PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Midleton Very Rare launched in 1984 as a showcase of excellence in Irish whiskey and has been released every year since, each vintage a blend of hand-selected single pot still and single grain whiskeys chosen by the Midleton team. Each vintage is made in limited quantities, which is part of its appeal for collectors. The 2023 vintage is the work of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, who spent months exploring Midleton’s inventory to craft what the distillery calls “a balanced blend” featuring a broader spectrum, from lighter, delicate styles to the more robust, traditional pot still character. It combines whiskeys aged between 12 and 33 years, matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels, with more refill casks than usual to emphasize the distillate over heavy wood influence. The 2023 release also marked a return to more sustainable, understated packaging, inspired by earlier vintages.
The distillery’s tasting notes describe an aroma that “opens with an intricate medley of fruits including nectarines, ripe melon, green apple, and apricot,” with “a solid foundation of pot still spices, showcasing notes of freshly peeled ginger and crushed peppercorns,” which “work in tandem with the aged grain’s perfumed notes of dried flowers and delectable golden syrup,” and an oak influence that adds “vanilla, combined with a honeycomb sweetness and freshly roasted coffee beans.” On the palate it’s “luscious at first with succulent fruits and a distinctive creaminess along with a herbal quality akin to camomile tea,” with pot still spices that “add depth and intrigue” among “floral grain qualities,” and oak-derived spices complementing “candied orange and dried apricot.” The finish sees “the fruits and pot still spices build to a crescendo before giving way, leaving the final say to the oak tannins and antique grain whiskey.” A retailer listing credits Wine Enthusiast with a score of 96.
At 40% ABV, it’s soft and approachable rather than powerful, a whiskey for slow sipping with a few drops of water. It’s often described as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey, and as a gift or milestone bottle, it’s an easy way to give someone the best of Irish pot still and grain whiskey in a single bottle.
Midleton Very Rare 2023 Vintage Release is produced by Irish Distillers at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, under Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman. It is a blend of rare, hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys, aged between 12 and 33 years, matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels, with more refill casks to showcase the distillate. Bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof, 700ml, in limited quantities.
Wine Enthusiast — 96 Points
Midleton (official tasting notes):
“Aroma: Opens with an intricate medley of fruits including nectarines, ripe melon, green apple, and apricot. A solid foundation of pot still spices, showcasing notes of freshly peeled ginger and crushed peppercorns, work in tandem with the aged grain’s perfumed notes of dried flowers and delectable golden syrup. The oak continues to reveal itself, adding notes of vanilla, combined with a honeycomb sweetness and freshly roasted coffee beans. Taste: Luscious at first with succulent fruits and a distinctive creaminess along with a herbal quality akin to camomile tea. The pot still spices add depth and intrigue as they weave amongst the floral grain qualities found lingering throughout. The charred oak’s influence continues to build over time creating additional complexity as the wood-derived spices complement the ever-present fruits of candied orange and dried apricot. Finish: The fruits and pot still spices build to a crescendo before giving way, leaving the final say to the oak tannins and antique grain whiskey.”
Nose
Nectarine, ripe melon, green apple, and apricot lead, with freshly peeled ginger, crushed peppercorn, dried flowers, golden syrup, vanilla, honeycomb, and roasted coffee.
Palate
Luscious and creamy, with succulent fruit, camomile tea, and floral grain, with pot still spice, candied orange, and dried apricot.
Finish
Long, with fruit and pot still spice building to a crescendo before oak tannin and old grain whiskey have the last word.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Blended Irish Whiskey — Single Pot Still & Single Grain, Vintage Release |
| ABV / Proof | 40% ABV / 80 Proof |
| Age of Whiskeys | 12 to 33 years |
| Maturation | Lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak, with more refill casks |
| Distillery | Midleton Distillery — County Cork, Ireland |
| Master Distiller | Kevin O’Gorman |
| Series | Midleton Very Rare — annual vintage release since 1984 |
| Critics | Wine Enthusiast 96 |
| Style / Identity | A collectible, fruit-forward, pot-still-spiced Irish whiskey, the pinnacle of the Midleton range |
| Aromas & Flavors | Nectarine, ripe melon, green apple, ginger, crushed peppercorn, honeycomb, roasted coffee |
| Bottle Size | 700ml |
Enjoy neat, with a few drops of water to open the fruit and spice.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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