Whiskey Wednesday

Tonight is a celebration of Red Breast Irish Whiskey (some of my very favorite). This is  a Big Thank You to an amazingly generous Las Vegas friend who made my year! It’s going to be a very festive holiday season.

A little history:

Redbreast is one of a handful of single pot still whiskeys in existence today and one of only two to have been produced almost continuously since the early 1900s (the other being Green Spot). Although once the most popular style of whiskey consumed in the world, pot still whiskey fell out of favor in the 20th century, due in part to the rise of cheaper, less intense blended whiskeys. As a result of falling demand, most Irish whiskeys were either reformulated as blends or discontinued.

Single pot still whiskeys, which are historically unique to Ireland, are similar to single malt in that they are produced solely from pot still distillate. However, in contrast to malts which only use malted barley in the mash, single pot still whiskeys are produced from a mixed mash that contains both malted and unmalted barley.

The first official reference to the brand name ‘Redbreast’ appears in August 1912, when Gilbeys were selling “Redbreast” J.J. Liqueur Whiskey 12 Years Old, described as one of their “famous” brands. The fact that Redbreast was already a famous brand suggests that this may have been the nickname for Gilbey’s Castle “JJ Liqueur” Whiskey 12 Years Old. The name ‘Redbreast’ itself refers to the bird, Robin Redbreast, and is attributed to the then Chairman of Gilbey’s, who was an avid bird-fancier.

1920’s Ireland was a time of political turmoil and economic uncertainty. Money was tight and money for fine whiskeys would have been a luxury beyond the means of most. Yet the country’s clergy enjoyed a life of considerable status and comfort so much so that Redbreast became affectionately known as ‘”The Priest’s Bottle” after finding its way into many a church presbytery in Ireland. Clearly, individuals of both spiritual and gastronomic enlightenment. 

If it was good enough for the Church, it certainly is good enough for me. 😉 🥃 Sláinte!

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Lingerie: Dita Von Teese Fauve Black

Heels: Louboutin Galativi

Stockings: Cervin Tentation