When it comes to the world of Irish whiskey, one name that always stands out is Red Breast. Known for its exceptional quality and smooth flavor, Red Breast whiskey is a beloved spirit among whiskey enthusiasts all over the globe. But have you ever wondered where this remarkable whiskey is actually made? Well, wonder no more! Let’s take a journey to County Cork, Ireland, where the New Midleton Distillery welcomes us into its doors and reveals the birthplace of Red Breast whiskey.
Located in the picturesque region of County Cork, the New Midleton Distillery has become synonymous with the production of some of the finest Irish whiskeys, including the beloved Red Breast. The distillery itself has a rich history, dating back to 1825, and has undergone significant transformations over the years to become the whiskey-making powerhouse it is today.
Back in 1971, Irish Distillers, the parent company of Red Breast whiskey, made a momentous decision to consolidate its production facilities. This meant closing the distilleries in Dublin, including the iconic Bow Street distillery, and moving all whiskey production to the New Midleton Distillery. As a result, Red Breast whiskey found its new home in County Cork.
In the heart of County Cork, the New Midleton Distillery boasts state-of-the-art facilities that combine traditional whiskey-making techniques with modern innovations. This harmonious blend allows the distillery to produce a diverse range of Irish whiskeys, each with its own unique character, including the incredible Red Breast.
At the New Midleton Distillery, the art of crafting Red Breast whiskey begins with carefully selected ingredients. The distillery sources the finest malted and unmalted barley from local farms, ensuring that only the highest quality grains make their way into the production process.
Once the barley is collected, it goes through a meticulous milling and mashing process, where it is transformed into a sweet, malt-rich liquid known as wort. This wort then undergoes fermentation, thanks to the addition of yeast, which converts the sugars into alcohol. This crucial stage is what gives Red Breast its distinct flavors and aromas.
After fermentation, the liquid is distilled using the distillery’s expertly crafted copper pot stills. These stills, some of which are over a century old, play a significant role in shaping the character of Red Breast whiskey. The triple distillation process employed at the New Midleton Distillery results in a smooth and refined spirit, setting Red Breast apart from other whiskeys.
But the journey doesn’t end there. Red Breast whiskey is then aged to perfection in a combination of carefully selected oak casks, including bourbon and sherry casks. This maturation process takes place in the distillery’s vast warehouses, where the whiskey is left to develop its complex flavors over time.
Once the whiskey has reached its optimum age, the skilled master blenders at the New Midleton Distillery carefully select and blend different casks to create the signature Red Breast expression. This meticulous process ensures that every bottle of Red Breast whiskey delivers the consistent, exceptional quality that whiskey lovers have come to expect.
So, there you have it! The iconic Red Breast whiskey is made with love and dedication at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. From the selection of finest ingredients to the triple distillation process and meticulous aging, each step in the whiskey-making journey is handled with utmost care to create a truly remarkable spirit. The next time you savor a glass of Red Breast, you can appreciate not only its exquisite flavors but also the craftsmanship and heritage that go into every bottle.
