Product Description:
A vintage Irish whiskey of rarity, grace, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Midleton Very Rare 2019 is a standout release in Ireland’s most prestigious whiskey series. Crafted by then-Master Distiller Brian Nation, this vintage continues the Midleton tradition of selecting the finest single pot still and grain whiskeys, aged in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak casks, to create a spirit of remarkable finesse and balance. Bottled at 40% ABV, it captures the essence of Midleton’s signature style—elegant, layered, and refined.
On the nose, it leads with toffee, vanilla, and treacle tart, underscored by fragrant pot still spice. The palate unfolds with green apple, red fruits, and crème caramel, before surprising with a wave of mint in full crescendo—peppermint, After Eights, then cooling menthol. The finish is seamless and smooth, with notes of clove, pepper, and dark chocolate. This is not just a whiskey—it’s a collectible snapshot of Midleton’s legacy, bottled with care and complexity.
As a 2019 vintage, it represents the tail end of Brian Nation’s tenure and a bridge between eras. A must-have for collectors, connoisseurs, and those who appreciate the subtleties of expertly blended Irish whiskey.
Maker
Midleton's heritage stretches back to the 19th century, with Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett famously likening the craft of making fine whiskey to conducting an orchestra—each note carefully harmonized to create a symphonic masterpiece. This tradition has been carried forward by Kevin O'Gorman, whose passion and expertise continue to uphold Midleton’s reputation as one of the finest Irish whiskeys.
In the early 1900s, Irish whiskey faced near collapse, beset by challenges from the Irish War of Independence and U.S. Prohibition. Despite these setbacks, Midleton persevered, spearheading a new era in Irish whiskey. Midleton Very Rare emerged as a beacon of quality, upheld by the vision and craftsmanship of three master distillers: Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and now Kevin O’Gorman.
Philosophy
Midleton Very Rare owes its exceptional quality to the craftsmanship and dedication of its master distillers. Barry Crockett laid the foundation of excellence with meticulous cask selection and a focus on quality, establishing a tradition that remains at the heart of Midleton today. Brian Nation followed, blending tradition with innovation to elevate the brand during his tenure from 2013 to 2020. Kevin O'Gorman, a member of the team since 1998, has continued to push the boundaries of maturation techniques, sourcing the finest casks from around the globe to refine the unique character of each vintage. Together, these three masters have ensured that Midleton Very Rare remains a symbol of unparalleled quality and innovation in Irish whiskey.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Fragrant and inviting
Toffee, vanilla and treacle tarts open into orchard fruits, pot still spice and a herbal lift.
PALATE
– Bright and silky
Green apple, red berries and caramel meet crème brûlée and a mint-driven crescendo.
FINISH
– Elegant and enduring
Clove, pepper and bitter dark chocolate carry through a smooth, cooling finale.
Reviews & Accolades
“Taste for a minute or more for the full experience. The smooth finish has clove, pepper, and bitter dark chocolate.” – Whisky Advocate, 94 points (2019)
Finer Details
Style - Whiskey
Varietal - Irish Whiskey
Country - Ireland
Region - Midleton, County Cork
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 40%
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