The 2021 edition of Midleton Very Rare was the first to bear the signature of Kevin O'Gorman, who used a combination of single pot still and grain whiskeys to make it, drawn from ex-bourbon barrels. As ever, it's an incredible Irish whiskey, with oodles of character and complexity at its heart.
Opens with a delicate floral perfume closely followed by roasted coffee beans, salted caramel and honeycomb coming to the fore. Hints of nectarines that linger in the background evolve over time along with freshly grated ginger and nutmeg spice. The American oak provides structure throughout, ranging in depth from fresh woodland notes to aged charred oak.
Baked orchard fruits with a touch of lime zest and kiwi. Mild pot still spices continue to build along with soft waves of vanilla, sweet coffee liqueur and cocoa powder. The texture initially round and full, gains additional wood spices with a delicate touch of clove oil and nutmeg adding a mild heat, giving balance to the sweetness.
Lingering finish with the pot still spices and soft fruits eventually fading, allowing the oak to have the final say, highlighting the many years of maturation.
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My first Midleton very rare. Subtile, well composed of fruit and barrel aromas. Ideal strength of 40 ABV to drink with no adding of water
