Hard to believe it’s been over five years since I last reviewed a Redbreast product. I touched on them more recently in my review of Heaven’s Door Redbreast Master Blenders’ Edition, but that product was ultimately a finished bourbon, rather than an Irish whiskey. For a while, Irish whiskey gained some momentum in the whiskey market, but now, like many spirits, that growth seems to have flattened. Redbreast still puts out the occasional limited release, complementing an already solid core lineup, but I wouldn’t expect much beyond that in the near future.

Many of these limited releases end up as new additions to the Iberian series, which takes the classic Redbreast single pot still Irish whiskey and finishes it in a different wine cask (usually from Spain). Interestingly, the inaugural Iberian series release is part of the brand’s core line: Lustau. Lifting its name from the sherry producer Bodegas Lustau, Redbreast Lustau is relatively simple in nature. It begins as triple-distilled, single pot still Irish whiskey aged 9-12 years in bourbon and sherry casks before maturing for an additional year in seasoned Oloroso sherry butts from the aforementioned producer.

A couple final notes on Redbreast Lustau: while subsequent Iberian series bottles have often commanded $100+ price points, Lustau hovers closer to $65-$80. It also comes bottled at 46% ABV, making it a welcome, ostensible upgrade over the standard 12-Year (which I’m sure I’d review less glowingly now). I’ve been holding onto my bottle for a couple of years, so let’s break it down.

Nose: Classic shortbread backbone with a “shiny,” almost varnish-like undertone. Smells creamy with walnut butter, raisin, and some dried prune. Hints of brown butter, clementine, and apricot.

Palate: Leads creamy before a touch of tartness hits. Dried fruit medley (emphasis on dates) and custard complemented by a subtle presence of nutmeg and ginger. Becomes more watery with subsequent sips.

Finish: Develops a surprising oak and pepper spice that becomes warmer and a touch drying over time. Light humidor vibes with raisins and dried figs in the background. Eventually brings some cinnamon, brown butter, and general creaminess.

The first time I tried Redbreast Lustau was through the Family Collection mini tasting set. This gift pack included 50ml bottles of Redbreast 12, 15, and Lustau. My favorite at the time was Lustau, thanks in large part to its velvety texture and elevated fruit notes. I remember the packaging reflected Redbreast’s previous bottle/label design, so older stocks could’ve been used in that tasting set compared to my more recently purchased bottle of Lustau. I could also be Mandela Effecting myself.

Regardless, I’ve been equally pleased and unimpressed by Redbreast Lustau as of late. In fact, “pleasant” feels like just the right word for it. My tastes lean towards more potent and flavorful pours like Blue Spot and older batches of Redbreast 12-Year Cask Strength, with Lustau coming across like a diminished form of the latter. For some drinkers, that makes Lustau an easy recommendation. I’ve found it easy to develop tunnel vision when discussing spirits with like-minded enthusiasts; Lustau isn’t necessarily intended for them. Instead, I think it’s a welcome bridge between Redbreast 12-Year and the brand’s more elevated expressions. It might not be anyone’s favorite at a bottle share, but it could open up a couple minds to a specific style of Irish whiskey. And any bottle that can achieve that is fulfilling a worthwhile role.