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Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition Whiskey
Introducing the Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
The Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition is a masterpiece that marks four decades of crafting exceptional Irish whiskey. This limited-edition release is a blend of Single Pot Still and Single Grain Irish whiskeys, with some components dating back to the early 1980s. Finished in a ruby port cask, it offers a rich and complex flavour profile that showcases the mastery of the Midleton Distillery team.

Aroma
Opens with a rich and beautiful burst of berry fruits as notes of blackcurrant, raspberry, and plum come to the fore. A delicate perfume, with aromatic spices and an earthy woodland character is complemented by orchard fruits and citrus peel, while the seasoned oak imparts sweet vanilla, cinnamon, and fragrant honeycomb. The elegance of the grain whiskey quietly emerges to reveal soft and nuanced floral undertones.
Taste
At first succulent fruits are met with pot still spices, imparting notes of freshly grated ginger and clove oil. The oak’s soft tannins combine with a nutty character. Notes of flaked almonds and nutmeg are wonderfully balanced by the seasoned port cask’s contribution of ripe berry fruits, cassis, and dark chocolate.
Finish
Luxuriously long and satisfying. The seasoned oak, fruits and spice continue to linger, eventually yielding only to time.
Masterful Collaboration Behind the Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Edition
The creation of this exclusive release involved the expertise of Midleton’s three Master Distillers—Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and Kevin O’Gorman. Each contributed their signature touch, resulting in a whiskey that truly reflects the legacy of the Midleton Very Rare collection.
Exquisite Presentation for the Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
The whiskey is presented in a bespoke crystal decanter, handcrafted by Waterford Crystal. Its unique four-point design symbolises the four decades of excellence that Midleton has achieved. With only 550 bottles released, the Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition is a rare collector’s item.
About Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
40 years ago, Barry Crockett drew on his lifelong love of the whiskey-making process, having watched his father, a Master Distiller, hone his craft, and created Midleton Very Rare. Over the last four decades, Midleton Very Rare has seen three Master Distillers gift us with their expertise, passion, and commitment, and through this, the pinnacle of Irish whiskey was born. To honour our 40th anniversary, we are gifting you a truly rare and luxurious whiskey that tells the Midleton Very Rare story with every sip—Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition.
The ruby is often described as the ‘gem of gems’. It’s a precious stone that signifies the 40th anniversary, and for the team at Midleton Very Rare, it felt like the perfect embodiment of our journey so far—a story fuelled with burning passion, commitment to honouring and furthering the world’s appreciation for Irish whiskey and protection of the wonderful and long-held history of Midleton Distillery. Over the last 40 years, we have celebrated milestones and brought the world rare Irish whiskeys that are made to be savoured or saved for precious moments, and this release—the Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition—is exactly that.
FAQs about Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
What is the Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition?
The Ruby Edition is a special release celebrating 40 years of Midleton Very Rare. It features a unique blend of single pot still and single grain whiskeys, finished in a ruby port cask for a distinctive flavour.
How many bottles were released for the Midleton 40th Anniversary?
Only 550 bottles were produced, making it a highly sought-after limited edition.
Who were the Master Distillers involved in creating the Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition?
The Ruby Edition was crafted with the expertise of Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and Kevin O’Gorman, each bringing their legacy to this exceptional whiskey.
What is the significance of the ruby port cask finish?
The ruby port cask adds rich berry fruit flavours and commemorates the 40th anniversary, as rubies symbolise this milestone. It enhances the whiskey’s complexity, making it a fitting tribute to Midleton’s legacy.
More Ways to Celebrate Midleton Very Rare’s 40th Anniversary

Midleton Very Rare 2024 Vintage
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Midleton Very Rare and 40 years since our Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett paved a path for our status as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey. This special vintage release, a true landmark in our portfolio of annual vintage releases, has been crafted with care by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and his team, in honour of both Barry Crockett and his legacy on Irish whiskey.

40th Anniversary Ruby Edition NFT
To build on this historic anniversary, Midleton Very Rare are launching a special Ruby Edition NFT bottle. In collaboration with Keane’s Jewellers in Co. Cork, this unique bottle features hand engraved 18-carat solid gold on both the neck and stopper and thirty-two rubies encrusted within the neck collar, making it a true collector’s item, and a unique piece of art. The 32 rubies are extremely unique in that they are identical in both quality and style.