Redbreast has launched a limited-edition pot still whiskey finished in tawny port casks.

The Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is the third release in the brand's Iberian Series, alongside the limited-edition Pedro Ximénez Edition launched in 2021 and the core-range Lustau Edition.

It is a single pot still whiskey, produced at Irish Distillers' Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork, that was matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks before being finished in tawny port casks from Portugal's Douro Valley for between 14 and 25 months.

The Iberian Series was inspired by a trip that Irish Distillers master blender Billy Leighton took to the Douro Valley in Portugal more than a decade ago to visit partner cooperages and winemakers in the region. 

Leighton said: “Enjoying lunch with the late renowned winemaker Joaquim Anacleto and Gesprove winemaker José Pinheiro overlooking the valley, we were discussing the various wines and spirits that had influenced our whiskeys over the years and tawny port came up in conversation. Having worked with ruby port previously, we pondered the differences tawny port holds and subsequently the intriguing flavour profile that it could add to our whiskeys.

“Since then, we have been ageing single pot still whiskey in a small number of tawny port casks we receive annually from this beautiful sun-drenched valley and, needless to say, we have been delighted with the results.”

Blender Dave McCabe, who created the Tawny Port Cask Edition with Leighton, said: “The combination of ageing some of the liquid in tawny port casks for a longer period and recasking all of the whiskey in tawny port hogsheads for its final maturation is what makes this expression so special.”

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition (46% ABV) will be available from 18 September in the US, Ireland, UK, China, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and global travel retail, as well as online at midletondistillerycollection.com, with a recommended price of €100/£79/US$100.