My relationship with Irish Whiskies has been a turbulent one. Most of have been off putting for me, some have been completely devoid of taste and complexity yet others pleasantly surprise me. Redbreast 12 year Cask Strength is among the latter. It's hot. Of course it would be: bottled at a fiery 112(ish) proof, this ain't no weak sauce watered down swill. Its full bodied taste is interesting.... it begins ever so slightly sweet and tad salty? Its got a little butterscotch sweetness vibe cruising in the background. Then you get the spices. Lots of spice, but not of the herbaceous type like a Rye. No... this spice is more like a hot cinnamon spice, accompanied by some heat from the proof. The finish is long, lingering and a bit oily in the sense that it coats the tongue. Its good. It's not life changing, but its good. I wonder now: is this as good as an Irish Whiskey can get?