Product Information:
Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman continues the tradition of crafting Midleton Very Rare with the 2024 vintage, blending timeless elegance with his own distinctive touch. By carefully selecting grain and pot still whiskey contributions and handpicking casks, he unveils exciting new flavours, ensuring the Midleton legacy evolves beautifully with each release.
This vintage opens with vibrant notes of apricot, hay, floral honey, and creamy fudge. As it develops, layers of pear drops, aromatic clove, floral accents, and warm croissant emerge. On the palate, rich baking spices, toasted oak, and tropical fruits mingle with vanilla and toffee apples, adding depth. The finish is long and luscious—creamy, floral, and full of vitality.
Maker:
Midleton's heritage stretches back to the 19th century, with Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett famously likening the craft of making fine whiskey to conducting an orchestra—each note carefully harmonized to create a symphonic masterpiece. This tradition has been carried forward by Kevin O'Gorman, whose passion and expertise continue to uphold Midleton’s reputation as one of the finest Irish whiskeys.
In the early 1900s, Irish whiskey faced near collapse, beset by challenges from the Irish War of Independence and U.S. Prohibition. Despite these setbacks, Midleton persevered, spearheading a new era in Irish whiskey. Midleton Very Rare emerged as a beacon of quality, upheld by the vision and craftsmanship of three master distillers: Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and now Kevin O’Gorman.
The Philosophy:
Midleton Very Rare owes its exceptional quality to the craftsmanship and dedication of its master distillers. Barry Crockett laid the foundation of excellence with meticulous cask selection and a focus on quality, establishing a tradition that remains at the heart of Midleton today. Brian Nation followed, blending tradition with innovation to elevate the brand during his tenure from 2013 to 2020. Kevin O'Gorman, a member of the team since 1998, has continued to push the boundaries of maturation techniques, sourcing the finest casks from around the globe to refine the unique character of each vintage. Together, these three masters have ensured that Midleton Very Rare remains a symbol of unparalleled quality and innovation in Irish whiskey.
Nose - Floral Herbal Notes, Orchard Fruits, Sweet Pear
Richly scented vanilla with delightful floral and herbal notes to the fore, while aromas of orchard fruits gently build over time, adding ripe apple and sweet pear. Warming notes of cinnamon, clove and freshly mown hay that mingle with the delectable notes of toffee and heather honey.
Palate - Silky Smooth, Nectarine, Chocolate Dipped Honeycomb
Mouth-watering tropical fruit notes of peach and nectarine, combining effortlessly with the decadent tastes of crème brûlée, toffee-apple and chocolate dipped honeycomb.
Finish - Nuanced American Oak, Pot Still Spices, Cinnamon & Clove
The delicate floral grain qualities and full-bodied pot still spices combine seamlessly with the charred oak influences. Lasting finish which sees the fruits and American oak continue to softly linger until the very end.
The Finer Details
Style - Whiskey
Varietal - Irish Whiskey
Country - Ireland
Region - Midleton, County Cork
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 40%
