Redbreast unveils Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition

Irish Distillers revealed its third limited edition Dream Cask bottling on World Whisky Day, called Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition.

The expression was revealed on Saturday (16 May) and is the first Redbreast release finished in a single Port cask. Created by master blender Billy Leighton in collaboration with blender Dave McCabe, the whiskey was the product of four whiskey journeys that date back more than 30 years. They were set aside while creating Redbreast 27 Years Old. The whiskeys used to create the limited edition Dream Cask were matured for a minimum of 28 years in a mix of ex-Bourbon barrels, an oloroso Sherry butt and a ruby Port seasoned cask. The liquid was then married in the ruby Port cask. Leighton said: “It’s more than three decades since my predecessors went to the Douro Valley and hand selected the cask which would become Redbreast Dream Cask 2020. “Our third Dream Cask was created with a very significant fortified wine component. This imparts a unique balance of flavours, with less vanilla sweetness and more fleshy fruits that are associated with Port.” Bottled at 51.5% ABV, the whiskey is said to have notes of spices, dark chocolate, cinnamon, ripe plums, exotic fruits, raisins, sultanas and berries. Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is available exclusively through an online ballot on the brand’s private members’ club, The Birdhouse. The ballot will open at 3pm (GMT+1) on Monday 25 May and will close at 2.59pm (GMT+1) on 1 June. Successful participants will be able to buy a 500ml bottle for €490 (US$530). McCabe added: “Because a Dream Cask is not constrained by volume, we have a great license to select a unique expression with a bold flavour, which couldn’t be replicated in a permanent offering. Thankfully, Billy and I were in absolute agreement that this was the right time to release this year’s Dream Cask.”