Redbreast has announced the launch of the fifth release in its award-winning Iberian Series, honouring both the brand’s heritage and spirit of innovation through the use of Moscatel wine casks from the historic Bodegas Quitapenas.

Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition (46% ABV) is an Irish Single Pot Still whiskey, initially matured in a combination of ex-American whiskey casks and Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks, before undergoing a final maturation period of 16 months in Málaga Moscatel casks.

Over several decades, Master Blender David McCabe and former Master Blender Billy Leighton have developed deep relationships with cask producers and winemakers throughout the Iberian Peninsula, inviting whiskey enthusiasts on a journey of discovery across the region.

For this latest release, the team at Midleton Distillery partnered with Bodegas Quitapenas in Málaga, now led by fifth-generation custodians Marta Suárez Prieto and Víctor Suárez Onrubia. Under their careful stewardship, specially selected hogsheads made from European oak were seasoned with Moscatel wine for two years before being shipped to Midleton Distillery, where they were filled with a bespoke batch of Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

Offering a complex flavour journey, the whiskey opens with notes of fresh, sweet tangerine and twisted orange peel, complemented by delicate herbal notes of chamomile tea, alongside dustings of nutmeg and cedarwood. The wine-seasoned oak imparts vanilla, floral honey and sugar-glazed fruits, while the signature pot still spices introduce subtle hints of black peppercorn and clove in the background.

Commenting on the launch, David McCabe, Master Blender, said: “The launch of Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition is a celebration of Redbreast’s heritage, craftsmanship and incredible legacy, dating back to the late 1800s. The use of Spanish Moscatel-seasoned casks is a tribute to Redbreast’s historic ties to sherry and fortified wines, as well as our appreciation for the remarkable people across the region, including Marta and her family at Bodegas Quitapenas, which was founded in 1880. Their extraordinary family heritage inspired the richness and depth of this expression.”

Marta Suárez Prieto of Bodegas Quitapenas, added: “It has been a great honour to work with David and his team at Midleton on the launch of Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition, which pays such a wonderful tribute to our rich family history. Along with my cousin Víctor, we have taken great care to season the casks perfectly, ensuring the new expression is infused with beautiful flavours of sweet honey, dates and caramelised fruits, alongside gentle herbal, floral and citrus notes.”

Redbreast Moscatel Wine Cask Edition is now available from midletondistillerycollection.com and specialist retailers, with a recommended retail price of £85.00.