Redbreast All Sherry Edition.... Mano a Lámh

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

I like the buttery taste. I get hints of vanilla tobacco like pipe tobacco but very mild, similar to the Malaga component of Yellow Spot. The buttery taste I get is similar to almond toffee like a Diam bar. I got an early taste so wasn't expecting the Sherry Monster. That would be an unusual experience indeed. I was lucky to taste some whiskey matured in Sherry casks last week and they could launch some monsters if they wanted.

[JRB]

I tried that trick already - it wasn't fooling anyone. Maybe it's peaking at the IP address. Alas, no "shop" section at all when I log in. I won't be giving up... I'll get a taste of it one way or another!

Do you get to Ireland often? If you are, contact the forum and I'm sure someone will make sure you'll be able to get one. Keep us posted!

Not as often as I'd like! And no current plans unfortunately. I do have a friend heading there in August so I may try to see if they're willing to help.

[John]

Here are some of my tasting notes on this new release.

Nose: Rich, sweet, dark fruit; certainly more spicy than you would expect.

Palate: Smooth, sweet, oily & spicy (All good so far as SPS goes!) The mouthfeel is excellent, the 'Christmas Cake' complexity is there, though it does feel that the cake has certainly taken on a new dimension.

Finish: Long, lingering, excellent; the sherry maturation gradually loses influence to the central character of the familiar Redbreast SPS.

Impression: I really like it! This is relatively new territory for sure and from conversations I've had over the past two weeks, it has divided opinions. Those opinions continue to be offered though - which is great! It means that members are still exploring and analysing and spending the time appreciating it; rather than just giving an off-the-cuff assessment. I hope this is the first of many sherry-matured expressions; including perhaps PX even(?!). However, as a member of the IWS and having had the opportunity to taste some of the cask-strength sherry-matured SPS, I would love to see Midleton release such a version!

[mawhinney]

John
I'm greatly indebted to you for expressing, better than I could, the tasting response to the RB Mano a Lamh. Isn't wonderful that our beloved Redbreast has now exhibited this new facet of its unique,intriguing, persona! More to come?

[mawhinney]

I had a reply from a friend in Belfast to whom I sent a (small!) sample of Mano a Lamh Redbreast.
"Boys a boys! That 'Man Alive' whiskey is shockin' great."
What praise from the land where Black Bush reigns supreme...

[Wilson_smyth]

sorry for bringing back an oldish thread but have a question on this.
I dont have a bottle of redbreast in my small collection yet.

Is it worth picking up this while its going or just saving and getting a bottle of 15?

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

Well worth it I think. You'll be able to pick up a 15 for years to come but there one 2000 of these. I like to buttery sherried taste too. I only wish I could have more.

[John]

Completely agree GWH!
The RB15yo will continue to play a part in the range for a good while yet. I'm surprised if the Mano a Lámh is still available, but if it is then I'd pickup a bottle or two of that. I really like it so I might be slightly biased in that regard but there you go!
Enjoy!
J.

[JohnM]

It's one that has grown on me a lot since I first bought it. I don't know if it's because my expectations have changed or because it has changed since I opened the bottle, but the last few pours I've had have been really lovely.

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

There can't be many left at this stage either. There was one on auction over the weekend and it got £250+commission.

[mawhinney]

Just last week another two bottles arrived at my door. A sign that a few bottles are still available. Act now!

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

I got a couple today myself. I'm only happy to get a chance to have another for sampling. I couldn't believe they were still available.

[varizoltan]

there was a very mixed reaction after the release to be just kind....

but there was more of a dislike about it, and that is my opinion too, so i guess that is why they still had some i would guess,

or as we know from previous releases from same company, when they found "an" old cask they made 1200+ bottles out of it

so that 2000 maybe 3000?

i stashed a good few anyways, just to be sure, it may worth money at some stage

and just presented one to a friend

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

They're doing well at auctions in the UK. The £250 a couple of months ago was mad but another got £110 last week.

I like the whiskey. It's not your standard Redbreast by any means. It has more in common with 50/60's Redbreasts.

I think IDL are slow at selling Premium whiskey and limited editions. The 20 anniversary & Master Dustillers took years to sell. The Dungourney has only gone off the sales books. That's 20 years to sell out. It's reputed that one man bought most of them.

The Mano A Lámh is moving at a reasonable rate if you consider that only Irish Whiskey Collectors and enthusiasts would be buying them. It's also limited to the EU. If it was open to the U.S. too it may move quicker.

[Raven]

[quote="Good Whiskey Hunting"] The Dungourney has only gone off the sales books. That's 20 years to sell out.

To be fair nobody had a clue to how much Dungourney there was in the first place.
There certainly appeared to be more than 2 or 3 casks which was said at the time.
It retailed for £180 punts when it came first to the market.

[JohnM]

Maybe it is different from batch to batch, but I wasn't blown away by the Dungourney.

[JohnM]

... While I think the Mano gets better and better each time I try it.

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

... While I think the Mano gets better and better each time I try it.

I'm with you there John. I've ordered another couple for further analysis.

[John]

Me too to be honest, I really like it.
Next up, a cask strength version please!

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

Me too to be honest, I really like it.
Next up, a cask strength version please!

That's an excellent idea John. We'll have to drop a few hints at Whiskey Live, subtle like!

[IrishWhiskeyChaser]

Well I have to say I am also one of those who really enjoyed the Mano a Lamh, do not really remember hearing too much negative talk about it. I did mention when I got it first i was expecting more of a sherry blast from it but that was more of an observation.

Tried it again the other night and still thought it really good.

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

I got an email today from SinglePotStill.com and there's still some bottles available. I'll went on last week and got one.

[John]

Looks like that they are finally running out though!

[Good Whiskey Hunting]

Looks like that they are finally running out though!

I'm surprised that any were left. They are doing well at auctions already and I imagine this will continue over the coming years.

[JohnM]

I think it said on the email that they had held stock back.