Redbreast Core Range: Which Breast is Best?

[@dominiccummings1893]

It feels like the old whisky trap has sprung again. Old whiskies don't cost more because they are better, old whiskies cost more because they are rarer and cost more to produce. We just want them to be better because they are more expensive!

[@richard9045]

They don't really cost much more to produce, the extra years in the cask compared to the extra cost per bottle is not equitable, the rarity has more to do with the premium prices. Veblem commodities, collectors and flippers add to the price which makes it difficult for enthusiasts like us to afford good whiskey. However if it's not shared its not whiskey!

[@4LeafWhiskey]

Great video!!!! I loved PX, I’m on my 4th bottle. Lol! Redbreast 10 is my favorite, it was a Trad Pot Still that only released in Ireland. Lustau is a bottle I always have on my shelf, love the Sherry!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Glad you enjoyed it! I saw that Redbreast is releasing another limited edition, something like Tawny Port maybe?

[@4LeafWhiskey]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary yes, the Tawny Port Cask Finish is the next in the Iberian Series. I haven’t heard about a release date, I’m guessing this fall. The Dreamcask this year was also finished in Tawny Port but I missed out on that one.

[@ronanmcconnellable]

Loving these comparison lineup vids! Very articulate! Redbreast 12 is one of the only 40% that holds up

[@warrenhurley4148]

It's great that the final two whiskies - Redbreast 12 and Lustau are also the most affordable of the Redbreast line!

[@armonafdjeie]

Yes I like the Old forester for sure, and idk if its possible but i think doing these comparisons blind would be cool!

[@dyerseve07]

I have the 12, 12CS, 15, Lustau, PX, Tawny Port and just got the Kentucky Oak after an almost 2 year search. KO was very surprising and great, Lustau still has my heart, but the 12 was my introduction to RB and still enjoy it. Would love to try the 27, at least a sip, one day, but would love my own bottle. Ohio is too controlling of a state.

[@djbeacon6895]

Bill, Great H2H2H... Gotta try a combo of the 12 and the 12CS to make a Redbreast 24!!! You do the maths! CHEERS!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

If only that's how it worked... I think it may... I'll need to try it!

[@Scott-co4dq]

Interesting. The finish you enjoyed the most was for me the one I enjoyed the least - the Lustau. When I have tried them my preference was the 12CS > 15 > 12 > Lustau. I have the 21 and the 12CS on my shelf and it would probably be interesting to do a side by side on those.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yea sounds like we are almost opposites. I was totally fine with eliminating the 15 first

[@chrismarshall4486]

Well awesome. I’ve been deciding between the cs and lustau. I think I’ll go for the lustau

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

They're both awesome choices. I don't think you'll regret either

[@teddyballgame25]

Loved the video…I bought the Lustau and 21 together and the Lustau blew it out of the water. I honestly blamed my palate for it being able to pick up enough subtlety out of the 21, but unfortunately, after going back several times, it just isn’t that interesting. I feel like I want the 21 to be a mix of the std 21 and the Lustau and that would be the ambrosia I was looking for…

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Funny, i have the same desire of the 21 and I think thats why it didn't do it for me.

[@JonBlankman]

Aaah! Bill, you're killing me! 😅 I couldn't disagree with you more. I did a blind a couple months ago with the 12 Year, 12 CS, 15 Year, and the Lustau. The 15 Year won for me over the 12 CS by a hair. I really, really like both of those, so I wasn't too surprised. The Lustau barely edged the regular 12 Year to avoid the basement. It's a little too much of a same note but I am guessing the proof edge helped it. I honestly have always been a fan of the regular 12 Year and it got me to finally explore Irish whiskey. It just seems so much better on its own or compared to things like Jameson (yuck). However, the lack of proof probably handicaps it for me against its brethren.

[@jasoncoates1835]

I'm with you 100%. The 15 is my favorite of the "reasonable core" with 12CS neck and neck. I could live without ever drinking the 12 again (80 proof just doesn't get it done) and the Lustau was a littie nicer except for the bit where it's bludgeoned to death with mediocre sherry. The 21 is gorgeous but the US price is insane.

[@JonBlankman]

@jasoncoates1835 Yeah. I don't expect to ever afford a bottle of the 21 or 27 but hopefully can try them sometime!

[@jasoncoates1835]

@@JonBlankman Not sure I'd be able to do the 21 either except I scored one in the EU for $127 on sale a few years ago. (Those were the days...) It's $359 + tax locally now, for scale.

[@johnmarkle9125]

This was a really cool idea for a new type of video, personally I take the Lastau too cause I am a sherry nutcase

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks John! Yea, I'm a big fan of this style... unfortunately, it requires a lot of bottles. But that's ok, I'll make the sacrifice!

[@triaxe-mmb]

I had to go watch the latau video again...at the time it was rated as being lesser than 12CS. This is just a great example of pallet shift when doing a vertical like this vs going off memory. I haven't tried the Lastau yet but i guess i have to get one now... though i am probably in the minority when i say that the rb12 is not the high water mark many say it is for Irish whiskey - personally that honor goes to rhe yellow spot but this stuff is so subjective and drinker+day dependent

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yellow spot is one that I LOVE! I could see the argument although I wouldn't usually put them next to eachother

[@cnwilliams59]

Great vid! The RB12 CS is my favorite pour of all whiskeys. Of the ones I have tasted hear is my rank: RB12 CS Lustau RB12 RB15

[@johnmarkle9125]

Also thanks for the heads up on the 21…… whew that could have been a big money mistake

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

For sure. It's one of the best values I think I can provide, helping others save money

[@DileepB]

I have the 12, 12 CS and Lustau but have not tasted them side by side. Might also try the 12 with a 1/4 or 1/2 tsp of Lustau added.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Do all the things!

[@jamescostigan3721]

I've only had the 12, the Lustau and Cask Strength. I love the CS the best. The standard 12 is the only 40%-er I'll have in my cabinet, great stuff, my first true whiskey love. I was slightly disappointed by Lustau, good but not amazing. The Redbreast Tawny Port is just being released and has me intrigued.

[@Ryankam91]

I've only had lastaue and px, i started with the lastaue and i have to say i think the px is much better. Desserty, fruity and just really good. I do wanna try the 12, cask and other versions

[@Canadian_Chris]

I've only ever had the Lustau(that you gave me a sample of). I really enjoyed it. I still cannot find it where I live so I appreciate the sample. I like your idea for the next vertical but would you consider doing it blind? You should be as surprised as we were for this video.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I certainly can try that!

[@richard9045]

Great vid WD, big balls with your choices! Only had the 12 CS and loved it. Surely the 12 CS allows the drinker to add water, if necessary, to reach their sweet spot, which the 12 yo doesn't really cater for, so big surprise that it was better for you. Never had a 21 yo of any whiskey/whisky/ bourbon I just can't afford the price so good to hear that more affordable options can be just as rewarding. Thanks

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yea, I rarely spring for whiskies that are that expensive, but I was glad the 2nd most affordable option was my favorite

[@user-hv4kg2kf7l]

Thanks for the video, I loved it! Redbreast 21 is one of my favorite Irish wiskey. Q : if Redbreast 21 is $130 per bottle, still Redbrest 12 is top pick? I have tried only Redbreast 21 and it is my ideal Irish whiskey. LOVE IT!

[@BW-pr8qr]

WOW! 12CS is my 2nd favorite whiskey of all time. Funny! I will have to try the Lustau

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yea I was shocked

[@geletrode]

I hope i can find the lustau at some point, sounds so good!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

It's delicious!

[@piperjon]

So now I feel like some experiments with blending a few of these might produce the true winner!

[@thecrazyenglishman1066]

Sir you should clean your taste buds between tasting each sample with some water, because flavours will just merge on your tongue. Enjoyed the video.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I typically do between different cuts. In the case of this video, I could have used it more, but it was unnecessary

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Where is the RB27 it is a core product the PX is a limited edition lol. Fun video. I love all the Redbreasts I have had. For core lineup I have the 12 12CS Lustau 15 21 Limited Editions I have PX Kentucky Oak Small batch Have not brought myself to spend almost $600 for the RB27 Love the 21 and it is fantastic but not sure it is worth the same price as 3 RB15s The 12CS and the 15yr get replaced the most and are my two favorite. Ignoring price the RB21 is by far my favorite For limited editions available in US I like the Kentucky Oak then the PX then the Small Batch

[@Stephen_Curtin]

The 15 has caramel colouring as does the 12 and 21. The Cask Strength, Lustau, and 27 have no added colour, not sure about the PX though.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Funny, maybe I misread my notes, definitely could have... it was pretty late when I was filming.

[@goldanboy43]

Well we're all different! I was very disappointed with the Lustau. Underwhelmed by the whole taste. I totally get the 12 beating the cask strength though.

[@dabearrss]

Really enjoyed this. Writers Tears would be a a good vertical

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Conceptually I agree... not sure that people would tune in for that one... not enough hype. But it does feel like it wouldn't be a huge monetary commitment... there's not a lot of them.

[@forwork2601]

I wish I saw this video before I ordered the redbreast 21, now I’m getting mad buyers remorse

[@MrAkaroc]

This should have been a blind taste test as I believe a sure biased is set with knowing what you are drinking.

[@steveno7058]

The 12 CS blows them all away with the right amount of water added. The mouth feel and long finish will destroy the others thar are chill filtered to hell

[@drax14QC]

The 12 is actually aged in ex Bourbon AND Oloroso sherry butts ;-) Anyhow, looking forward to the next Vertical!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I had that in my notes, but found conflicting info so I omitted it.

[@drax14QC]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary oh ok, I see. I read it on the box itself so I kind of trust Redbreast 😁

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

@@drax14QC well I feel foolish. Blane the whiskey!

[@drax14QC]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary haha sorry, just felt the need to clarify ;-)

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

@@drax14QC fair.

[@goldanboy43]

So. I've just tried the Tawny Port edition. Wow. Really different. Like a nutty fruit cake. Well worth finding.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I saw that the other day. Hard to deliver things to Massachusetts. I'll find it though!

[@donrumgay5200]

I still think that you just got a off bottle of 21…my experience with the 21 is much different than yours in that i would rank it as one of the best Irish whiskeys i have ever had…but as you say…taste is subjective…

[@biguy525]

The only one you were missing is the 27 year old.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I considered this, and even asked people if they thought I should add it. Apparently it's pretty different from the rest, so I'm ok with leaving it out.

[@brianbennett2397]

Should have been a BLIND tasting.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Sounds like a fun excuse to do it again!

[@johnburesh4221]

Lmao 🤡 .....badmouths the 21 yet it makes the first 3 cuts. What a 🤡

[@wukong6853]

Absolutely looove 12 year, It's my favorite to sip on by the fire

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

On the very first round, I was tempted to just say "The Redbreast 12 wins!"

[@wukong6853]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Honestly wouldn't blame you in the slightest. It was my second bottle of Irish Whiskey outside of Jameson and honestly haven't found anything quite like it. I've tried Greenspot as well which is lovely.