

How is E150 even a thing? I have had no inclination to even try the 15. There some limitations on space and money. But the 12 is standard on the bar and one in reserve. It's still available at a decent price and since that might change, I'm not to worried. Irish Whiskey is not my primary dram and the 12CS is simply one of many excellent young cask strength options. It fits into the "smoother" end of the spectrum. I don't know what's wrong with me but I tend to enjoy the "bold" end of the spectrum.

[@Gwhisky]

Fair enough! Yeah it's a cask strength offering, but it's not especially rugged or challenging. I'm a huge fan, myself, but I have friends who've made the same comment as you. Good bang-for-buck, though.

[@jackthepickledhound]

​@@Gwhisky just watched Ralfy turn this around in favor of the 15. God bless them, I browse but I never buy Irish. The 12 CS is still one of my favorite drams and while, I have a backup bottle and that's about it. I feel like I was influenced by peer pressure from back in the day . Actually, the 15 is almost double the price here and other well presented Irish are also getting expensive. Waterford is dropping though. Crazy whiskey problems...

[@DileepB]

In California, the Cask Strength 12 is $20-30 less expensive than the 15! the Cask Strength 12 is definitely a better value, given your review.

[@Gwhisky]

Definitely better value then. Highlights how good the bang-for-buck is! 🥃

[@kuzmanmeramov1729]

REDBREAST 12 Cask strength is natural colour

[@beatroot_red]

Where did you get the 12 yo? I've been looking for it for some time now.

[@Gwhisky]

I ordered my bottle in from Hualien. The shop has since sold pit, unfortunately.

[@JeffWhisky]

Selling me on the 15 to be honest. Love the creamy buttery texture. I love the standard 12 and possibly prefer it over the CS when factor in cost. Solid as always buddy!

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers buddy! No shade on the 15, love that one too! 🥃

[@scnullois]

Damn bro prices so inconsistent worldwide, the 15 is double the price of the cask strength in California

[@Gwhisky]

Meanwhile I've got people in Europe telling me it's the cheaper of the two over there. Even here in Taiwan the 12 is a few bucks more. Yeah man the inconsistencies between some markets are mind boggling. 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

12 y.o very nice whisky , other release has been tested . I hope to taste the cask strength release , no for sale with us : )

[@Gwhisky]

Oh that's a shame. Hope you get to try it someday. If you're a fan of the regular 12 then the cs won't disappoint. Cheers Light! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky I hope ))) Cheers Geoff !

[@howardbecdove9780]

Considered not giving you a thumbs up Geoff, for picking out the only RedBreast I don’t have. 😜

[@Gwhisky]

Hah oops!