Redbreast Irish Whiskey Unveils Missouri Oak Edition, a Limited-Edition Expression to Join U.S. Exclusive Collection

A fusion of Irish tradition with American innovation, Missouri Oak Edition sees beloved Redbreast meticulously aged in virgin Missouri oak barrels sourced from the esteemed Ozark Forest

EMBARGO: 9AM EST MAY 8, 2024 - Redbreast, Ireland's most awarded single pot still whiskey*, is delighted to announce the latest addition to its U.S.-exclusive collection – Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition. Currently rolling out nationwide, this extraordinary expression, finished in virgin Missouri oak barrels, brings a captivating twist to the renowned Redbreast liquid.

To celebrate the new launch, Redbreast, known as a champion for bird preservation, has sponsored a research study into the magnificent Cerulean Warblers that breed in the Ozark Forest, with the songbird gracing the packaging of the new expression in homage. Launching on May 8, whiskey enthusiasts across the United States will have the exclusive opportunity to experience this limited-edition release for an SRP of $199.  

Bottled at a robust 50.5% ABV, Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition seamlessly combines the signature Redbreast single pot still whiskey profile, aged in sherry and ex-bourbon barrels, with the unique influence of virgin Missouri oak from the Ozark Forest for 10 months. This exceptional oak takes center stage, elevating the Redbreast classic flavor profile with notes of cinnamon and ground ginger, complemented with the rich oak tannins, resulting in a satisfyingly long finish.

The whiskey offers a symphony of flavors, opening with generous waves of toffee apple and vanilla, followed by ripe blackcurrants and black cherries. Simultaneously, the rich oak tannins soften into the background to welcome a luscious and creamy texture that seamlessly intertwines with the building sweetness, vibrant spices, and berries. The nuttiness and pot still spices linger before gracefully yielding to the soft oak notes, leaving a lasting impression that beckons for another sip.

“The whiskey spent a total of 10 months maturing in the exquisite virgin Missouri oak barrels crafted by Kelvin Cooperage. Due to the nature of virgin oak barrels being so giving in flavor during maturation, it was crucial for us to regularly sample the evolving liquid to ensure it imparted a measured influence that didn’t overpower the signature Redbreast style,” says Master Blender Dave McCabe. “After 10 months, the expression attained its peak flavor, with the Missouri oak imparting distinct notes of cinnamon and ground ginger, complemented by subtle nutty undertones reminiscent of pecan pie.”

As a brand that has been dedicated to sustainable forest management and the conservation of birdlife, Redbreast has proudly sponsored a study in partnership with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Arkansas State University, the University of Kentucky, and American Bird Conservancy to mark the release of Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition. Under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Larkin, Dr. Than Boves, and Dr. Darin McNeil, the research endeavors to evaluate Cerulean Warbler breeding season habitat use in oak forests of eastern Northern America. The potential recovery of this imperiled migratory songbird is strongly linked to the availability of healthy white oak forests. This collaborative effort seeks to refine forest management guidelines to better protect and enhance Cerulean Warbler habitat. 

"Cerulean Warbler populations have faced steep and persistent declines across North America, and their recovery is, in part, reliant upon a shift in human behavior away from unsustainable harvesting practices that threaten white oak forests,” says Dr. Larkin emphasizes. “We are delighted to collaborate with Redbreast on this research and are hopeful that together we can make a profound impact for years to come. The aim of our research is to gain actionable insights that will enable us to promote the highest standards of sustainable forest management, ultimately facilitating the species' recovery."

Redbreast Missouri Oak will be exclusively sold in the USA, available nationwide starting May 8 for an SRP of $199. For more information, and selected retailers, visit the Redbreast website: www(dot)redbreastwhiskey(dot)com.

*Based on the tasting results of the six most influential tasting competitions over the past thirteen years (2011-2023), including The Irish Whiskey Masters, IWSC, ISC, Beverage Testing Institute, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

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Tasting Notes:

Nose: Generous waves of sweet toffee apple and vanilla at first, closely followed by ripe blackcurrants and black cherries. The American oak embraces the pot still spices with additional notes of cinnamon and ground ginger, while nutty undertones akin to pecan pie linger gently in the background.

Taste: Rich with oak tannins that slowly subside, giving way to the luscious and creamy texture of this wonderfully balanced pot still whiskey. The sweetness continues to build in tandem with the spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black peppercorns along with rich berry fruits and vanilla cream.

Finish: Satisfyingly long with the nuttiness and pot still spices lingering for a time before finally yielding to the oak.

About Irish Distillers:

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, achieving +10% net sales growth globally in FY23. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets around the world.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son, and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network.

We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard:

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson's Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Mumm Napa.

Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As "creators of conviviality," we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information, visit: www(dot)pernod-ricard-usa(dot)com.