Midleton Very Rare Blended Irish Whiskey (700ml) - 2026 Bottling

The latest Midleton Very Rare marks the 43rd annual release and the 6th Vintage under the careful watch of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman. Considered one of the pinnacles of Irish Whiskey, no two vintages are exactly alike. This year’s incorporates five distillate styles – three single pot still and two single grains – including a select batch grain whiskey with a barley and malted barley mash bill that featured in last year’s Vintage. Its inclusion gives an enhanced butterscotch and toffee aroma.  The grain component also sees a subtle increase compared to 2025, contributing floral notes of rose petal and geraniums along with subtle herbal notes. Parcels of older grain whiskeys matured in ex-American Bourbon barrels build layers of crème brulée and milk chocolate. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The nose opens with abundant sweetness and fruitiness, as caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, and toasted oak meet sliced kiwi, tangy citrus zest, fragrant grain, apricot, flowers, and fine spices. On the palate, creamy butterscotch, vanilla frosting, and green melon glide into cinnamon powder, ginger root, and mocha. A sumptuous mouth-coating finish of vanilla and gentle spices evokes vintage 2015, delivering a sweeter, creamier experience than others in recent years. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Notes from the producers... TASTE: A rich assortment of luscious and mouthwatering 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 mouthcoating 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.