This month I’m experimenting with Irish whiskey, specifically Redbreast Lustau Edition. It is a single pot still whiskey from Midleton Distillery married with Oloroso sherry casks from the famous winemakers at Bodegas Lustau.
The whiskey first spends 9-12 years in bourbon and sherry casks. Then it finishes 1 more year of maturation in hand selected Oloroso sherry butts (type of cask that holds approximately 475-500 liters) from the celebrated sherry producers from Jerez, Spain.
Sipping this fine Irish whiskey is like tasting the sublime combination of dried figs and fresh citrus peel. Aromatics of sweet tobacco, apple pie, and walnut waltz through the air. There’s also a delicious salinity that adds to the savoriness of Redbreast Lustau Edition. It’s a whiskey that can be appreciated neat on a cold February night or on the rocks on an unusually warm February afternoon.
Additionally, Redbreast Lustau Edition can make killer cocktails. I am in love with The Irish Maid. And remember – the higher the quality of the whiskey, the more amazing the cocktail.
The Irish Maid cocktail recipe
1.5 oz RedBreast Lustau Edition Irish Whiskey
0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
0.25 oz Simple Syrup
3 cucumber slices (2 muddled, 1 for garnish)
Muddle the 2 peeled cucumber slices with simple syrup and lemon juice in the shaker. Then add the elderflower liqueur and whiskey. Shake and pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with cucumber slice.
What’s more is that Redbreast Lustau Edition comes in a classy box which makes for a great gift. Whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts can’t resist the artistry of this spirit.
For more sophisticated cocktail ideas, you can find ambitious recipes for the The Priest’s Tipple, Red Hush, and The Robin Song on the Redbreast whiskey website.
