April 10th-17th, 2027
Overview
Join the Irish Whiskey Experiences Team for an unforgettable week in Jerez and the Sherry Triangle from 10th-17th April 2027, accompanied by Billy Leighton, Master Blender Emeritus at Midleton Distillery.
You can reserve your place today by clicking on the payment buttons above, and can choose to pay in full or a 50% deposit. Please note a single supplement of €550 applies.
During an extraordinary 47-year career with Irish Distillers, Billy played an instrumental role in the evolution of Redbreast, helping to create and shape many of the expressions we know and love today.
Billy’s relationship with Jerez spans decades. Throughout his career, he travelled regularly to the region to work with the people behind the sherry casks destined for Midleton, including Bodegas Lustau, a relationship that would ultimately give us Redbreast Lustau Edition.
One of the highlights of our week will be a private visit to Bodegas Lustau, where we’ll explore its historic cellars, enjoy a guided tasting of its exceptional sherries and dine within centuries old cellars alongside Billy.
We’ll also visit renowned cooper Antonio Páez Lobato, whose longstanding relationship with Midleton has helped provide the sherry-seasoned casks used to mature some of Ireland’s greatest whiskeys. Here, we’ll discover the skill and craftsmanship behind these casks and the hugely important role they play in shaping the flavour, richness and character of Irish whiskey.
Beyond the bodegas and cooperages, we’ll experience the very best of Andalusian culture, discovering the role of sherry in local cuisine, exploring the traditional taverns and cobbled streets of Jerez, and enjoying the passion and atmosphere of authentic flamenco performances.
With Billy sharing his stories, knowledge and first-hand experience throughout the week, this will be a truly unique exploration of the people, places and casks connecting Jerez with Irish whiskey.
*Disclaimer: all events, experiences & personalities are subject to change at the last moment where factors out of our control may require a change. In such a case, an appropriate alternative as chosen by Irish Whiskey Experiences will be substituted in its stead.
Trip Highlights
- Midleton Master Blender Emeritus, Billy Leighton, joining us for the entire trip
- Exploring the Redbreast family of whiskeys throughout the week
- Visiting Antonio Páez Lobato, the cooperage responsible for supplying sherry casks to Midelton Distillery and the wider Irish whiskey industry
- A private visit to Bodegas Lustau, an historic sherry house that gave us Redbreast Lustau
- Exclusive sherry and Redbreast paired dinner in centuries old cellars at Bodegas Lustau
- A sherry cooking class
- Oysters and whiskey on the beach
- Surprises along the way
