Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Review
In-Depth Review
I’ll admit that the bright purple packaging is the first thing that caught my attention about this Redbreast. As I walked through Dublin Airport this past May, I was taken aback by the incredible selection of whiskey in front of me. Absolutely everything from the Irish whiskey scene was represented – everything from the most basic Jamesons to a bottle of 48-year Midleton Silent Distillery. But tucked away in the Redbreast section was this beautifully bright purple bottle of Redbreast. The label said it’s part of their Iberian Series – a collection of releases that highlights the power of various cask maturations that Redbreast employs. But unlike many of those other Iberian releases, this was Travel Retail exclusive. Color me intrigued.
Known as the Redbreast Cuatro Barriles, this 46% ABV whiskey combines Oloroso Sherry, Tawny Port, virgin European oak, and bourbon barrels to create a whiskey that’s “a joy to savor” according to the packaging. But at around $120 this wasn’t a cheap bottle and comes in as more expensive than how the 12 Year Cask Strength and the Redbreast Lustau are priced near me. Regardless, I’m a fan of Redbreast and was still riding the high from spending a few days down at Midleton - so I took the plunge.
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 46%
Cask: Bourbon barrel, Tawny Port, Oloroso Sherry, and virgin of barrels.
MSRP: Around $120
Distillery Name: Midleton Distillery
Review Date: 10/20/25
Color: 14K Gold
Nose: The nose starts off with freshly sliced fruit complemented by marzipan, apple peel, and lemon. There’s plenty of toasted wood, but none of the strong sherry or port notes I was expecting. It has a fresh and lively character on the nose which makes it approachable - yet lighter than many other Redbreast expressions. Even the typical Redbreast pot still funk seems a bit restrained.
Palate: Happily, the palate delivers that classic Redbreast pot still funk—stewed fruits and honey—now lifted by fresh-cut flowers, heather, and a generous dose of white chocolate. Vanilla runs strong throughout, while hints of raisin and mulled wine spice flicker in and out. It stays well-balanced, with gentle heat and a satisfying mouthfeel.
Finish: Medium length finish that continues some of the fruitiness from the palate before gently giving way to drying notes of clove and allspice. The funk has all but disappeared by the finish, but a subtle lingering heat remains that piques interest between sips.
Final Thoughts: It feels like Redbreast Cuatro Barriles is an expression that doesn’t know what it wants to be. It’s pleasant enough – but with that complex marriage of four different cask types, I expected to be wowed by deep, complex, flavors that brought out of the best in each cask. Instead, this bottle feels like less than the sum of its parts – providing a very balanced yet restrained drinking experience that can sometimes feel a bit too similar to Redbreast 12. Unfortunately, at about $120 a bottle, I’m looking for something a bit more exciting than a slightly more complex Redbreast 12. So, while Redbreast Cuatro Barriles is a solid offering for Travel Retail, I’d rather pick up a bottle of Redbreast Lustau, Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, or any of their similarly priced special releases over this beautifully purple version of the Iberian Series.
