Midleton
Midleton is one of Ireland's most revered whiskey names, produced at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork. The name is best known for Midleton Very Rare, a premium blended Irish whiskey first released in 1984 that has become a benchmark for luxury Irish whiskey collectors and enthusiasts.
Crafted by the master distillers at Irish Distillers, Midleton whiskeys are prized for their smooth, refined character and meticulous cask selection. The range spans annual vintage releases and rare limited editions, offering some of the most sought-after expressions in the Irish whiskey world.
Midleton is one of Ireland's most revered whiskey names, produced at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork.
Read more about Midleton
Midleton is one of Ireland's most revered whiskey names, produced at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork. The name is best known for Midleton Very Rare, a premium blended Irish whiskey first released in 1984 that has become a benchmark for luxury Irish whiskey collectors and enthusiasts.
Crafted by the master distillers at Irish Distillers, Midleton whiskeys are prized for their smooth, refined character and meticulous cask selection. The range spans annual vintage releases and rare limited editions, offering some of the most sought-after expressions in the Irish whiskey world.
History and Origin
The Midleton distillery has deep roots in Irish whiskey heritage. The Old Midleton Distillery in County Cork dates back to the early 19th century, and in 1975 the modern New Midleton Distillery was opened on the same site, consolidating production for Irish Distillers brands.
Midleton Very Rare was introduced in 1984 as a flagship premium expression, with each annual release traditionally signed by the master distiller. Over the decades the brand has built a reputation for consistency and quality, becoming a cornerstone of the premium Irish whiskey category.
The New Midleton Distillery is also home to production for a wide array of well-known Irish whiskeys, making it one of the most important whiskey-producing sites in Ireland.
House Style and Production
Midleton whiskeys are known for their smooth, elegant, and complex profiles. The house style typically emphasizes a balance of pot still and grain whiskeys, matured in a careful selection of casks including ex-bourbon barrels.
Midleton Very Rare is a blend that draws on some of the finest and most mature whiskeys available at the distillery, with each vintage varying subtly based on the casks chosen. This attention to cask selection gives the range its layered flavors of ripe fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, and spice.
Triple distillation is a hallmark of Irish whiskey production at Midleton, contributing to the characteristically clean and refined texture that distinguishes these expressions.
The Range and What to Expect
The centerpiece of the collection is Midleton Very Rare, released annually as a vintage-dated premium blend. These bottles are highly collectible and often kept as gifts, special-occasion whiskeys, or investment pieces.
Beyond the flagship, Midleton has released rarer and older expressions over the years, including limited and prestige bottlings aimed at serious collectors. These tend to command higher prices and can be scarce due to their limited nature.
When buying Midleton, expect a premium price point reflective of its status. It is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up the aromas, allowing the intricate flavors to fully express themselves.