Redbreast Kentucky Oak Edition

Despite what others have said, it’s quite nice. Sweet. Woody. It’s an interesting, funky adventure. If you’re looking for bourbon flavors then buy bourbon. If you’re looking to try something interesting then try this.

Nose- plenty of vanilla and a hint of lemon zest Body- vanilla continues here strongly with peppery spices prevalent, there are hints of honey and citrus Finish- light and fairly dry Notes- For someone that predominately drinks bourbon, the spice notes really balance the typical Irish sweetness. If someone is looking for more typical bourbon notes that you would get from a charred barrel, this ain’t it. While I am not sure this is an improvement on the regular Redbreast line. This is an interesting rendition.

Popped this open to get a quick idea on what we have here. I'll try and fill more out later. Highlights, it's still sherry and bourbon...so don't be confused by the marketing. The difference is they used a virgin oak cask, NOT charred, but air dried. So there's ZERO bourbon connection here. Other than the use of kentucky and the odd 101 proof. So blatant misleading marketing. Nose - vanilla and toffee. Maybe some nutty elements. Rather nice rich irish nose. Does lack much fruit. Taste - Sweet up front with vanilla and toffee (right off the box), then a nuclear bomb of spice, and then followed by funky over the top wood...more wood...and more wood. Did I mention wood? And not yummy bourbon oak, but raw oak like you'd get on a wine or lambic beer. No char flavors that can add so many lovely elements. More spice. Not aged or mellowed long enough to do much good. This would be one to perhaps blend into some non virgin oak casks, not to bottle as one. I'll leave this as a 1 star, but I'll try and come back and see if anything improves. I'm not hopeful.