Midleton Dair Ghaelach Kilranelagh Wood Tree #1 Irish Whisky

A luxurious and deeply expressive single pot still whiskey, Dair Ghaelach Kilranelagh Wood Tree #1 captures the living spirit of Ireland’s forests in liquid form. Intensely aromatic, rich, and grounded in native oak character, this release combines precision and power — one of Midleton’s most soulful and collectible creations.

Origins & Craftsmanship

The Dair Ghaelach (“Irish Oak”) series represents Midleton’s most ambitious sustainability-driven project — celebrating Ireland’s native oak forests and their role in whiskey maturation. For the Kilranelagh Wood edition, six mature oak trees from County Wicklow were sustainably harvested and coopered into virgin Irish oak hogsheads, each imparting its own unique fingerprint.

The whiskey began its life as a selection of Midleton’s finest single pot still stocks, aged between 15 and 28 years in seasoned American oak ex-bourbon casks. Each batch was then finished for nearly two years in casks made from a single tree — in this case, Tree #1 from Kilranelagh Wood. Bottled at cask strength (around 57% ABV) without chill filtration, it showcases both Midleton’s mastery and the individuality of Irish oak terroir.

Critics Reviews

• Whisky Advocate described the Kilranelagh series as “beautifully expressive — the oak’s natural oils and spices marry perfectly with Midleton’s creamy pot-still richness.”

• Irish Whiskey Magazine praised Tree #1 specifically for its “forest-fresh nose of pine and honey, building into an intricate palate of pepper, orange peel, and roasted nuts — both powerful and poised.”

• Drinks International noted it “balances sweet vanilla and cinnamon with vibrant oak tannin — a stunning expression of Irish provenance and craftsmanship.”

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Opens with forest-fresh aromas of pine resin, heather honey, and cracked pepper, unfolding into layers of toasted almond, cinnamon bark, and creamy vanilla. Subtle hints of apple peel and nutmeg emerge with air.

• Palate: Bold and layered — warming oak spice meets candied orange, red apple, and dark honey, all carried on Midleton’s signature pot-still texture. Notes of chili flake and clove appear mid-palate, with oak tannin providing structure.

• Finish: Long and contemplative. The Irish oak lingers with waves of pepper, sweet vanilla, and faint herbal woodiness — elegant, warming, and distinctly natural.

Quick Overview