Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength

appearance: chestnut oloroso sherry; many quick falling legs/tears nose: wood spice, vanilla, honey, citrus, fruit/berries, bourbon, ethanol, apricot... a bit of water brings cinnamon, milk chocolate, more vanilla and spices palate: "smooth" for being cask strength, candied apple, red apple. water brings out oak and astringency finish: hot, peppery, with heat resonating down the chest these are just some first impressions. for an irish whiskey, something about it reminds me of a bourbon. those not used to higher abv might notice and be put off by the ethanol heat/smell/taste. the regular redbreast 12 comes at 40% abv, so it would be interesting if they offered something in the 43-46% range. definitely something every serious whisky drinker should try at least once, since nothing else is like it

Rich, sweet, mildly finish of heat, enjoyed for an Irish whiskey, typically not my choice