Renowned Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey has launched its 2023 vintage—the creation of Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman, his third vintage and the 40th annual expression.

Midleton Very Rare 2023 is an exquisite blend of aged single-pot still and single-grain Irish whiskeys.

The rich heritage of Midleton Very Rare began over four decades ago when the masters of the time started setting aside small amounts of great whiskeys to allow future masters to create innovative expressions for years to come. Midleton Very Rare's limited annual vintages today are highly collectable and renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

While honouring traditions, Midleton Very Rare 2023 also pays homage to the future as the brand prioritises sustainability and a commitment to the land from which it is created. For the first time, the new vintage will be presented in luxury recyclable secondary packaging*, replacing the wooden cabinet used since 1990.

With Midleton Distillery's warehouses having been under Kevin O'Gorman's care since 2007, the Master Distiller's knowledge of its cask inventory is second to none. To ensure the creation of an exquisite 2023 expression, O'Gorman and his team took their search for the perfect components to Midleton's renowned 'Warehouse A2', a traditional stone warehouse dating back to the 1860s, where only the most exceptionally performing liquid is stored for maturation.

While refill casks can play a vital role in creating all Midleton Very Rare vintages, they vary in each expression and play a more prominent role in the 2023 vintage. Midleton Very Rare 2023 includes the spectrum of pot still whiskeys produced at Midleton ranging from a lighter, delicate style to the more robust flavours of the traditional heavier style. Kevin increased the conventional pot's inclusion this year, elevating the spiciness and ripe fruit notes and increasing the lighter type to reveal more citrus and cereal tones. While important, fresh floral notes from the grain whiskey element are more subtle in the 2023 expression than previous vintages, with additional hints of vanilla, toffee, honeycomb and milk chocolate shining through from great grain whiskeys. This peeling back of the wood contribution, complimented by a slight reduction in grain whiskey, results in a beautiful balance between distillate character and wood contribution in this unique expression. 

While maintaining the distinct Midleton Very Rare DNA, O'Gorman has used his skill in both distillation and maturation to add his stamp of subtle yet impactful nuances that permeate this year's vintage.

Midleton Very Rare 2023 was bottled in January 2023 at 40% ABV and will be available from 22nd February in the USA, Canada, Global Travel Retail, Europe, Australia, and Asia at the RRP of €210, £200, $250.  

Midleton Very Rare 2023 tasting notes

Nose Opens with an intricate medley of fruits, including nectarines, ripe melons, green apples, and apricot. A solid foundation of pot still spices, showcasing 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 vanilla notes, a honeycomb sweetness, and freshly roasted coffee beans. 

Taste Luscious at first with succulent fruits, a distinctive creaminess, and 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 oranges and dried apricot. 

Finish. 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.

Midleton Very Rare and Irish Distillers' first NFT sale is the unique single bottle Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage. It allows one whiskey enthusiast to sample the globally renowned Midleton Very Rare collection in a single expression and the rarest bottle Midleton Very Rare has 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. 

This unique expression encompasses a portion from each of the 40 annual Midleton Very Rare expressions and 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. 

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, dark chocolate and green tea flavours 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 flavour explosion, while the pot still spices and delicate floral grain attributes remain constant in the background.

Presented in a one-of-a-kind cut glass decanter, the physical bottle of Midleton Very Rare The Pinnacle Vintage, stored in BlockBar's state-of-the-art facility in Singapore, comes with a digital authentication certificate 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 on BlockBar.com from 10 am EST on 28th February.

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, a decadent sweetness of muscovado sugar, vanilla, and honey-drizzled figs closely follows these notes of dark chocolate and green tea. Orange oil and passion fruit add a striking and colourful flavour explosion, 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.