MIDLETON VERY RARE VINTAGE RELEASE 2026
The latest expression marks the 43rd annual release from Midleton Very Rare and the 6th Vintage under the careful watch of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman
Midleton Very Rare, the pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, is proud to unveil Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage Release. An extraordinary blend of the finest single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys Midleton Distillery has to offer; this year’s Vintage is a true reflection of Midleton Very Rare’s artistry, honouring the brand’s traditionally elegant flavour profile with a wonderful balance of distillate and wood-derived flavours.
Five distillate styles – three single pot still and two single grain styles – were carefully selected to create this year’s expression, including a select batch grain whiskey with a barley and malted barley mash bill that featured in last year’s Vintage. The inclusion of this style gives an enhanced butterscotch and toffee aroma.
The inclusion of Midleton’s signature grain whiskey has seen a subtle increase compared to last year, contributing floral notes of rose petal and geraniums along with enhanced herbal notes. O’Gorman has included some incredible parcels of older grain whiskeys matured in ex-American Bourbon barrels which build layers of crème brulée and milk chocolate.
O’Gorman made very careful adjustments to the three single pot still elements this year. Increasing the lighter pot still parcels of whiskey imparted enhanced delicate notes of citrus, lemon zest and orange peel. The increase in the traditional Pot Still style gives a luscious sweetness and rich mouthfeel to the final liquid.
“Each year, we hope to share a Midleton Very Rare Vintage that heroes the years of craftsmanship gone before whilst creating something rare, new and enticing for people to discover. As the sixth Vintage Release under my guardianship, I wanted to explore the bounds of what is possible from our array of exceptional liquids, while remaining true to the unique style for which Midleton Very Rare has become known. The final liquid offers a great depth of complexity, showcasing both the elegant, floral and herbal notes of grain whiskeys with the spicier, stone fruit notes from our single pot still whiskeys for a unique blend that is layered, elegant and distinctly Midleton.”
Kevin O’Gorman – Master Distiller
Marrying together this intricate combination of whiskeys showcases the artistry and mastery of those at the distillery, creating a finished liquid of elegance and finesse that sings together in harmony to showcase the very best of Midleton. Since its inception in 1984, Midleton Very Rare has defined what it means to create a truly exceptional blended Irish whiskey. A legacy of excellence and a celebration of Ireland’s rich distilling heritage with an unparalleled dedication to quality, the Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage Release honours decades of tradition.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE
Vibrant and fresh citrus aromas of orange peel and lemon zest accompanied by delicate hints of soft apricot and orchard fruits. These delectable fruit notes are closely followed by sweet tones akin to crème brûlée and toffee. The influence of the American oak enhances the overall structure and character of this aged and complex whiskey, intertwining effortlessly with the pot still spices and grain whiskey’s floral influence of geraniums and fresh herbal notes.
TASTE
A rich assortment of luscious and mouthwatering fruit notes at first, accentuated by the oak’s soft tannins and generous servings of vanilla and cinnamon. Notes of peeled ginger and lemon zest create a fresh and crisp dynamic that complements the indulgent tones of butterscotch and toffee, while the quintessential mouthcoating nature of the pot still character remains constant throughout.
FINISH
The pot still spices are the first to slowly fade, leaving the rich infusion of fruits and oak to linger until the very end. This intricate combination of pot still and grain whiskeys aged in seasoned oak creates a harmonious marriage that showcases the very best of Midleton.
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