Heralding the 37th edition of our world renowned vintage release, Brian Nation - in his final days as Master Distiller, continued the long-standing tradition of hand-selecting whiskeys reserved for this coveted annual expression from Midleton Distillery’s supreme inventory for the last time.
Chosen from the most exceptional quality single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys laid down over the past four decades in Midleton, Co Cork, Midleton Very Rare 2020 is aged from 13 to 35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.
Brian Nation selected a higher pot still inclusion than in some of his previous vintages, while also increasing the use of refill barrels among his choice of casks. The result is a luxurious and balanced whiskey with rich pot still notes and elegant grain distillates that take centre stage thanks to the inclusion of refill casks - a fitting legacy for one of Irish whiskey’s great Master Distillers.
NOSE
Initial top notes of cane sugar and vanilla intertwined with pepper and nutmeg spices, complimented by sweet orchard fruits and white chocolate fudge all layered over polished antique wood notes, showcasing an intriguing balance between spirit and wood thanks to the complex interaction from the many years spent in the finest oak casks.
TASTE
Initial burst of tangy fruit sweetness of orange peel and sweet pear creating a succulent texture while the pot still spices build overtime adding a mild prickle of chilli oil. The presence of the charred oak remains constant in the background adding balance to the fruits and spices.
FINISH
Satisfyingly long finish with the fruits slowly fading, allowing the oak and spices to linger until the very end.
Shipment of orders from 26th October
“A great whiskey is more than just a liquid. Its story is one of transformation of grains to complex liquid; it is also one which draws from history. The story is one of people: the craftsmen who create fine whiskey which is enjoyed and shared around the world. It is a story of flavour. Midleton Very Rare can say all of this — and more.”
Dave Broom
Created in 1984 and released annually since then, Midleton Very Rare is one of the most exclusive and sought after Irish whiskeys.
Once a year our Master Distiller hand selects only the finest and rarest whiskeys available to him and then carefully blends them to create each annual vintage of Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release. Only a limited number of bottles of this unique Irish whiskey vintage are released each year. Become part of the Midleton Very Rare legacy by recording your individually numbered bottle of Midleton Very Rare vintage release using the form below:
Your entry will be added to the ledger at the distillery, which you can visit at any time.
