Words by Georgie Darling
Porto probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of whiskey. Ireland and Portugal likely aren’t the first two countries you’d pair off the top of your head. And an adventure through the Douro Valley likely comes accompanied with a glass of wine rather than a dram of whiskey, for the uninitiated.
Until, of course, you’ve met the latest suave, sophisticated, seriously delicious new kid on the block in the world of whiskey: Redbreast Irish whiskey’s Tawny Port Cask Edition. The latest addition to the brand’s Iberian Collection, Tawny Port is an adventure for the senses; a sweet and full-bodied bottle with a rich, long finish that’ll have you looking forward to your next sip.
The best place to learn all about the significance of the Tawny Port? Portugal’s Douro Valley, of course. On behalf of Redbreast, I headed to the north of the country to explore its most beautiful region under the guidance of master blender Billy Leighton and blender David McCabe.
After checking into the beautiful Vidago Palace hotel, I spent a few days exploring the Douro Valley’s highs and lows – literally. I admired the rolling green hills and terraced vineyards of the valley from a hot air balloon and drove up to the top of the region in a hair-raising 4×4 tour. Picturesque backdrops came accompanied by some of Redbreast’s finest tastings: the sweet and approachable 12-Year-Old, the refined, complex Lustau Edition and the characteristic 15-Year-Old.
Next was a throwback to the Douro’s origins: a scenic, serene journey down the river itself aboard a traditional Rabelo boat. While the last Rabelo boat transported port wine back in 1971, the spirit of their journey lives on in the Tawny Port edition’s aged barrels.
Until finally came the big reveal of the Tawny Port, down the wooden steps to the Quinta da Pachec’s candle-lit wine cellar. “Redbreast should be enjoyed slowly” says McCabe, holding the glass up with obvious pride. And the brand’s Tawny Port definitely deserves to be savoured.
With a backdrop of wine casks, a symphony of electric violins and a locally-sourced array of Portuguese dishes awaiting, it was time to take the first sip.
Like Redbreast’s usual offerings, the Tawny Port is aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks and then finished in ex-port wine casks for between 14 and 25 months. The result? A rich, complex, yet impressively accessible new offering that’s a must-try for all kinds of whiskey lovers.
On the nose, it offers sweet and warming confectionery notes of buttered pastry accompanied by aromas of caramelised almonds with subtle undertones of praline and dried cherry.
An initial sip reveals rich, nutty flavours with notes of chocolate coated hazelnut and salted caramel, quickly followed with fresh plums and dried fig. The tannins’ soft presence works in harmony with the luscious and creamy texture, evoking notes of orange marmalade with delicate hints of toasted oak.
Its finish? One that even the most impressive of whiskey connoisseurs will appreciate: long and lingering, its spices and fruits slowly fading, leaving the tawny seasoned oak to have the last word. Just as delicious enjoyed neat as it is mixed into a cocktail (an Old Fashioned or the brand’s signature Hidden Treasure with port, bitters and soda water for me, please), Redbreast’s latest edition is a must-sip for whiskey lovers old and new.
And the best way to enjoy Redbreast’s Tawny Port? With a friend, ideally accompanied with a dash of Portuguese history and perhaps a pastel de nata for good measure.
Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is now available in the USA, Ireland, UK, China, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Global Travel Retail, and online beginning September 18. It carries a suggested retail price of €100, £79, and $100, respectively.
