Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, is honoured to unveil Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage, an ultra-rare single bottle release. Offering one whiskey enthusiast the opportunity to taste the breadth of the world famous Midleton Very Rare collection in a single expression, Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage, is the rarest bottle of Midleton Very Rare ever produced.

Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage represents the first Irish whiskey for sale exclusively on BlockBar.com, the global marketplace selling wine and spirits authenticated by blockchain directly from luxury brands. The one-of-a-kind release signifies the evolution of the luxury whiskey landscape as the world’s most collectable Irish whiskey moves into blockchain authentication, seeking to connect with today’s discerning luxury consumers. 

This unique expression encompasses a portion from each of the 40 annual Midleton Very Rare expressions as well as a cask sample of traditional single pot still distilled in 1984 under then Master Distiller and founder of the Midleton Very Rare collection, Barry Crockett. This single bottle encapsulates the Midleton Very Rare DNA, paying homage to Barry Crockett and those he inspired, spanning five decades and three Master Distillers’ work. While the whiskey industry has evolved since the creation of the very first Midleton Very Rare in 1984, the principles and consistent quality of this luxury Irish whiskey brand transcends time, and Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage holds the subtle nuances from each of these expressions in one timeless and inimitable whiskey.

One buyer will enjoy a sensory experience of aromas and flavours from the decades. From tropical fruit notes of peach and melons to old worn leather and antique furniture on the nose, flavours of dark chocolate and green tea are then closely followed by a decadent sweetness of muscovado sugar, vanilla, and honey-drizzled figs. Orange oil and passion fruit add a striking and colourful explosion of flavour, while the pot still spices and delicate floral grain attributes remain constant in the background.

Commenting on the release, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman states, “It is with great honour that we introduce Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage. Crafted from a marriage of rare and storied expressions produced over the past forty years, and a treasured cask sample of single pot still whiskey distilled under Barry Crockett, Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage is an Irish whiskey that can never again be replicated.

“Often referred to as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey, Midleton Very Rare is hugely popular among international collectors, and it is fitting that this luxury brand would represent the first Irish whiskey sale benefitting from the security of BlockBar.”

Presented in a one-of-a-kind cut glass decanter, the physical bottle of Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage, which is stored in BlockBar’s state-of-the-art facility in Singapore, comes with a digital certificate of authentication and can be traced back to Midleton Distillery in Ireland.  Blockbar stores and insures Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage, and the owner may redeem, sell or gift the physical bottle at any time.

Priced at $130,000, Midleton Very Rare The Decades Vintage is available to purchase on BlockBar.com from 10am EST on 28th February.

As part of the sale, a donation will be made to The Forest Genetic Resources Trust, partners of the Midleton Very Rare team at Irish Distillers. The Forest Genetic Resources Trust supports the conservation, improvement, and use of native and naturalised tree species in Irish forestry. Funds donated will be used to create a seed orchard that will support the future of Midleton Very Rare projects. 

Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage tasting notes

Aroma:
A captivating harmony of aromas, spanning from tropical fruit notes of peaches and melons to old worn leather and antique furniture. Sweet vanilla and dried heather create a melodious scent, that carefully navigates through the pot still spices and charred oak.

Taste:
Initially welcomed by the aged tannins, these notes of dark chocolate and green tea are closely followed by a decadent sweetness of muscovado sugar, vanilla, and honey-drizzled figs. Orange oil and passion fruit add a striking and colourful explosion of flavour, while the pot still spices and delicate floral grain attributes remain constant in the background.

Finish:
The finish is lingering and complex with the sweetness gently fading allowing an ambrosial fruit-led crescendo. A whiskey truly embodying timelessness.