The Redbreast 12 Year Old Bird Feeder Gift Pack combines one of Ireland’s most celebrated whiskeys with a reusable presentation case created to support bird conservation.
Inside the decorative green casing is a 70cl bottle of Redbreast 12 Year Old, a full-bodied single pot still Irish whiskey matured in bourbon and sherry casks. Once the bottle has been removed, the outer case can be filled with bird seed and hung outdoors as a working feeder.
Developed in collaboration with BirdLife International, the limited-edition pack offers something lasting beyond the whiskey itself. Proceeds from each sale support the conservation organisation’s work to protect birds and their habitats around the world.
Bottled at 40% ABV, Redbreast 12 combines dried fruit, warming pot still spice, sherry richness and toasted oak in a whiskey that works equally well as a thoughtful gift or an introduction to traditional Irish pot still whiskey.
What Is the Redbreast Bird Feeder Gift Pack?
The Redbreast Bird Feeder Gift Pack contains a full-sized bottle of Redbreast 12 Year Old inside a specially designed green outer casing.
The presentation case serves two purposes:
- It protects and displays the whiskey
- It can be reused as a garden bird feeder
After the bottle has been removed, the casing can be filled with suitable bird feed and hung from a branch or another secure outdoor position.
The combination makes it considerably more distinctive than a conventional cardboard whiskey box. Rather than being discarded after opening, the presentation becomes a practical garden item connected directly to the Redbreast name and its long association with the robin.
The current Redbreast Bird Feeder Gift Pack includes:
- One 70cl bottle of Redbreast 12 Year Old
- A reusable decorative bird feeder case
- Whiskey bottled at 40% ABV
- A minimum 12-year age statement
- A limited-edition gift presentation
Is Redbreast 12 a Single Malt Whiskey?
Redbreast 12 Year Old is officially a single pot still Irish whiskey, not a single malt.
This distinction is important because the two styles use different grain recipes.
Single malt whiskey is produced entirely from malted barley at one distillery. Single pot still Irish whiskey is traditionally made at one distillery using a mixture of malted and unmalted barley, distilled together in copper pot stills.
Redbreast 12 is made from malted and unmalted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills at Midleton Distillery. This gives it the creamy texture, pronounced spice and full body associated with traditional Irish pot still whiskey.
The phrase “single pot still” means:
- The whiskey is produced at a single distillery
- It is distilled in pot stills
- The mash contains both malted and unmalted barley
- The spirit follows a style strongly associated with Ireland
For anyone exploring Irish whiskey beyond lighter blends, Redbreast 12 is one of the most important examples of the category.
A Partnership with BirdLife International
The bird feeder pack was developed through Redbreast’s partnership with BirdLife International.
BirdLife International is a global conservation partnership focused on protecting birds, their habitats and wider biodiversity. Part of the proceeds generated by the special-edition Redbreast pack is donated to support that work.
The collaboration is particularly appropriate because the robin has been central to Redbreast’s identity for more than a century.
Rather than simply placing conservation messaging on a standard box, Redbreast created packaging that can directly help garden birds. Once repurposed, the feeder can provide a regular food source during periods when natural food is more difficult to find.
Redbreast describes the gift pack as being suitable for both the whiskey cabinet and the garden, with proceeds supporting BirdLife International’s mission to reverse declines in global bird populations.
Why Is Redbreast Named After a Bird?
The first official reference to the Redbreast name dates to August 1912.
At the time, wine and spirits merchant W & A Gilbey was selling “Redbreast” J.J. Liqueur Whiskey 12 Years Old. The initials J.J. referred to John Jameson, whose whiskey was supplied to Gilbey’s for ageing and bottling.
The Redbreast name referred to the robin redbreast and is attributed to the chairman of Gilbey’s, who was an enthusiastic bird fancier.
The name was therefore connected with birds from the beginning rather than being introduced later as a marketing theme. The modern bird feeder collaboration develops that original story in a practical and environmentally focused way.
The History of Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Redbreast has roots in the historic relationship between Irish distillers and independent wine and spirits merchants.
W & A Gilbey had access to large quantities of sherry casks through its wine-importing business. These casks were filled with spirit supplied by John Jameson & Son and matured in Gilbey’s bonded warehouses in Dublin.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Gilbey’s was selling several age-stated Irish whiskeys connected with Jameson. A 12-year-old expression appeared in the early 1900s, with the Redbreast name officially documented in 1912.
Redbreast later became affectionately known as “The Priest’s Bottle” because of its reported popularity among members of the Irish clergy during the 1920s.
The brand passed from Gilbey’s to Irish Distillers during the 1980s. Production was eventually re-established at Midleton Distillery, preserving Redbreast as one of the defining names in single pot still Irish whiskey.
Today, the collection extends from the classic 12 Year Old to cask-strength, older and specialist wine-cask expressions.
Explore the complete Redbreast whiskey collection at HTFW.
Produced at Midleton Distillery
Modern Redbreast is produced at Midleton Distillery in County Cork.
The distillery is one of the most important centres of Irish whiskey production and is also associated with names including Jameson, Powers, Midleton Very Rare and the Spot Whiskey collection.
Redbreast begins with malted and unmalted barley sourced from the Munster region surrounding the distillery. Water used in production comes from the Dungourney River, which flows close to Midleton.
The mash is fermented before undergoing triple distillation in copper pot stills.
Triple distillation helps refine the spirit, but Redbreast retains considerably more body and spice than a lighter Irish grain or blended whiskey. The combination of grain recipe and pot-still production gives it a creamy mouthfeel and distinctive peppery character.
Made from Malted and Unmalted Barley
The mixture of malted and unmalted barley is central to Redbreast’s character.
Malted barley has been allowed to germinate before drying. This activates enzymes needed to convert starches into fermentable sugars and contributes cereal, biscuit and fruit flavours.
Unmalted barley retains a fresher grain character and helps create the creamy texture and spice traditionally associated with single pot still Irish whiskey.
Together, the grains produce flavours that can include:
- Orchard fruit
- Dried fruit
- Creamy cereal
- Pepper
- Baking spice
- Citrus peel
- Nutty malt
- A slightly oily texture
These qualities give Redbreast enough weight to develop further complexity during long maturation in bourbon and sherry casks.
Matured in Bourbon and Sherry Casks
Redbreast 12 Year Old is matured for at least 12 years in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks.
The bourbon casks contribute:
- Vanilla
- Honey
- Caramel
- Toasted oak
- Coconut
- Gentle wood spice
The sherry casks add:
- Raisins
- Figs
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Richer sweetness
- Warming spice
The marriage of the two cask types creates the recognisable Redbreast balance of fresh fruit, dried fruit, pot still spice and toasted wood.
Redbreast’s connection with sherry casks reaches back to the Gilbey family’s history as wine importers. Their access to seasoned casks helped establish the sherry-influenced style that remains important to Redbreast today.
What Does Redbreast 12 Year Old Taste Like?
Redbreast 12 is rich and full-bodied without becoming overpoweringly woody.
The aroma combines fruit and spice with polished oak. On the palate, sherry-derived dried fruit and sweetness meet peppery pot still spice, creamy cereal and toasted wood.
Its texture is one of its defining qualities. The whiskey feels silky and substantial, making it noticeably richer than many lighter Irish blends.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Complex and aromatic with orchard fruit, dried fruit, warming spice and polished toasted oak.
Palate: Full-flavoured and silky with raisins, sherry sweetness, vanilla, creamy cereal and fresh fruit. Pepper, baking spice and toasted wood bring structure.
Finish: Long and satisfying with lingering fruit, spice, sherry richness and gently drying oak.
The official tasting notes describe a complex spicy and fruity aroma, a silky balance of fruit, sherry, spice and toasted wood, and a long finish.
How Strong Is Redbreast 12?
Redbreast 12 Year Old is bottled at 40% ABV.
This is the standard bottling strength for the core expression and makes it approachable enough to drink neat without water.
Its flavour remains rich despite the accessible strength because of:
- The full-bodied single pot still spirit
- The 12-year maturation
- The combination of bourbon and sherry casks
- Its naturally creamy texture
- The spice provided by unmalted barley
Drinkers looking for a more concentrated version can explore the Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength, which presents the style at a considerably higher strength.
How to Drink Redbreast 12 Year Old
Redbreast 12 is best known as a sipping whiskey, but it can be enjoyed in several ways.
Try it:
- Neat
- With a few drops of water
- Over one large ice cube
- In an Old Fashioned
- In a whiskey highball
- Alongside cheese or dark chocolate
- As an after-dinner drink
Its fruit, spice and sherry character are easiest to explore when served neat.
Cocktails should remain relatively simple so the whiskey is not hidden beneath excessive sweetness or strongly flavoured mixers.
Serve Redbreast 12 Neat
A neat pour provides the clearest view of the whiskey’s texture and cask influence.
Method
- Pour 25ml to 35ml into a whisky tasting glass.
- Allow the whiskey to rest for several minutes.
- Smell gently with the glass slightly below the nose.
- Take a small first sip.
- Allow the whiskey to move across the palate before swallowing.
- Return to the glass as it opens.
Resting the whiskey briefly allows more of its fruit, spice and toasted oak aromas to emerge.
A tulip-shaped glass will concentrate the aroma more effectively than a wide tumbler, although either can be used for relaxed drinking.
Should Water Be Added?
A few drops of still water can soften the alcohol and reveal additional fruit, cereal and sherry flavours.
Begin with only two or three drops. Redbreast 12 is already bottled at an approachable 40% ABV, so a large amount of water can quickly reduce its texture and flavour intensity.
Water may bring forward:
- Ripe orchard fruit
- Vanilla
- Creamy barley
- Raisins
- Cinnamon
- Toasted nuts
- Softer oak
There is no requirement to add water. The best serve is whichever allows the drinker to enjoy the whiskey most comfortably.
Can Redbreast 12 Be Served Over Ice?
Yes. Redbreast 12 can be served over ice.
One large cube is preferable to several smaller cubes because it melts more slowly and controls dilution.
Cooling the whiskey can make it feel softer and creamier, with vanilla and sherry sweetness becoming more noticeable. However, very low temperatures may temporarily reduce some of its subtler aromas.
Drinkers seeking maximum flavour should begin neat before deciding whether to add ice.
Make a Redbreast Old Fashioned
Redbreast 12 has enough fruit, spice and oak to work particularly well in an Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
- 50ml Redbreast 12 Year Old
- 5ml simple syrup
- Two dashes of aromatic bitters
- One dash of orange bitters
- One large ice cube
- Orange peel
Method
- Add the whiskey, syrup and bitters to a mixing glass.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until chilled and lightly diluted.
- Strain into a rocks glass over one large cube.
- Express the oils from the orange peel over the surface.
- Garnish with the peel.
The orange complements the whiskey’s fruit and sherry flavours, while aromatic bitters reinforce its pot still spice.
Use the syrup carefully. Redbreast already contains natural sweetness from the bourbon and sherry casks, so only a small measure is required.
Make a Redbreast Highball
A highball creates a lighter and more refreshing way to enjoy the whiskey.
Ingredients
- 50ml Redbreast 12 Year Old
- 100ml to 150ml chilled soda water
- Plenty of ice
- Lemon peel
Method
- Fill a tall glass completely with ice.
- Add the whiskey.
- Top slowly with chilled soda water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with lemon peel.
Soda lengthens the whiskey without adding sweetness, allowing the fruit, vanilla and spice to remain recognisable.
Use highly carbonated, well-chilled soda water for the freshest result.
What Food Pairs with Redbreast 12?
The combination of bourbon and sherry cask maturation makes Redbreast 12 suitable for both savoury and sweet pairings.
Good choices include:
- Mature Cheddar
- Blue cheese
- Brie
- Spiced chorizo
- Roast pork
- Glazed ham
- Smoked duck
- Toasted nuts
- Fruit cake
- Dark chocolate
- Bread and butter pudding
- Apple tart
Bourbon cask vanilla and honey work naturally with creamy cheese and desserts, while sherry-derived dried fruit complements cured meat, fruit cake and dark chocolate.
Pot still spice also allows the whiskey to stand up to richer savoury food without disappearing.
How to Use the Bird Feeder Case
Once the whiskey has been removed, the casing can be reused as a garden feeder.
The official design can be filled with bird food and hung from a suitable branch.
For responsible use:
- Remove the whiskey bottle and any remaining packaging.
- Place the feeder in a secure outdoor position.
- Fill it with an appropriate bird-seed mixture.
- Position it away from areas easily reached by cats.
- Clean the feeder regularly.
- Remove old or wet food before refilling.
- Provide fresh water nearby where possible.
Different bird species prefer different foods. Sunflower hearts, mixed seed and peanuts designed for bird feeders are common options.
Avoid unsuitable foods containing excessive salt, mould or unsafe ingredients.
Is the Bird Feeder Pack Limited Edition?
The bird feeder presentation has been released as a special or limited-edition version of Redbreast 12 rather than replacing its standard packaging.
Availability may therefore vary and remaining packs can become more difficult to find once a particular production run has sold through.
The whiskey inside remains the established Redbreast 12 Year Old. The limited-edition element is the reusable presentation case and its connection with the BirdLife International partnership.
This makes the gift pack appealing to:
- Redbreast collectors
- Irish whiskey drinkers
- Bird watchers
- Garden enthusiasts
- Conservation supporters
- Collectors of unusual whiskey packaging
- Anyone looking for a gift with a practical second use
Is It a Good Whiskey Gift?
The Redbreast Bird Feeder Gift Pack is particularly well suited to gifting because both the contents and presentation have lasting value.
It offers:
- A respected 12-year-old Irish whiskey
- A clear age statement
- A reusable bird feeder
- A connection with BirdLife International
- Distinctive presentation
- Broad appeal beyond whiskey collectors
- A recognised and historic Irish whiskey name
It is an excellent choice for:
- Birthdays
- Christmas
- Father’s Day
- Retirement gifts
- A 12th anniversary
- Bird-watching enthusiasts
- Gardeners
- Irish whiskey drinkers
- Environmentally minded recipients
- Someone beginning to explore premium Irish whiskey
The whiskey is established and approachable enough for someone new to Redbreast, while the feeder makes the pack unusual enough for an experienced collector.
Bird Feeder Gift Pack vs Standard Redbreast 12
The whiskey inside both versions is Redbreast 12 Year Old.
The difference is the presentation.
| Standard Redbreast 12 | Bird Feeder Gift Pack |
|---|---|
| Standard bottle presentation | Bottle inside a reusable feeder |
| 70cl | 70cl |
| 40% ABV | 40% ABV |
| 12-year age statement | 12-year age statement |
| Bourbon and sherry cask maturation | Bourbon and sherry cask maturation |
| Designed primarily for drinking | Designed for gifting and reuse |
| Core-range presentation | Special-edition packaging |
Choose the standard Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey when the presentation is not important.
Choose the bird feeder pack when buying a gift, supporting the conservation partnership or adding an unusual Redbreast presentation to a collection.
Bird Feeder and Miniature Gift Pack
HTFW also stocks a Redbreast Bird Feeder and Miniature Gift Pack.
This expanded set combines the reusable feeder and full-sized bottle with a selection of Redbreast miniatures, providing an opportunity to compare different expressions from the range.
It is a stronger choice for:
- A larger milestone gift
- A guided Redbreast tasting
- Someone new to the wider range
- Collectors of miniatures
- Irish whiskey enthusiasts who enjoy side-by-side comparisons
The standard bird feeder pack remains the more straightforward option when the classic 12 Year Old is the main focus.
Redbreast 12 vs Redbreast 12 Cask Strength
Both expressions use the same broad style of pot still spirit and bourbon and sherry cask maturation, but their drinking experiences differ significantly.
| Redbreast 12 | Redbreast 12 Cask Strength |
| 40% ABV | Bottled at natural cask strength |
| Smooth and approachable | More powerful and concentrated |
| Easy to drink neat | Often benefits from water |
| Balanced fruit, spice and oak | Intensified fruit, spice and sherry |
| Suitable for newcomers | Better suited to experienced drinkers |
| Core Redbreast expression | Batch-specific release |
The standard Redbreast 12 provides the most balanced introduction to the house style.
The Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength offers a more forceful version with greater weight, heat and flavour concentration.
Redbreast 12 vs Redbreast 15
Redbreast 15 Year Old spends an additional three years in cask and is bottled at 46% ABV.
| Redbreast 12 | Redbreast 15 |
| Aged 12 years | Aged 15 years |
| 40% ABV | 46% ABV |
| Balanced fruit and spice | Richer berry fruit and spice |
| Silky and approachable | Fuller and more mature |
| Toasted oak and sherry | Deeper oak and aromatic oils |
| Ideal introduction | Suited to experienced drinkers |
The 12 Year Old is often the better starting point because it shows the Redbreast style clearly without excessive oak or strength.
The 15 Year Old adds more mature fruit, aromatic oils and toasted wood for a deeper and slightly more powerful experience.
Redbreast 12 vs Lustau Edition
Redbreast Lustau Edition places additional emphasis on the brand’s historic connection with Spanish sherry casks.
The whiskey is initially matured in bourbon and sherry casks before a final period in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts from Bodegas Lustau.
| Redbreast 12 | Redbreast Lustau |
| 12-year age statement | No age statement |
| 40% ABV | 46% ABV |
| Balanced bourbon and sherry influence | More pronounced sherry character |
| Fruit, spice and toasted oak | Dark fruit, nuts and richer sweetness |
| Classic house style | Sherry-focused variation |
| Best first Redbreast bottle | Best for sherry-cask enthusiasts |
Choose Redbreast 12 for the most traditional and balanced introduction.
Choose Lustau Edition for richer dried fruit, nut and Oloroso sherry influence.
Explore Older Redbreast Whiskey
The Redbreast range extends considerably beyond the classic 12 Year Old.
Redbreast 18 Year Old introduces additional age and cream-sherry cask influence, with darker fruit, tannin and chocolate joining the established pot still character.
Redbreast 21 Year Old combines extended maturation with tropical fruit, spice and polished oak.
The wider collection also includes:
- Redbreast PX Edition
- Redbreast Tawny Port Edition
- Redbreast Moscatel Cask Edition
- Redbreast 27 Year Old
- Batch-specific cask-strength bottlings
- Limited Dream Cask releases
Browse the complete Redbreast range to compare ages, strengths and cask finishes.
Other Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey to Explore
Drinkers who enjoy Redbreast may also appreciate other traditional Irish pot still expressions.
Powers John’s Lane 12 Year Old offers earthy spice, leather, tobacco, dark chocolate and charred oak.
The Spot Whiskey range provides another historic approach to single pot still Irish whiskey, with expressions matured across bourbon, sherry and selected wine casks.
Explore the wider HTFW collection of Irish whiskey to compare pot still, single malt, grain and blended styles.
Why the Redbreast Bird Feeder Gift Pack Stands Out
The gift pack offers:
- Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
- A full 12-year age statement
- Bourbon and sherry cask maturation
- Triple distillation in copper pot stills
- Malted and unmalted Irish barley
- A rich balance of fruit, spice and toasted oak
- An approachable 40% ABV
- A reusable garden bird feeder
- A partnership with BirdLife International
- Proceeds supporting bird conservation
- A direct connection with Redbreast’s robin-inspired name
- Strong gifting and collector appeal
Few whiskey gift packs connect their packaging, brand history and charitable purpose as naturally as this release.
Why Buy the Redbreast Bird Feeder Gift Pack at HTFW?
Hard To Find Whisky stocks the Redbreast Bird Feeder Gift Pack alongside a broad collection of Irish whiskey, gift sets, limited editions and older Redbreast releases.
Customers ordering from HTFW benefit from:
- Authentic bottles sourced from established suppliers
- Secure, purpose-designed bottle packaging
- UK and international delivery options
- Free personalised gift messages
- Access to unusual and limited-edition presentations
- A family-run drinks specialist trading since 1991
- A Birmingham retail store for in-person shopping
The current pack contains a 70cl bottle of Redbreast 12 Year Old at 40% ABV inside its reusable bird feeder casing.
Final Thoughts
The Redbreast 12 Year Old Bird Feeder Gift Pack succeeds because its presentation is closely connected with the whiskey’s identity.
Redbreast has carried the name of the robin since the early 20th century. The modern feeder casing develops that history into something practical, allowing the packaging to be reused in the garden while proceeds support BirdLife International.
Inside is one of the defining examples of single pot still Irish whiskey. Malted and unmalted barley, triple distillation and 12 years in bourbon and sherry casks create a rich combination of dried fruit, vanilla, peppery spice and toasted oak.
It is accessible enough for someone discovering premium Irish whiskey, but established and complex enough to satisfy an experienced drinker.
For birthdays, Christmas, retirement gifts or anyone who shares an interest in whiskey and wildlife, it offers considerably more character than a conventional bottle and box.
Shop the Redbreast 12 Year Old Bird Feeder Gift Pack now at HTFW.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Redbreast Bird Feeder Gift Pack?
The pack contains a 70cl bottle of Redbreast 12 Year Old inside a decorative casing that can be reused as a garden bird feeder.
Is Redbreast 12 a single malt?
No. Redbreast 12 is officially a single pot still Irish whiskey made from both malted and unmalted barley.
Where is Redbreast made?
Redbreast is produced at Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland.
How old is the whiskey?
The whiskey has been matured for at least 12 years.
What type of casks are used?
Redbreast 12 is matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks.
What is the alcohol percentage?
It is bottled at 40% ABV.
How large is the bottle?
The pack contains one 70cl bottle.
What does Redbreast 12 taste like?
It combines fruit, dried fruit, sherry sweetness, pot still spice, vanilla and toasted oak with a silky texture and long finish.
Can the packaging really be used as a bird feeder?
Yes. Once the bottle is removed, the specially designed casing can be filled with bird feed and hung outdoors.
Does the pack support a charity?
Yes. Proceeds from sales support BirdLife International and its bird-conservation work.
Why is the whiskey called Redbreast?
The name refers to the robin redbreast and is attributed to a former chairman of Gilbey’s who was an enthusiastic bird fancier.
When was the Redbreast name first used?
The first official documented reference dates to August 1912.
Is the bird feeder edition limited?
It is released as a special-edition presentation rather than the permanent standard packaging, so availability can vary.
How should Redbreast 12 be served?
It can be enjoyed neat, with a few drops of water, over one large ice cube or in a simple whiskey cocktail.
Is it a good gift?
Yes. It combines a highly regarded age-stated Irish whiskey with reusable packaging and a connection to bird conservation.
