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Midleton Very Rare 2022 – Truly The Pinnacle Of Irish Whiskey!

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The Midleton Very Rare 2022

Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has unveiled the eagerly awaited second Midleton Very Rare annual vintage to be released by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman!

Midleton Very Rare is globally renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey!

For the 39th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range, O’Gorman and the team of highly skilled whiskey makers at Midleton distillery, Co. Cork, once again enjoyed the pick of the finest whiskeys in the distiller’s inventory.

The Midleton Very Rare legacy began over four decades ago when the then masters, ever keen to create exemplary expressions, began setting aside small amounts of exceptionally performing whiskey for a new luxury offering in the world of Irish whiskey. Today, Midleton Very Rare is globally renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

Drawing heavily from Midleton’s much-coveted ‘A2’ traditional stone warehouse dating back to the 1860s, O’Gorman and his team selected a blend of single pot still and single grain whiskeys from the inventory to create a whiskey worthy to carry the name of Midleton Very Rare for the latest annual vintage.

Featuring whiskeys aged between 12 and 33 years matured in lightly charred first fill and refill ex-bourbon American oak barrels, O’Gorman continued to draw on his wealth of experience of both distillation and maturation to maintain a significant contribution from the excellent single grain whiskeys in Midleton’s inventory, while once again allowing the pot still component to express itself within a delicately blended vintage.

Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman

As with any Midleton Very Rare Vintage, we start the search for our perfect components many months in advance, in a bid to create the luxurious, balanced aroma and taste profile for which this annual release is renowned.

Drawing predominantly from our historic A2 warehouse, we have selected a blend of whiskeys that work together beautifully – from superb grain whiskeys dating back to 1989 with beautiful floral and rosewater notes, to some truly wonderful pot still whiskeys from 2009 that offer a delightful fruit element with citrus.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller

Beginning the search for the perfect blend from Midleton’s inventory in summer 2021, O’Gorman and the Midleton team sampled whiskeys from hundreds of casks that have been set aside over many years for potential inclusion in a prestigious Midleton Very Rare annual vintage.

Bottled from a single vatting during January 2022 at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2022 will be available over the coming months in the USA, Canada, Global Travel Retail, Europe, Australia, and Asia at the RRP of €200

Focusing on a small collection of casks considered to be at their optimal moment for selection, O’Gorman then worked with three prototypes that all offered an experience worthy of the pinnacle of Irish whiskey, only settling on his ultimate selection after taking all three home for a weekend of final tasting and consideration.

We were delighted to create three incredibly strong liquids for consideration, all worthy of becoming a Midleton Very Rare annual vintage.

In the end, I kept returning to the vintage we are launching today, a stunning whiskey bursting with notes of fruit and citrus, a palate of caramelised red apples, orange zest with luscious, sweet, decadent waves of crème brûlée, and culminating in a rich and lasting finish.
– Kevin

In keeping with the traditions of the Midleton masters, part of the job for O’Gorman and his team was to check the progress of those whiskeys already set aside for potential future inclusion, as well as to lay down the finest new distillate.

Our annual Midleton Very Rare vintage is not only a unique opportunity to re-nose some of the very finest whiskeys in our inventory, but also to consider which distillates and casks we should place into warehouse A2 for our forward planning.

This is an extremely enjoyable experience knowing that some of these casks that we’ve put aside may be selected as part of a vintage many years from now.
– Deirdre O’Carroll: Blender

Bottled from a single vatting during January 2022 at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2022 will be available over the coming months in the USA, Canada, Global Travel Retail, Europe, Australia, and Asia at the RRP of €200

Tasting Notes

Aroma
Fruit-led introduction with fresh citrus notes of mandarin and candied apple, while dustings of white pepper with grated nutmeg deliver subtle levels of spice that complement the rich and velvety tones of hazelnut chocolate and toffee. Carefully balanced, the charred oak works in tandem with the elegant grain character, elevating the delicate and nuanced fresh floral tones with the addition of sweet vanilla and warming toasted wood aromas.

Taste
Caramelised red apples and orange zest with luscious, sweet, and decadent waves of crème brûlée that seamlessly intertwine with the pot still spices and cereal undertones, creating an intriguing and wonderful medley of fruits and spices.

Finish
Rich and lasting finish in which the grain and pot still spices are the first to softly fade, allowing the oak – after years of carefully maturing the spirit – to have the final say.

Midleton Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach “Kylebeg Wood” Released Today!

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Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach collection – “Kylebeg Wood”

Irish Distillers has introduced the fourth release in the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach collection – “Kylebeg Wood”, a remarkable addition that can arguably boast the series’ most significant support of the conservation of oak woodlands yet, as well as adding another important chapter for the pinnacle of Irish whiskey!

For the fourth instalment of the Dair Ghaelach series, which translates simply as ‘Irish oak’, Midleton’s Masters worked with the guardians of Kylebeg Wood on the Ballykilcavan Estate near Stradbally, Co. Laois, to carefully select the seven trees that would be used to create the finest virgin Irish oak hogsheads in which to mature some of their most exquisite whiskeys.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Kylebeg Wood is available globally now!

Further reinforcing Midleton’s provenance and standing as a true taste of Ireland, the result is a liquid imbued with the unique fingerprint of Kylebeg Wood and a spellbinding new take on the Dair Ghaelach series.

With each bottling traceable to a single tree, Midleton Very Rare Kylebeg Wood offers a range of seven whiskeys bottled at cask strengths ranging from 55.4%-56.1% ABV, all with the hallmark inspiration of fragrant woodland spices and a heightened intensity of rich wood tannins that allow the influence of the Irish oak to linger on the palate until the very end.

Irish Distillers’ partnership with Kylebeg Wood is the ultimate example of how we are collaborating with Ireland’s forestry custodians to marry sustainable Irish oak with the highest standards in forestry practice and conservation, with some of the finest craftsmanship to be found anywhere in the world of whiskey.

Once harvested from Kylebeg Wood, the resulting oak logs were separately packed and shipped to the Spanish region of Galicia and the Maderbar Sawmills in Barralla where, for more than fifty years, the same family has been working with wood. Here the oak was cut, using the time-honoured craft of quarter sawing before the resulting stave wood made the ten-hour journey from the sawmills to the Antonio Paez Lobato cooperage in Jerez, where they were laid out to dry naturally in the warmth of the Spanish sun.

It took fifteen more months before these oak staves were ready to create 42 of the most special casks to be found anywhere in the world, each was then given a light toast to my own specifications before returning from Spain to be filled with a specially selected range of our finest Single Pot Still whiskeys, previously matured in American oak barrels for between thirteen to twenty-five years.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller

Nosed and tasted every month for a further fifteen months, Kevin O’Gorman, Master Blender Billy Leighton, and Blender David McCabe kept a vigilant watch on the barrels before the resulting liquid was deemed to have struck a perfect balance with Midleton’s hallmark Single Pot Still character.

Seven whiskeys bottled at cask strengths ranging from 55.4%-56.1% ABV, all boasting fragrant woodland spices and rich woody notes!

The first Single Pot Still Irish whiskey to be matured in Irish oak from County Laois, Midleton Very Rare Kylebeg Wood is as individual as it is irresistible, and a whiskey that is as satisfyingly Irish as it is undeniably elegant.
– Kevin

Part of a carefully curated felling programme, the space created through the felling of the trees used to create Midleton Very Rare Kylebeg Wood hogsheads has allowed light to once again meet the forest floor. Now a new generation of saplings, planted following the felling, rise to take their place in the canopy above.

This method of forest management, that is practiced in Kylebeg Wood has contributed to the reappearance of the pine marten to the Laois countryside. This in turn has impacted the alien grey squirrel and helped the native red squirrel, which had practically vanished from the local area.

Situated amidst rolling fields of barley, the native Irish woodland on the Ballykilcavan Estate has been managed carefully and in tune with nature by the Walsh-Kemmis family for thirteen generations since 1639,

Kylebeg Wood – or ‘An Choill Bheag’ in the Irish language – translates as ‘the little wood’, and it was in this little wood that native Irish oak was planted in 1820 to replace trees that were felled for shipbuilding during the Napoleonic Wars.

Today, through an Irish Distillers sponsored monitoring system we use a ‘close to nature’ forest management system in line with international best practice (as assessed using the AFI Protocol*) ensuring sustainable management of our majestic Irish oak.
– Paddy Purser: forest manager and consultant, who worked closely with the Midleton team on the project

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Kylebeg Wood is available globally now, RRP: €310 per 70cl

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Kylebeg Wood Tasting Notes

Nose: Fragrant woodland spices with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg to the fore accompanied by aromatic oils and dried, earthy undertones. The classic pot still spices build over time working in tandem with delicate hints of nectarine to create a zesty fruit note with light dustings of white pepper. Additional aromas of dairy fudge and vanilla with a rich nutty character further accentuate the sweet and savoury nature of this wonderfully complex whiskey.

Taste: Fortified by the Irish Oak, the pot still spices lead with a heightened intensity thanks to the rich wood tannins before subsiding to reveal velvety tones of caramel with sweet stewed apple and touches of orange peel. Dark chocolate with subtle notes of honeycomb and vanilla weave amongst the spices, fruits and oak adding further complexity and intrigue.

Finish: Delightfully long finish with the fruits and spices slowly fading, allowing the Irish Oak to linger until the very end.

About Irish Distillers and AFI*

Committed to giving back to nature and nurturing a sustainable environment for Kylebeg Wood, Irish Distillers has supported an internationally recognised protocol for monitoring forest growth and management called the AFI* protocol. 

Kylebeg Wood is one of over 100 forests across western Europe that are similarly monitored.  Under this protocol, the forest is assessed every five years in terms of its sustainability, productivity and ecology.  The objective is to learn about how the forest develops over time and responds to different management interventions. 

It is intended that this will be used as a demonstration and measurement of best oak forest management practice in Ireland and is also an investment in the long-term development and production of coopering grade oak in Ireland. 

*AFI stands for Association Futaie Irrégulière which means Association of Irregular Forestry

Shhh! Midleton Releases Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection – Chapter Two!

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Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Two

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Two, the second release in Ireland’s oldest ever whiskey collection, has been launched.

Midleton Very Rare, renowned as the Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, is produced in Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, Ireland and the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection is a collection of six releases. There will be one release annually from 2020 until 2025, ranging in age from 45 to 50 years old, all from the legendary Old Midleton Distillery which operated from 1825-1975.

Just 70 bottles are available!

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One launched in 2020 with great acclaim and reaffirmed the beginning of a new era for ultra-rare luxury Irish whiskey. Chapter Two is an exceptional 46-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1973 in the signature style of Old Midleton and represents the next chapter in a period of reawakening from the silence of the fabled distillery.

With just 70 bottles of this extraordinarily rare Irish whiskey produced, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Two is incomparable in terms of age and history and presents as a true connoisseur’s dream.

Created and matured under the guardianship of four celebrated Master Distillers, the whiskey has been enhanced through each changing of hands, with each Master taking great care to protect the legacy of the precious liquid.

While Old Midleton Distillery was famous throughout the world for its single pot still Irish whiskey, by the time the spirit for Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Two was laid down in the early 1970s, single pot still Irish whiskey had almost disappeared as a category. It was the then Master Distiller Max Crockett’s unyielding dedication to the style and its enduring quality that paved the way for this extraordinary release today.

Distilled in the world’s largest copper pot still, Chapter Two enjoyed an exceptional maturation journey, aging over an unprecedented 46 years. Initially filled into a selection of sherry and bourbon casks and left undisturbed for over 20 years, the whiskey was then married and recasked into refill bourbon casks under the guardianship of Barry Crockett, Master Distiller and son of Max.

Years passed and the whiskey was later recasked into newly arrived port pipes and once again laid down, gaining further depth and complexity until deemed to have acquired the optimum rich fruit and oak contribution sought out by the Master Distiller. For the concluding part of the journey, the whiskey finally rested in a refill Bourbon cask, allowing the many influences to combine and further evolve under the stewardship of distillers Brian Nation (Master Distiller 2013 – 2020) and Kevin O’Gorman (current Master Distiller).

Kevin O’Gorman is only the fourth person in 75 years to hold the title of Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Commenting on the unique history and complexity of Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Two, O’Gorman explains:

Like the distillate itself, the maturation journey of this whiskey is both complex and rare. The craft of recasking requires incredible attention to detail and constant sensory assessment. When managed successfully it can produce an exquisite whiskey of great complexity. The benefits of the recasking process are evident in the remarkable vibrancy of this ultra-aged Irish whiskey.

As Master of Maturation it was a joy to oversee the aging process of this expression in recent years. This year as Master Distiller, and with the whiskey at peak perfection, I had the pleasure of overseeing its bottling as Chapter Two in the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery

Old Midleton Distillery was world renowned for Irish whiskey but when it closed its doors for the last time in 1975, it became an iconic part of Irish distilling legend. As word of this ‘unicorn’ Irish whiskey collection swirls around the whiskey world, these precious bottlings have become highly sought after by whiskey appreciators across the globe.

The Silent Distillery Collection is inspired by nature’s elements – water, fire, earth and wood

The Silent Distillery Collection is inspired by nature’s elements – water, fire, earth and wood. Chapter Two’s packaging and photography pay homage to the role of the water of the Dungourney river in Irish whiskey history, both as a power source and essential raw material. Each subsequent release will reflect the element which most influenced its creation.

Staying true to its proud Irish heritage and luxury craftsmanship, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Two has been decanted into handblown and etched crystal decanter bottles, produced by Ireland’s Waterford Crystal, with each of the bottles individually numbered 1-70. The bottle comes displayed in a bespoke wooden cabinet handcrafted by Irish designer, John Galvin, using wood up to 200 years old from reclaimed oak whiskey vats in addition to ancient Elm and rare Japanese Tamo.

ABOUT THE WHISKEY

Age: 46 Years
Distillate type: Single Pot Still
Cask type: Single cask – third fill Bourbon
Release Date: May 2021
70 bottles
RRP: €40,000, £38,000, $45,000
Availability: Ireland, UK, Global Travel Retail, US, France

TASTING NOTES

Nose: The first impression is a vibrant, fruity bouquet intertwined with a pleasing hint of exotic spices and soft sweetness. Decades of maturing in seasoned oak casks add a woody definition to the initial notes, while the fragrance of dark fruits and their zest effortlessly complements the delicate aromas of pot still spices, hazelnut and worn leather.

Taste: An assortment of berry fruits and mellow pot still spices slowly build in intensity, with each element enhancing the next. Subtle hints of anise and ginger weave amongst the unmistakably sweet characteristics of malt and oak. In the background, understated fruit flavours linger throughout.

Finish: The delicate spice and fruit flavours gradually fade, leaving the oak to have the last word.

Midleton Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton Very Rare 2021 Released – First Midleton Vintage Whiskey From Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman!

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The First Midleton Very Rare vintage from Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman!

Irish Distillers has opened a new chapter in Irish whiskey as they reveal Midleton Very Rare 2021 – the 38th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range and the first in the series to be masterfully created by Irish Distillers’ new Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman!

Kevin O’Gorman took several months to explore the finest casks in the Midleton inventory

The Midleton Very Rare legacy began over four decades ago when the then masters, ever keen to create exemplary expressions, began setting aside small amounts of exceptionally performing whiskey for a new luxury offering in the world of Irish whiskey. Today, Midleton Very Rare is globally renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

In keeping with tradition, #MidletonVeryRare2021 is a balanced blend of rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys from Midleton’s extensive inventory. It includes whiskey aged between 15 and 36 years and matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

Making his first selection as Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman took several months to explore the finest casks in the Midleton inventory as he sought to put his own mark on this eagerly awaited annual limited-edition release. Drawing on his experience in both distillation and maturation, O’Gorman elevated the grain whiskey contribution for the 2021 vintage to create a delicate and elegant whiskey.

In order to maintain a luxurious, balanced aroma and taste profile, O’Gorman selected a perfect mix of first fill and second fill casks to enhance the wood contribution while allowing the pot still component to express itself.

Midleton Very Rare 2021 vintage will be the first to be launched at the start of the year

The result is a whiskey of great finesse, with a floral, perfumed character. The higher selection of grain whiskeys extends the spectrum of flavours and aromas to include baked orchard fruits, lime zest and kiwi, perfectly rounded off with mild pot still spices and soft waves of vanilla from the exceptional bourbon casks.

It is a great honour to become the custodian of this extraordinary Irish whiskey family and to have my signature adorn our 2021 vintage.

The journey to launching this vintage began almost 40 years ago. Continuing the work of my predecessors was both a daunting and extremely enjoyable process that allowed me to explore some of our rarest casks and create an exceptional blend that sits seamlessly within the family.

I am particularly proud to have been able to include distillate that was laid down in 1984, the year the collection was first conceived by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, from who I have learned so much.

For me, this vintage adds a new dimension and elegance to the style and quality for which the range is renowned. I couldn’t ask for a better way to begin my chapter as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller

Midleton Very Rare 2021 is available online and in Ireland now!

Beginning a new tradition under the guardianship of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, the Midleton Very Rare 2021 vintage will be the first to be launched at the start of the year, in response to consumer demand.

As the new Midleton Very Rare calendar establishes this year, Ireland, online platforms and select markets will retain an allocation for a second sales period in late autumn to ensure availability before the festive period, in keeping with customer expectations.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2021 is available online and in Ireland now, and will hit shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail, Australia, Germany, France and Canada in the coming months at the RRP of €180.

Shop online: midletonveryrare.com

Midleton is also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Sampling Midleton Very Rare 2020: Irish Whiskey At It’s Finest!

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Midleton Very Rare 2020!

Irish Distillers has unveiled the eagerly awaited Midleton Very Rare 2020, a unique parting gift from former Master Distiller Brian Nation!

This is the 37th edition in the world-renowned range!

In his final days as Master Distiller, Brian continued the long-standing tradition of hand-selecting whiskeys reserved for this coveted annual expression from Midleton Distillery’s exceptional inventory for the last time.

The result heralds the 37th edition in the world-renowned range.

Chosen from the most outstanding quality single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys laid down over the past four decades in Midleton, Co Cork, Midleton Very Rare 2020 showcases an expression of whiskeys aged from 13 to 35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

“This dram is like nostalgia in a glass – I’m getting very wistful!”

This year, Brian Nation selected a higher pot still inclusion when compared to previous vintages, while also increasing the use of refill barrels amongst his choice of casks. The result is a luxurious and balanced whiskey with rich pot still notes and elegant grain distillates that take centre stage thanks to the inclusion of refill casks – a fitting legacy from one of Irish whiskey’s great Master Distillers.

As a colleague and friend to Brian for many years, I could not be prouder to present his final Midleton Very Rare vintage and his legacy as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller, to consumers across the globe.

Selected each year with passion and precision, this expression offers an initial burst of tangy fruity sweetness on the palate, with pot still spices building over time to add a mild prickle of chili oil.

Indeed, Brian’s love of a single pot still is reflected in this exceptional whiskey, while preserving the balance and beauty for which Midleton Very Rare is renowned.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Irish Distillers

Former Master Distiller Brian Nation and Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman

In a break from tradition and in response to consumer demand for the annual vintage to be made available earlier in the year in question, newly appointed Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman will reveal Midleton Very Rare 2021 in spring next year, honouring a rare changing of the guard at the iconic Midleton Distillery.

Only the third Master Distiller to influence one of the world’s most sought-after whiskey collections, the unveiling of Midleton Very Rare 2021 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the world of Irish whiskey.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2020 is available online and in Ireland now, and will hit shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail, Australia, Germany and Canada in the coming months at the RRP of €180.

The Midleton Family!

I was lucky enough to be invited to an online sampling of this years Midleton Very Rare. Many thanks to midletonveryrare.com (Instagram: @midletonveryrare) for the invite – the beautiful sample and glass set & the chance to try such an amazing dram!
Slainte!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Midleton Very Rare 2020 (40%)

For those who are curious, keeping the brand at 40% ABV (rather than have cask-strength versions) is designed to keep the balance of the whiskey just right and to maintain consistency over the yearly releases.


Colour: Golden sherry!

Nose: Gorgeous orange, tangerine and honeyed, vanilla toffee – delightful! There’s orchard fruits – mainly apples and heavy shades of dusky rooms, furniture polish and plasticine – love it!

Palate: Similar to the nose with increased lemon and orange citrus. The vanilla caramel combines well with delicate tropical fruit.

Finish: Incredibly smooth finish with a soft, spicy pepper.

Overall: This dram is like nostalgia in a glass – I’m getting very wistful!

Too be honest, it’s TOO drinkable, so restraint is required, unless you want to gaze upon an empty bottle in double-quick time!

I also Love the bespoke glasses which are very swish! They’ll be going on my display shelf for sure!

The beautiful Midleton Very Rare sample and glass set I was sent!

About Midleton Very Rare

Midleton Very Rare is the ultimate expression of craftsmanship from Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery. Released once a year, Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller hand-selects the finest and rarest whiskeys from the inventory of Midleton Distillery before blending them to create a true whiskey masterpiece, often referred to as the ‘pinnacle of Irish whiskey’.

Created in 1984 by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, to date only two Master Distillers, Barry Crocket and Brian Nation, have had the privilege of preserving its legacy.

Midleton is also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Irish Distillers Named ‘Importer Of The Year’ 2020!

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Redbreast Whiskey was presented with coveted Gold medals!

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has been named Importer of the Year at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach

The accolade follows a stellar year for the world’s leading distiller of Irish whiskey, with brands across its portfolio achieving an outstanding 25 medals.

The Importer of the Year honour recognises the achievement of the distiller who attains the greatest number and level of medals. This year the award highlights Irish Distillers’ consistent commitment to producing whiskeys of outstanding quality to deliver exceptional experiences for discerning whiskey drinkers around the globe.

In addition to honouring Irish Distillers with one of its top awards, the judges of the annual tasting competition awarded its portfolio of Irish whiskeys with six Double Gold medals – including an exceptional performance from its celebrated and historic Spot range as Red Spot, Green Spot and Yellow Spot all collected a Double Gold medal.

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength also received Double Gold, testament to the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys produced at Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery in County Cork. Newcomer Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach Knockrath Forest was also highly commended, achieving a Double Gold medal on its first outing at the competition, reinforcing Midleton Very Rare’s standing as the pinnacle expression of Irish whiskey.

Midleton – Dair Ghaelach

The Redbreast portfolio continued its legacy as the world’s most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey as Redbreast 12, Redbreast 15, Redbreast 21 and Redbreast Lustau Edition were presented with coveted Gold medals. The bold and distinctive taste of the Powers range was also recognised, with the judges awarding Powers John’s Lane, Powers Three Swallow and Powers Gold Label with Gold Medals.

The accolades follow a dynamic new bottle design for Powers, announced earlier this year, as part of a bid to attract a new generation of drinkers to one of Ireland’s most loved whiskey brands.

Irish Distillers’ intrepid step into the modern premium gin market was also rewarded, with its METHOD AND MADNESS Irish Micro Distilled Gin taking home a Gold medal after being unveiled last year as the first release from Irish Distillers’ new Micro Distillery in Midleton.

The award acknowledges the commitment to experimentation and innovation within the METHOD AND MADNESS range, which continues to push the boundaries and re-write the future of modern Irish spirits.

We are delighted to have received such a fantastic range of honours from one of the world’s leading tasting competitions, and one of the ultimate accolades for any distiller to win – Importer of the Year.

We are incredibly proud that our whiskeys continue to impress both whiskey experts and connoisseurs around the world. These awards are a true testament of the passion, creativity and commitment of the world-class production team who make Midleton Distillery a special place to work.
– Tommy Keane: Production Director at Irish Distillers

METHOD AND MADNESS Irish Micro Distilled Gin

Now in its 20th year, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest spirits tasting competitions of its kind. A blind tasting process guarantees that every entry is judged fairly and given equal consideration.

Full results from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020:

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength – Double Gold Medal
Midleton Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest -Double Gold Medal
Method and Madness Single Malt – Double Gold
Green Spot – Double Gold Medal
Yellow Spot – Double Gold Medal
Red Spot – Double Gold Medal
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Gold Medal
Method and Madness Irish Micro Distilled Gin – Gold Medal
Jameson Crested – Gold Medal
Jameson 18 Year Old – Gold Medal
Jameson Coopers Croze – Gold Medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old – Gold Medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Gold Medal
Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold Medal
Redbreast 21 Year Old – Gold Medal
Redbreast Lustau Edition – Gold Medal
Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old – Gold Medal
Powers Three Swallow – Gold Medal
Powers Gold Label – Gold Medal
Midleton Very Rare 2019 – Gold Medal
Method and Madness Single Grain Irish – Silver Medal
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Silver Medal
Jameson Black Barrel – Silver Medal
Jameson Distillers Safe – Silver Medal
Jameson Blender’s Dog – Silver Medal

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Redbreast Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Powers Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton Very Rare Release The Oldest Ever Irish Whiskey Collection!

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Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection

February 2020 sees the launch of the first release from Ireland’s oldest ever whiskey collection. Midleton Very Rare, renowned as the Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, is produced in Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, Ireland and the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection is a collection of six releases.

Availability: only 48 750ml bottles in Ireland, UK, France and US

The first is a 45-year-old Irish single malt. There will be one release annually until the year 2025, ranging in age from 45 to 50 years old, all from the fabled Old Midleton Distillery (operating 1825-1975). The last release will coincide with Old Midleton Distillery’s 200th birthday.

A ‘silent’ distillery is one that has closed its doors and been lost to ages past, achieving almost mythical status. As rumours of this ‘unicorn’ whiskey swirl around the whiskey world, these precious bottlings have become highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts. A traditional distillery, Old Midleton Distillery was famous throughout the world for Irish whiskey, but when it closed its doors for the last time in 1975, it became an iconic part of Irish distilling legend.

While other silent distilleries have re-opened and been brought back to life, Old Midleton has been fully decommissioned and will never produce again. Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter One will be the first official release from Old Midleton Distillery in 16 years and the collection represents some of the last drops of this inimitable spirit before the distillery closed its doors forever.

When the spirit for Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One was laid down in 1974 under Master Distiller Emeritus Max Crockett, a year before the closure of Old Midleton Distillery, it was part of a series of innovative trials never to be released or repeated. Crockett’s experimentation with peated single malt whiskey from 1964 to 1974 will come to light for the very first time through this release which paves the way for new beginnings in the world of ultra-rare, luxury Irish whiskey.

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One is the only release in this collection to have been created as a peated single malt – pure innovation for Irish whiskey at the time, and rare still today. Decades in the making, the third-fill sherry cask cask that has influenced this whiskey has been lying dormant for 45 years. This makes it one of the world’s rarest whiskeys by its very nature. The cask contributes notes of ripe honeydew melon, red berries and sweet spices of toasted oak.

Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, son of Max Crockett, recalls sourcing the peat for this 45 year old expression, which will be the last peated whiskey ever from Old Midleton Distillery. During this time, Barry was learning his trade from his father, Max Crockett, the ‘forefather’ of modern-day Irish whiskey. In recent years it has been the work of Master Distiller Brian Nation to monitor, sample and determine the ideal bottling time for this rare whiskey laid down by his predecessors. Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection represents a unique opportunity to taste the work of three legends.

Staying true to its proud Irish heritage and luxury craftsmanship, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter One will be decanted into handblown and etched crystal decanter bottles, produced by Ireland’s Waterford Crystal, with each of the bottles individually numbered. The bottle comes displayed in a wooden cabinet handcrafted by Irish designer, John Galvin, using wood up to 200 years old from ancient reclaimed whiskey vats. This further cements Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection as the ideal treasure for any whiskey enthusiast.

There will be one release annually until the year 2025

It’s remarkable that 45 years on we could even be speaking about a whiskey which was distilled in the very final period of the Old Midleton Distillery. It is the ultimate heirloom and memento of the dedication to precise malt preparation, brewing and distillation skills of generations of distillers at Midleton.

Furthermore, it’s among the very last remaining whiskey distilled through the largest pot still in the world, a skill which in its own right required great refinement of the distiller’s art.
– Barry Crockett: Master Distiller Emeritus

One of the most wonderous parts of my job is that I am often responsible for safekeeping the legacy of another. For many years now, my colleagues and I have been caring for the work of Max and Barry Crockett, to determine the optimum time to share it with the world.

The team at Midleton Distillery is extremely proud that the time has finally come to introduce the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection.
– Brian Nation: Master Distillers at Irish Distillers



RRP: €35,000, £32,000, $40,000
ABV: 51.2%
Availability: 48 750ml bottles in Ireland, UK, France and US

Two bottles will be sold via ballot system on The 1825 Room, the Midleton Very Rare online members’ programme. Whiskey lovers can register their interest to be entered into a lottery to purchase a bottle from 9pm on 18th February for one week.

Tasting notes by Master Distiller Brian Nation

Nose: The first impression is very rich with deep, dark spices on a satisfying antique oak base. An earthy note of freshly cut peat, along with chamois leather, is lifted by a twist of grapefruit. The very old sherry wine seasoned hogshead cask contributes a touch of ripe honeydew melon and red berries as well as the sweet spices of toasted oak.
Taste: Instantly rich with the initial peppery spices slowly softening as the influence of the malted barley shows through. Liquorice root, barley sugar and honey bring some sweetness, just given a little edge by a touch of sherbet. All build on a solid foundation of toasted oak.
Finish: The rich spices and malted barley are slow to fade.

Midleton Very Rare is the ultimate expression of craftsmanship from Midleton Distillery. Created in 1984, by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, only two Master Distillers have had the privilege of preserving its legacy.

Once a year, Master Distiller Brian Nation hand-selects the finest and rarest whiskeys from the inventory of Midleton Distillery before blending them to create a true whiskey masterpiece, often referred to as the ‘pinnacle of Irish whiskey’. The artistry and expertise of the cask selection process for Midleton Very Rare’s annual vintage ensures that only the finest whiskeys bear the prestigious name.

The 1825 Room, an online membership platform giving exclusive access to rare releases and insights into the world’s most sought-after Irish whiskey, invites whiskey enthusiasts to learn more about the other expressions in the range. Namely the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach series, which derives its name from ‘Irish Oak’ as the first Irish whiskey to be finished in virgin Irish Oak, and Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy, a tribute to an iconic figure both in the history of both Midleton Distillery and Irish whiskey.

For more information or to become a member visit midletonveryrare.com

Midleton Very Rare 2018 – 35th Edition Unveiled!

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THE MIDLETON VERY RARE 2018 EDITION

Irish Distillers has unveiled the 2018 vintage of Midleton Very Rare.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2018 is available globally

The 35th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range, first unveiled in 1984, is a masterfully blended Irish whiskey, crafted at the Midleton Distillery, Co Cork, by Master Distiller Brian Nation.

Midleton Very Rare 2018 is the result of the careful blending of exceptional, rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys.

Each cask has been matured exclusively in lightly-charred ex-Bourbon American oak barrels for between 12 and 28 years, imparting a vanilla sweetness which is in keeping with the rich tradition laid down by the series over the past four decades.

The 2018 edition offers a subtle floral note alongside a hint of fresh herbs and citrus from the Irish grain whiskey contribution, which is complemented by the spicier Irish single pot still whiskey characteristics of cinnamon, clove and black pepper.

The vanilla sweetness contrasts with the charred oak to deliver a finishing touch of orchard fruit, green banana and a hint of barley sugar.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2018 is available globally from this month at the RRP of €180 in markets including Ireland, the UK, and the US.

It is a great honour to have my signature on the front of each bottle of Midleton Very Rare, and this acts as the ultimate guarantee of quality from the Midleton Distillery. We set aside very small amounts of particularly fine single pot still and single grain distillates each year so that the Midleton Very Rare legacy can continue.

This practice has been going on for over 40 years and today we are the proud custodians of the exceptional distillates with a duty of care to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the pinnacle of Irish whiskey as we do today.
– Brian Nation: Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery

Midleton is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle Club – A New Era for Luxury Irish Whiskey!

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A New Era for Luxury Irish Whiskey!

The Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle Club invites whisk(e)y enthusiasts and collectors to obtain their own cask of Midleton Very Rare Irish whiskey from a variety of exceptional casks hand selected by Master Distiller, Brian Nation for their quality and rarity. Selecting a cask of Midleton Very Rare whiskey is a truly unique experience. Once members have chosen a cask that suits their personal taste, they can bottle it immediately or instead request bottles of their unique whiskey as and when required.

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Selection 2017

The programme boasts an array of different whiskey styles and ages – from 12 to 30 years old – that have been matured in a range of cask types including Bourbon, Sherry, Malaga, Port, Irish Oak and Rum. Thirty casks have been made available at launch, with prices available on request.

By becoming a member of the Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle, guests will have access to the Distillery Concierge, a unique service that will assist members in every detail of their personal experience. From choosing their whiskey to planning an extended itinerary, the Concierge allows guests to discover the best Ireland has to offer, from world class golfing at illustrious courses to exploring some of the most picturesque scenery in the world.

Irish Distillers introduced the world to luxury Irish whiskey back in 1984 and Midleton Very Rare has since become the embodiment of exceptional quality, craftsmanship and collectability. The unveiling of the Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle Club and the new Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release heralds a new era for luxury Irish whiskey and is testament to the growing demand for our finest, prestige Irish whiskeys around the world.

We are proud of our position as long-standing guardians of our sector and we look forward to welcoming new additions to the Midleton Very Rare range in the years to come. Today’s launch allows Midleton Very Rare to further build upon its position as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.
– Jean Christophe-Coutures: Chairman and CEO at Irish Distillers

Just two Master Distillers have had the privilege of preserving the legacy of Midleton Very Rare with only a select number of casks deemed of sufficient excellence and rarity to bear the Midleton Very Rare name. Midleton Very Rare 2017 has been specially blended from a hand selected batch of ex-Bourbon Barrels ranging in age from 12 years to 32 years. The 2017 edition also marks a redesign for the brand, featuring a unique bottle design and presentation box that further completes the overall Midleton Rare experience and better reflects the quality and rarity of the whiskey inside. The elegant bottle takes inspiration from a writer’s ink well and a soft dip in the shoulder echoes the nib of a pen, creating a subtle link to Ireland’s literary legacy.

It has been a privilege for me to continue the legacy of Midleton Very Rare that Barry Crockett started in 1984. Midleton Very Rare is rightfully regarded as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey with each vintage cherished by collectors and whisk(e)y enthusiasts all over the world. Due to the handcrafted nature of this whiskey, there are slight variances in taste from year to year which add to the special nature of this whiskey.

The 2017 cask selection includes some 32-year-old Midleton Grain Whiskey which will contribute the lighter floral perfume notes along with some citrus fruit. A 26-year-old Single Pot Still whiskey has also been selected, which delivers a wide spectrum of typical spice character, such as sweet cinnamon and clove.
– Brian Nation: Master Distiller

Bottled at 40% ABV and without chill-filtration, the new-look Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2017 is available from this month at the RRP of €180 and is available in the USA, Canada, Ireland and Ireland Travel Retail.

Midleton Releases Very Rare 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition!

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The Midleton Very Rare 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition!

The Midleton Very Rare 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition!

The Midleton Distillery has unveiled Midleton Very Rare 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition – an exclusive, limited edition created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the expression heralded by many whisk(e)y experts as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

A true Irish masterpiece and a perfectly balanced exemplar of the Midleton Very Rare style, Pearl Edition is the result of a collaboration between Master Distiller, Brian Nation, and Barry Crockett, Master Distiller Emeritus, who share between them more than 60 years’ distilling experience at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork.

Barry and Brian personally selected a 1984 Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and a 1981 grain whiskey respectively to blend into a whiskey of exceptional quality. As is tradition, both whiskeys have been matured in American oak barrels, which after 30 years have imparted luscious vanilla and delicate honey flavours.

Local artisans have collaborated to provide exceptional and authentic packaging for the expression, befitting its outstanding quality and rarity. Each presentation pack is bespoke; the Leadbetter family of glassblowers from Jerpoint Glass Studio, Co. Kilkenny, has shaped each bottle individually, which sits in a grand box fashioned from the mightiest Irish oak by some of Ireland’s most-skilled, wood craftspeople from Co. Wexford. The case houses a limited edition, celebratory booklet and a hand-blown miniature of Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition to allow whiskey lovers to taste and share the whiskey without opening the full bottle.

Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition continues the tradition of featuring the signature of the creator on the label. As Master Distiller Emeritus, Barry Crockett returned to craft the expression with Master Distiller Brian Nation, the bottle features both names in recognition of their joint creation.

Brian said: “Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition has been 30 years in the making; 30 years of craft, 30 years of tradition and 30 years of patience. The liquid, its bottle and the presentation box are examples of the finest Irish craftsmanship, and offer whiskey aficionados the ultimate Irish whiskey experience by perfectly capturing our Irish heritage as we look to the future. Pearl Edition sets a new benchmark for Midleton Very Rare and the distillery’s Prestige Collection, as we continue to craft innovative whiskeys to further enhance the Irish whiskey renaissance.”

Barry Crockett, Master Distiller Emeritus, added: “Few things are worth coming out of retirement for, but the opportunity to be a part of the creation of Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition is certainly one of them. The whiskey is Midleton’s most prized possession and represents the greatest milestone since I crafted the first ever edition of Midleton Very Rare back in 1984. It is an honour to be a part of this release and Ireland’s rich distilling heritage, and I hope discerning drinkers and whiskey enthusiasts cherish every drop.”

With only 117 bottles in existence, Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition will be available in Ireland, UK, France, Germany and China, priced at €6,000 or equivalent, from November 2014.

Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition tasting notes:

NOSE

The initial fresh herbal notes of crushed garden mint and rosemary, are a testament to the quality of the ex-bourbon barrels in which this whiskey has rested for many years. Soft honey sweetness along with beeswax shows its antique character, while hints of gingerbread combine with toasted oak to compliment some pot still spices.

TASTE

The soft silky mouth coating is initially honey sweet, then the fresh herbal flavours follow through with a touch of menthol. The spicy notes concentrate, staying sweet with cinnamon and liquorice before the toasted oak adds to the complexity.

FINISH

The succulence of the herbs and spices is very slow to fade.

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