Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey Vintage Release 2023

Midleton Very Rare 2023 embodies the pinnacle of Irish whiskey craftsmanship—blended from hand-selected rare casks and matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon barrels. With sumptuous fruit, refined pot–still spicing and elegant oak nuance, it delivers premium sipping with both finesse and depth.

Origins & Craftsmanship
This annual release from Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, represents the 40th edition of the Very Rare series. The blend comprises rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys drawn from the distillery’s exclusive inventory, matured in slightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels. The master distiller Kevin O’Gorman crafted this vintage to feature a broader spectrum—from lighter, delicate styles to more robust traditional pot still character—while introducing more refill cask usage to emphasise distillate over heavy wood influence.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Opens with a rich medley of fruits—nectarine, ripe melon, green apple and apricot—layered over pot still spices of freshly peeled ginger and crushed peppercorns, with supporting notes of dried flowers, golden syrup and roasted coffee beans.

• Palate: Luscious and creamy, with succulent fruit sweetness combined with herbal qualities reminiscent of chamomile tea. Pot still spice threads through floral grain qualities, while charred oak wood-spice gradually builds to complement candied orange and dried apricot.

• Finish: The finale is balanced and composed—fruit and spice lead the way, then the oak tannins and antique grain whiskey character take the closing role, leaving a lingering impression of refined wood and distillate interplay.

Quick Overview