Redbreast Lustau vs. Redbreast 12: Sherry vs entry-level

Last updated on August 22nd, 2024

Irish Whiskey lovers, you’re in for a treat.

Hailing from County Cork, Ireland, Redbreast Lustau and Redbreast 12 are standout expressions from the esteemed Midleton Distillery, each with its own distinct personality.

Redbreast Lustau emphasises the art of sherry cask aging, with its name nodding to the famed Spanish sherry house Bodegas Lustau. Meanwhile, their flagship bottling, the Redbreast 12, embodies the essence of traditional Irish single pot still whiskey.

Despite sharing the similar(ish) ages, these two whiskeys offer uniquely different tasting experiences, showcasing the distillery’s remarkable versatility.

In this post, I’ll break down the flavours, aromas, and overall character of each, exploring what makes them different and which you might prefer.

Let’s dive in.

Redbreast Lustau vs. Redbreast 12: Quick-look Comparison

Redbreast Lustau Review

Let’s talk Redbreast Lustau. From the moment the bottle cap opens, the experience begins. 

The nose is one of the Lustau’s most striking aspects. It boasts a complex bouquet of rich, dark fruits (think prunes and figs) complemented by a nutty, almost almond-like character. There’s a hint of oak too, and a slight touch of spices.

On the mouth, the Redbreast Lustau is oily and rich, somewhat velvety. It doesn’t merely sit on your tongue but rather envelopes it, offering a warming sensation that’s very pleasant.

On the palate, the Lustau delivers those dark fruits promised from the nose, but there’s also the addition of some lovely sweet notes, like toffee and honey that really balance the deeper, richer elements. I also get a subtle hint of spice, nothing overpowering, but enough to give it a kick.

The finish is nothing short of excellent. It’s long and warming, leaving a trail of lingering sweetness that is accented by a touch of dry oak. It keeps me reaching for another sip.

Slightly more punchy than the Redbreast 12, the ABV or Alcohol by Volume is 46%, making it a little more assertive overall. Don’t let that scare you off – it’s nicely balanced and doesn’t too much harshness or ‘burn’.

If I were to recommend two similar whiskeys to Redbreast Lustau, it would be the Aberlour A’bunadh and the GlenDronach Revival. Both are sherry-forward, full-bodied, and exhibit similar flavour profiles.

Price: the Redbreast Lustau comes in at £60 or around $80 USD. Considering the quality of the whiskey and the depth of the flavours, I’d say that it’s a reasonable price. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option out there, and kind of a bit higher than most mid-tier whiskeys. But in my opinion, the quality more than justifies the cost.

So, how should you enjoy the Lustau? Neat or on the rocks? Personally, I’d suggest trying it neat first. At this slightly higher ABV%, you can better appreciate the complexity of the sherry forward flavours. If you find it a bit too potent, you can always add a splash of water or a small ice cube. 

Redbreast 12 Review

Time to shift focus to the Redbreast 12. I’ve reviewed this whiskey in a previous blog post, but I’m keen to see how it compares to the Lustau.

On the nose, the RB12 charms you with its scent, luring you in with a lovely nose that’s complex and inviting. There are rich, fruity aromas reminiscent of ripe apples and pears, complemented by a hint of sweet vanilla and a touch of spice. The nose alone is a promise of what’s to come.

When it hits your tongue, the mouthfeel of the Redbreast 12 is noticeably heavy and creamy. It feels substantial, filling your mouth with a rich, buttery texture. This whiskey doesn’t just sit on your tongue, it’s full bodied and very moreish.

The palate, or the flavour, of the Redbreast 12 carries on from its nose and mouthfeel. You’re welcomed with the same rich fruitiness, but now it’s joined by a touch of creamy vanilla, sweetness and more spice. There’s a nice hint of nuttiness that brings balance and complexity. Towards the end, there’s a drying oaky flavour that brings you back for more.

On to the finish. Redbreast 12 leaves a lasting impression with a long, dry finish. There’s a soft spice that lingers, along with a touch of dried fruits and a bit of that oakiness that I’m really enjoying. It’s a finish that’s satisfying, making you reach out for another sip.

The Redbreast 12 has an ABV of 40%, making it slightly less potent than the Lustau. Personally, I’m not bothered by this and certainly don’t feel short-changed. Plus, you can always get the cask strength edition if that’s more your thing. Anyways, this whiskey still packs a punch, delivering a wealth of flavours that impresses me for an entry-level bottle like this.

A similar whiskey? That would have to be Green Spot. It’s another Irish pot still whiskey with a similar price point, and it shares the same rich fruitiness and slightly creamy character that makes Redbreast 12 so enjoyable.

Price: the Redbreast 12 will set you back around £53 or $69 USD. It’s a little cheaper than the Lustau, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive. It’s a solid investment for any whiskey enthusiast, delivering value for money with its depth of flavour and quality. If you are looking for a more premium Redbreast offering I’d recommend reading Redbreast 21 vs 27.

Finally, how to drink the Redbreast 12? Again, I would suggest starting neat to truly appreciate the depth and complexity of this whiskey. Adding a little water or ice can change the flavours subtly, so it’s worth experimenting to find your perfect serve. However, remember not to overdo it; you don’t want to lose the nuances of this delightful dram.

So there you have it, Redbreast 12 in a nutshell. A solid, flavourful whiskey that holds its own. 

Next, it’s time for the verdict: which of these two titans takes the crown?

Redbreast Lustau vs. Redbreast 12: The Comparison

Nose Comparison

Redbreast Lustau offers a richly layered bouquet. One whiff, and you’re welcomed with a melody of dark fruits, the aromatic equivalent of a stroll through a fruit-laden orchard. Mixed in with that is a robust nutty character, and a dash of spice that teases the senses. 

The Redbreast 12, on the other hand, makes a different but equally compelling statement. It’s more about orchard fruits here; think ripe apples and pears. There’s also a sprinkle of sweet vanilla, along with a tantalising trace of spice that whispers rather than shouts.

Mouthfeel Comparison

The mouthfeel of both whiskeys is another point of interest. The Lustau envelops the tongue with a velvety, thick consistency. There’s a decadence to it, almost as if it’s a liquid velvet blanket, warming and soothing. Contrastingly, the Redbreast 12 is much heavier and more creamy in the mouth. It’s more oily than the Lustau, yet every bit as engaging.

Flavour Comparison

The Lustau continues its rich symphony with a hearty serving of sherried fruits—think dates and figs, balanced with sweet toffee notes and a pinch of spice. The Redbreast 12 dances to a different tune, hitting the palate with a pleasing mixture of ripe fruit, cream-like vanilla, a hint of spice, and a brush of nuttiness. They’re two distinct flavour profiles, each appealing in its unique way.

Finish Comparison

The Lustau delivers a long, satisfying finale. It leaves a sweet lingering note with a dry oak twist, like the satisfying end to a well-composed symphony. Redbreast 12, however, gives a finish that’s a little softer, with a play of spice and dried fruits accompanied by a stroke of oakiness. 

If you want to elevate your experience on both ends, let’s just say that this is just the tip of the iceberg: you have to indulge in food as well.

Food pairings

Starters: With the Lustau, a mature cheddar or perhaps a well-aged Gouda could work wonders. The strong, robust flavours of these cheeses would resonate with the dark fruits and spicy notes of the Lustau.

For Redbreast 12, think along the lines of a smoked salmon blini or a plate of creamy brie cheese. The light smokiness of the salmon or the creaminess of the brie would align beautifully with the whiskey’s rich fruitiness and creamy undertones.

Mains: A hearty beef stew or a succulent piece of roasted lamb would pair brilliantly with the Lustau. The rich, robust flavours of the food would echo the complexity and depth of the whiskey.

On the other hand, Redbreast 12 would thrive alongside a dish with a touch of sweetness or creaminess, say a roast pork with apple sauce or a creamy mushroom risotto. The fruity and creamy characteristics of the whiskey would be enhanced by these dishes.

Dessert: pair the Lustau with something rich and bold, like a dark chocolate tart or a plum pudding. The bittersweet chocolate or the intense fruitiness of the pudding would be a wonderful counterpoint to the whiskey’s dark fruity and spicy notes. Redbreast 12, with its fruity and vanilla notes, would pair beautifully with a creamy dessert like a vanilla panna cotta or a classic apple crumble.

As an alternative, you could also consider simpler options, like a selection of nuts or some high-quality dark chocolate. These are great, fuss-free pairings that work well with both whiskeys, enhancing the tasting experience without overwhelming the palate.

Redbreast Lustau vs. Redbreast 12: Final Thoughts

This wasn’t an easy task. Each offers a unique and tantalising tasting experience that reflects the expertise and craft of the Midleton Distillery.

To make this decision, I tried to remain as impartial as possible. I studies my tasting notes, reflected on my experiences, and ultimately considered which whiskey I would be more likely to reach for on any given evening.

While it wasn’t easy, I’ve finally arrived at a decision. But before we get to the reveal, let’s recap what makes each of these whiskeys so special. 

If you’re into numbers, here’s a visual:

Best	Redbreast Lustau	Redbreast 12
Colour	4/10	5/10
Aroma/Nose	6/10	6/10
Mouthfeel	6/10	6/10
Taste/Palate	4/10	5/10
Finish	7/10	8/10
Total	27	30

The hue or colour of a whiskey can often be an overlooked attribute, but it’s one that subliminally sets expectations. Here, the Redbreast 12 wins my favour with its inviting warmth – a promise of good things to come. The Lustau, whilst not disappointing, just didn’t draw me in with the same allure.

On the nose, it’s a dead heat. Both whiskeys bring a charming aroma to the forefront, with the Lustau offering a rich tapestry of dark fruits and spice, whilst the Redbreast 12 gives a bouquet of ripe fruits laced with a touch of sweet vanilla.

In the realm of mouthfeel, it’s a similar story. Both whiskeys present a texture that’s pleasing to the palate, with the Lustau’s velvety richness holding its own against the creamy smoothness of the Redbreast 12.

When we get to taste, I find the Redbreast 12 takes a slight lead. There’s a harmony in the blend of ripe fruit, vanilla and a subtle nuttiness that resonates more with my palate than the Redbreast Lustau’s profile, which, although enjoyable, didn’t quite hit the same notes for me.

Finally, when it comes to the finish, the Redbreast 12 steals the limelight. It offers a satisfyingly gentle, yet lingering end note, in contrast to the Lustau’s commendable but not as deeply resonant finish.

Author’s verdict

So, after thoroughly immersing myself in both of these wonderful whiskeys, I can say that my preference leans towards the Redbreast 12. It’s not about individual attributes or points of comparison, but about the complete experience that this whiskey offers.

The Redbreast 12 delivers this exceptional quality at a more affordable price. While the cost difference isn’t substantial, when you’re enjoying a whiskey of this calibre, every penny saved is a bonus. The Redbreast 12 demonstrates that you don’t need to break the bank for a rich and rewarding whiskey experience.

And for today’s winner, Redbreast 12 takes the spotlight.

That said, please remember that whiskey tasting is incredibly subjective. My personal lean towards Redbreast 12 is purely that—personal (but impartial). You may well find your taste buds dancing to a different tune. And that’s the beauty of it!