Sips & Sites & Bites

Irish pot still whiskey maker, Redbreast, just announced its latest addition to its U.S. collection, the Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition. Released now, this whiskey expression is finished in virgin Missouri oak barrels.

Redbreast is celebrating the new launch with a sponsored research study into the Cerulean Warblers that breed in the Ozark Forest, and songbird is featured on the packaging of the new expression. 

The limited-edition release clocks in at 50.5% ABV and sells for a suggested price of $199.   

Redbreast Missouri Oak Edition combines the 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, doing so for 10 months. 

The distiller notes show that the oak takes center stage, elevating the Redbreast flavor profile with notes of cinnamon and ground ginger, complemented with oak tannins, resulting in a long finish.

“The whiskey spent a total of 10 months maturing in the exquisite virgin Missouri oak barrels crafted by Kelvin Cooperage,” said Master Blender Dave McCabe. “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. 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.”

The Redbreast brand has been dedicated to sustainable forest management and the conservation of bird life, and 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 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,” said Dr. Larkin. “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.” 

For more information, check out the Redbreast website at www.redbreastwhiskey.com.