Midleton's annual Very Rare series began in 1984 and sees each master distiller delve into the exclusive Midleton inventory to create an exceptional example of Irish whiskey. The 2023 release was composed by master distiller Kevin O’Gorman who, after months of exploration, selected a range of pot still and single-grain Irish whiskeys matured in lightly charred bourbon casks. Keeping sustainability in mind, the case for this 2023 edition isn't made of oak as seen in recent years, instead, it's housed in a hard cardboard fabric-lined box, inspired by the original packaging used for the series between 1984 and 1990.
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.
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.
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.
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