Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, is delighted to release Midleton Very Rare 2023. The third vintage crafted by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, and the 40th edition in the series, Midleton Very Rare 2023 is an exquisite blend of aged single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys.

The rich heritage of Midleton Very Rare began over four decades ago when the masters of the time began setting aside small amounts of outstanding whiskeys to allow future masters to create innovative expressions for years to come. Today, Midleton Very Rare’s limited annual vintages are highly collectible and renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

While honouring the traditions of the past, Midleton Very Rare 2023 also pays homage to the future as the brand prioritises sustainability and a commitment to the land from which it is created. For the first time, the new vintage will be presented in luxury recyclable secondary packaging*, replacing the wooden cabinet used since 1990.

With Midleton Distillery’s warehouses having been under Kevin O’Gorman’s care since 2007, the Master Distiller’s knowledge of its cask inventory is second to none. To ensure the creation of an exquisite 2023 expression, O’Gorman and his team took their search for the perfect components to Midleton’s renowned ‘Warehouse A2’, a traditional stone warehouse dating back to 1860s, where only the most exceptionally performing liquid is stored for maturation.

Midleton Very Rare 2023 includes the spectrum of pot still whiskeys produced at Midleton ranging from a lighter, delicate style to the more robust flavours of the traditional heavier style. This year, Kevin increased the traditional pot still inclusion which elevates the spiciness and ripe fruit notes, while also increasing the lighter style to reveal more citrus and cereal tones. Fresh floral notes from the grain whiskey element, while significant, are more subtle in the 2023 expression compared with previous vintages, with additional hints of vanilla, toffee, honeycomb and milk chocolate also shining through from remarkable grain whiskeys. While the use of refill casks can play a vital role in the creation of all Midleton Very Rare vintages, they vary in each expression, and played a more prominent role in the 2023 vintage. This peeling back of the wood contribution, complimented by a small reduction in grain whiskey, results in a wonderful balance between distillate character and wood contribution in this extraordinary expression. 

While maintaining the distinct Midleton Very Rare DNA, O’Gorman has used his skill in both distillation and maturation to add his stamp of subtle yet impactful nuances that permeate this year’s vintage.

Commenting on Midleton Very Rare 2023, O’Gorman states, “Each year, it is a privilege and an honour to pour through the samples of exceptional liquids stored in the Midleton warehouses to create the next pinnacle of luxury Irish whiskey, and the 2023 vintage is no different. The tradition and history of Midleton Distillery means I am lucky enough to sample some of the finest Irish whiskeys in existence. Finding the perfect blend of single pot still and single grain whiskeys for this year is a testament to those who have gone before me, while the presentation of the liquid in recyclable packaging is a step towards the future for this historic brand.”

Midleton Very Rare 2023 was bottled in January 2023 at 40% ABV and will be available from 22nd February in the USA, Canada, Global Travel Retail, Europe, Australia, and Asia at the RRP of €210, £200, $250. 

Shop online: https://www.midletonveryrare.com/en-EN/midleton-very-rare-vintage-release

Midleton Very Rare 2023 tasting notes

Nose Opens with an intricate medley of fruits including nectarines, ripe melon, green apple, and apricot. A solid foundation of pot still spices, showcasing notes of freshly peeled ginger and crushed peppercorns, work in tandem with the aged grain’s perfumed notes of dried flowers and delectable golden syrup. The oak continues to reveal itself, adding notes of vanilla, combined with a honeycomb sweetness and freshly roasted coffee beans.

Taste Luscious at first with succulent fruits and a distinctive creaminess along with a herbal quality akin to camomile tea. The pot still spices add depth and intrigue as they weave amongst the floral grain qualities found lingering throughout. The charred oak’s influence continues to build over time creating additional complexity as the wood-derived spices complement the ever-present fruits of candied orange and dried apricot. 

Finish The fruits and pot still spices build to a crescendo before giving way, leaving the final say to the oak tannins and antique grain whiskey.