Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach: Kilranelagh Wood
Quite simply, “Dair Ghaelach” means Irish Oak. While the name may be simple, the story of each Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach whiskey is as unique as its flavour.
Introducing the fifth chapter of the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach series—Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Kilranelagh Wood. Finished in casks made from virgin Irish oak grown in Kilranelagh Estate near Baltinglass, County Wicklow, this rare whiskey is infused with the unique flavour of Ireland. Once again, the rarity of Midleton Very Rare meets the luxury of Irish oak to bring you an exceptional offering from the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.
Tasting Notes:
Nose:
Forest notes of fresh pine accompanied by floral honey and ground pepper at first, while sweet and tropical fruits can be detected amongst the herbal green tea and freshly mown hay. The use of the native Irish oak lends itself to creating distinctive aromas of smoked almonds with sweet vanilla and cinnamon that are complimented by the pot still savoury spices.
Taste:
Robust and lively at first with notes of dried chilli flakes and red bell peppers which quickly soften, allowing notes of candied orange and crisp red apple to shine through. The oak continues to deliver sweet vanilla and cinnamon spice throughout, while the pot still spices add a hearty and full-bodied nature to this complex and intricate whiskey.
Finish:
Wonderfully long finish which sees the pot still spices and oak linger, almost effortlessly, for an age.
Tree 1: 57.0% ABV Tree 2: 56.9% ABV Tree 3: 57.1% ABV Tree 4: 57.1% ABV Tree 5: 57.5% ABV Tree 6: 56.8%
Midleton Dair Ghaelach Kilranelagh Wood: A Story Like No Other
This release takes us to Kilranelagh Estate near Baltinglass, County Wicklow. Situated amid rolling hills and picturesque features, the native Irish woodland on the estate has been managed carefully and in tune with nature by one family, the Westerholt for many years. When their great Irish oak had reached the end of their life cycle and were ready to be felled so the new oak could grow in their place, they knew they wanted their legacy to live on—and Midleton Very Rare Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman knew that he had the perfect whiskey which would bring new life to these relics of a time gone by through finishing in this Irish oak.
Midleton Very Rare’s Dair Ghaelach collection is a testament to the mastery of Midleton’s distillers and the dedication of generations families across Ireland who nurture their woodlands and ensure correct and sustainable felling. This whiskey is a range of releases that have been matured in barrels made from virgin Irish oak from carefully selected forests across Ireland. The oak selected for each release influences the special whiskey with the true and unique flavour of Ireland.
The story of each bottle of Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach can be traced back to the Irish oak trees that helped to create its refined and unmistakeable taste. For this release, six Irish oak trees were selected from the grounds of Kilranelagh Estate by the team at Midleton Very Rare and our forestry specialist to create an extremely limited number of casks. These casks were filled with a specially selected range of fifteen-to-twenty-eight-year-old Single Pot Still whiskeys previously matured in American oak barrels.
Nosed and tasted every month, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and Blender David McCabe kept a vigilant eye on the liquid. After two years spent maturing in these special virgin Irish oak casks from Kilranelagh Estate, the whiskey was deemed to have struck the perfect balance resulting in an exquisite experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Midleton Dair Ghaelach Kilranelagh Wood unique?
This release stands out due to its maturation in rare, virgin Irish oak casks from Kilranelagh Wood, which impart distinctive flavours of spice, rich toffee, and toasted oak. The whiskey is crafted by Midleton’s expert distillers, ensuring a complex yet balanced character that showcases the influence of Irish oak.
Is Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Kilranelagh Wood limited edition?
Yes, this whiskey is part of a limited edition series, with each bottle individually numbered. Due to the rarity of the Irish oak casks used, production is restricted, making it a sought-after release among collectors and whiskey enthusiasts.
What flavours can I expect from Midleton Dair Ghaelach Kilranelagh Wood?
This expression delivers notes of warm spice, caramelized sugar, vanilla, and rich toasted oak, complemented by subtle fruit and dark chocolate undertones. The influence of Kilranelagh Wood oak adds a layered and lingering finish.
Where can I buy Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Kilranelagh Wood?
This release is available for purchase on the official Midleton Very Rare website and select retailers worldwide. Due to its limited availability, it is recommended to secure a bottle early.
Does Midleton Very Rare increase in value?
Yes, due to its limited annual releases and high demand, Midleton Very Rare whiskeys often appreciate in value over time, making them a valuable collector’s item.