Pernod Ricard Launches Redbreast 15 Year Old Irish Whiskey in Korea

Pernod Ricard Korea has unveiled Redbreast 15 Year Old, a new variant of its Irish whiskey brand. The launch is aimed at meeting the growing demand for non-Scotch whiskeys in the rapidly expanding domestic market.

Redbreast 15 Year Old is crafted from whiskey that has been matured for a minimum of 15 years. The distiller uses premium bourbon casks and sherry casks for separate maturation, resulting in a more aged and flavorful profile. The master blender carefully selects and blends both first-fill and refill casks to create a distinctive aroma of berry fruit with subtle spice.

Korea Times noted that the distilling process of Redbreast 15 Year Old adheres to the traditional Irish "single pot still" method, which has been passed down since the 1800s. Utilizing a copper pot still and a combination of unmalted barley and germinated barley, the whiskey undergoes triple distillation for exceptional quality and character.

Earlier this year, Pernod Ricard Korea introduced Redbreast 12 Year Old in Korea for the first time, gaining recognition for its smooth and traditional Irish pot still whiskey. The newly launched 15 Year Old variation offers a spicier profile, coupled with a higher alcohol content of 46 percent, compared to the 12 Year Old's fruitier notes and 40 percent alcohol content.

A Surge in Korean Whiskey Consumption

According to Euromonitor International, Korea experienced a remarkable 46 percent increase in annual whiskey consumption in 2022, surpassing other countries worldwide. This surge is attributed to the preferences of millennials and Generation Z, who seek moderate drinking experiences and affordable luxuries following the impact of COVID-19.

Despite the prevailing preference for single-malt Scotch among Korean consumers, Pernod Ricard Korea anticipates a growing interest in Irish whiskey. According to the Korea Herald. International Wine & Spirit Record's data showed a significant 40.6 percent increase in non-Scotch whiskey sales in the Korean market over the past five years.

The Inspiration Behind Redbreast 15 Year Old

Billy Leighton, the master blender at Pernod Ricard's Irish whiskey distillery, expressed their mission to inspire Korean consumers, particularly the younger generation, who are eager for new experiences, with their Irish whiskey offerings.

To showcase Redbreast 15 Year Old and the new craft bourbon, Rabbit Hole Dareringer, Pernod Ricard Korea is hosting an exhibition at the Maison LeCercle lounge in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, until November 18. The event aims to attract local bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts alike.

Redbreast 15 Year Old is available at a net price of 160,000 won ($120) in select malt bars, key department stores, major discount retailers, and specialized liquor shops throughout South Korea. Whiskey enthusiasts can now explore the exceptional flavors and craftsmanship of this new addition to the Korean market.

Photo: Redbreast Whiskey Website