If you are a whiskey lover, the Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is an absolute must-try.

FORBES: My Favorite Irish Whiskey Is Back - And Better Than Ever

Redbreast is nearly unique among Irish whiskeys as it is made entirely in the older style pot stills and without the addition of grain whiskey.

FORBES: My Favorite Irish Whiskey Is Back - And Better Than Ever

Redbreast is owned by Irish Distillers, which owns the Midleton distillery and there it makes Redbreast, Midleton, Paddy, Powers and Jameson, all of which it owns.

FORBES: Complete Guide to Irish Whiskey

Now there is a new product available in the US market, Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, which the folks at Midleton where kind enough to send me a sample of.

FORBES: My Favorite Irish Whiskey Is Back - And Better Than Ever

The Redbreast brand is owned by Irish Distillers, which owns and operates the Midleton distillery and there it makes its various brands, including Midleton, Paddy Powers, and the best known, Jameson.

FORBES: My Favorite Irish Whiskey Is Back - And Better Than Ever

For example, my personal favorite Irish whiskey is Redbreast.

FORBES: Complete Guide to Irish Whiskey

As a result, Redbreast is very much full-flavored, noticeably darker and richer and with a more aggressive taste than most Irish whiskies, while sharing the smoothness and drinkability its brethren are known for.

FORBES: My Favorite Irish Whiskey Is Back - And Better Than Ever

Redbreast is heavy on fruit essences, figs, dates, and apples, and is unusually complex and big as Irish whiskies go, and is the one most likely to be confused with Scotch in a blind tasting.

FORBES: My Favorite Irish Whiskey Is Back - And Better Than Ever

Redbreast cask strength is neither diluted with water nor chill-filtered, another standard step, which leaves it with a slightly murkier color and noticeably stronger proof, 115 vs. the usual 80, or 57.7% alcohol vs. 40%.

FORBES: My Favorite Irish Whiskey Is Back - And Better Than Ever