Whiskies Of Distinction: The Midleton Very Rare Series

The Midleton Very Rare series, a prestigious collection of Irish blended whiskeys, is meticulously crafted at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. It was first introduced in 1984 by Master Distiller Barry Crockett. This series is renowned for its exceptional quality and limited annual releases. Each bottle in the series blends Midleton’s finest and rarest whiskeys, carefully selected and matured to perfection. Here’s a brief history of the Midleton distillery and tasting notes of the Very Rare expressions. Midleton Very Rare is the latest addition to our ongoing Whiskies of Distinction™

The Midleton distillery is one of Ireland’s most storied whiskey distilleries. It produces some of the finest and most iconic Irish whiskeys, including renowned brands such as Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, and the prestigious Midleton Very Rare series.

The original Old Midleton Distillery was founded in 1825. It quickly gained a reputation for quality and became one of Ireland’s largest distilleries. In response to declining Irish whiskey sales over the 20th century and industry-wide consolidation, Irish Distillers (ID) was formed in 1966. ID merged Jameson, Powers, and Cork Distillers, eventually leading to the creation of the New Midleton Distillery in 1975.

The distillery uses a combination of large copper pot stills to produce traditional Irish pot still whiskey and a column still to produce lighter grain whiskeys used in blends. Maturation employs a variety of cask types, including ex-bourbon, Sherry, and other wine casks, to impart diverse flavors to the whiskeys.

The Midleton Very Rare Whiskeys are characterized by limited production, expert selection, unique blends, and considerable maturation. Approximately 500 to 2,500 cases are produced annually, with each bottle individually numbered and signed by the Master Distiller. The whiskeys in the blend are handpicked by the Master Distiller from the distillery’s finest stocks, and each release is a unique blend of single pot still and single grain whiskeys aged between 12 and 35 years.

Midleton Very Rare 2023, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml

The nose offers aromas of ripe and candied fruits, vanilla, and floral undertones, with hints of oak and honey. The palate is exceptionally smooth and fruity, featuring layers of sweet vanilla, caramel, green apple, and tropical fruits, balanced by subtle cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and seasoned oak spices. The finish is long, with lingering notes of cooked cereal and soft oak.

Midleton Very Rare 2022, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml

The nose features notes of ripe and candied red apples, sweet pears, chocolate, toasted hazelnut, and vanilla, with a touch of citrus, especially mandarin. It’s robust and smooth on the palate, featuring flavors of orchard fruits, vanilla cream/Crème Brulé, orange zest, and a touch of spice, especially cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of oak and spices.

Midleton Very Rare 2021, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml

The nose is dominated by a cocktail of orchard fruits, citrus, tropical fruits, vanilla, and floral notes, with a hint of sweet, cooked barley. This whiskey is fruity, smooth, and creamy on the palate. Its flavors include sweet citrus, banana, kiwi, mandarin, honey, marzipan, peach cobbler, coffee, and light spices. The finish is medium-long, with a sweet and slightly spicy aftertaste.

Midleton Very Rare 2020, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml

Powerful aromas of vanilla, orchard fruits, and a hint of spice, with notes of fresh oak, predominate on the nose. The palate is robust and flavorful, with vanilla, honey, white chocolate, marzipan, baked apples and pear, orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering oak and spices.

Midleton Very Rare 2019, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml

The whiskey features floral and fruit-forward aromas, with notes of fresh fruits, vanilla, and a hint of oak. It’s smooth and silky on the palate, with flavors of tropical fruits, apples, pears, apricots, vanilla, and light spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced by a hint of toasted oak. The finish is long and sweet, with a lingering fruity aftertaste.

Midleton Very Rare 2018, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml

Rich aromas of ripe fruit, particularly green apple, herbal notes of anise/licorice, toffee, and vanilla, with hints of spice and oak on the nose. The palate is smooth and complex, with flavors of honey, vanilla, and dried fruit complemented by a touch of spice and oak. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of cooked cereal, vanilla, and a hint of oak.

Midleton Very Rare 2017, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml

The nose showcases powerful aromas of ripe apples, kiwi, mango, a hint of coconut, and notes of honey and vanilla custard. Additional hints include toasted oak, floral notes of roses and jasmine, and assorted wood spices. The palate is smooth, silky, and flavorful, with flavors of vanilla, caramel, orchard fruits of apple and pear, tart red berries, and oranges, balanced by a touch of oak, ginger, and wood spices. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of cooked cereal and gentle oak.

Midleton Very Rare 2016, NAS, 40% ABV, 750 ml

The whiskeys’ nose is fruity and fragrant, featuring notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, and honey, with a hint of oak and spice. It’s smooth and creamy on the palate, featuring flavors of vanilla, Creme Brûlée, honey, chocolate, and ripe fruits, complemented by a touch of spice and oak. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of cooked cereal, vanilla, cinnamon, black pepper, and a touch of oak.

What to drink? If you want a very fruit-forward whiskey, consider the 2018, 2019, 2021, or 2023. If you want something lighter, floral, and more elegant, try 2016, 2017, or 2019. Alternatively, if you want a more robust whiskey with a noticeable palate weight and viscosity, try the 2020 or 2022. Either way, you won’t go wrong. They are all great whiskeys.

The Midleton Very Rare series is a testament to the art of Irish whiskey making, combining tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. Each release uniquely expresses the finest whiskeys from Midleton Distillery, offering a complex and refined tasting experience. The limited production and exceptional quality make these Whiskies of Distinction™ highly desirable for collectors and connoisseurs.