Style: Blend
Cask: Bourbon
Perfect with: Smokey cheese, cured meats
Region: Midleton, Ireland

Why You’ll Love It

Midleton Very Rare is heralded as the pinnacle of luxury Irish Whiskey, and the latest release has been matured entirely in ex-bourbon casks. The story of Midleton Very Rare begins with unquestionable vision. At a time when all other distilleries were reluctant to take risks, Master Distiller Barry Crockett took it upon himself to create the award- winning flagship blend from the Midleton Distillery. The blend of whiskeys that go into this bottle range from  12 to 32 years of age, but how much of the 32 year old is in there remains a mystery. That old stuff is, however, the grain whiskey component. But there’s some 26 year old pot-still spirit in here too.

Midleton Very Rare changed the idea of what Irish whiskey had become. It wasn’t mass market, but a limited and highly distinguished liquid. It was in fact the first premium blended whiskey produced before any Scottish distillery had even begun to think about it.

Tastes Like?

Nose: A delicate introduction of Sweet Mandarin Orange Citrus with Green Banana and Vanilla. The light Herbal notes develop until the typical Pot Still Spices, including Cardamom, Nutmeg and Peppers, show the signature Midleton style. Whilst a touch of Cedarwood and Charred American Oak add to the complexity.
Palate: The smooth initial mouthcoating is initially sweet with Vanilla and red Apple, before the more robust spices, Cinnamon and Clove with a slice of Root Ginger, show their presence. There is a polished Antique Wood contribution from the Barrels alongside some light Tannins and Charred Oak.
Finish: The finish is extra long as the spices subside giving way to Green Fruit and Stalks of Barley.