Midleton Very Rare 2026 Edition Vintage Release Irish Whiskey

Part of the annual vintage release of Midleton Very Rare, since 1984, each Master Distiller of Midleton uses their eye for detail, their passion for quality whiskey and their exemplary skill to create the pinnacle of Irish whiskey, their special vintage release.
Midleton Very Rare 2026 release, marks the 43rd instalment in Midleton's annual Very Rare collection. For the 2026 edition, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman brings together five distinct distillate styles to deliver a whiskey with exceptional balance, vibrant character and remarkable depth.

    Nose:    Vibrant and fresh citrus aromas of orange peel and lemon zest, accompanied by delicate hints of soft apricot and orchard fruits. These delectable fruit notes are closely followed by sweet tones akin to crème brûlée and toffee. The influence of the American oak enhances the overall structure and character of this aged and complex whiskey, intertwining effortlessly with the pot still spices and the grain whiskey’s floral influence of geraniums and fresh herbal notes.

    Taste:    A rich assortment of luscious and mouth-watering fruit notes at first, accentuated by the oak’s soft tannins and generous servings of vanilla and cinnamon. Notes of peeled ginger and lemon zest create a fresh and crisp dynamic that complements the indulgent tones of butterscotch and toffee, while the quintessential mouth‑coating nature of the pot still character remains constant throughout.

    Finish:   The pot still spices are the first to slowly fade, leaving the rich infusion of fruits and oak to linger until the very end. This intricate combination of pot still and grain whiskeys aged in seasoned oak creates a harmonious marriage that showcases the very best of Midleton.