Midleton Very Rare 2026

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 40% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

The 2026 Vintage Release is the 43rd annual edition of Midleton Very Rare and the sixth under Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman. O’Gorman and his team selected three single pot still and two single grain styles for the blend. These once again include a grain whiskey made from barley and malted barley, which intensifies the toffee and butterscotch aromas.

Compared with the previous year’s edition, the proportion of Midleton’s signature grain whiskey has been increased slightly, contributing rose petals, geranium and more pronounced herbal notes. Older grain whiskeys from American ex-bourbon casks bring crème brûlée and milk chocolate. A larger proportion of light pot still components highlights orange peel and lemon zest, while more traditional pot still whiskey strengthens the sweetness and full mouthfeel.

The edition is presented in a fully recyclable box made entirely from paper, without a magnetic closure. A friction closure replaces the magnets used previously.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Fresh orange peel and lemon zest lead on the nose, accompanied by delicate apricot and orchard fruit. Crème brûlée and toffee follow, while American oak, pot still spices, geranium and fresh herbs complete the aromatic profile.
• Palate: The palate initially reveals juicy, rich fruit underpinned by soft oak tannins, vanilla and cinnamon. Peeled ginger and lemon zest add a fresh accent to butterscotch and toffee, while the pot still character provides a full, mouth-coating sensation.
• Finish: In the long-lasting, harmonious finish, the pot still spice is the first element to fade slowly, while fruit and oak remain present until the end.

Distillery/Bottler:

Midleton Distillery is located in County Cork. Irish Distillers was formed in 1966 through the merger of Jameson, Powers and Cork Distilleries; the new Midleton Distillery in County Cork began operating in 1975. Midleton Very Rare was first released in 1984.

For the annual Midleton Very Rare releases, each Master Distiller sets aside selected parcels of whiskey. The warehouses used for these whiskeys date back to the 1860s. Kevin O’Gorman has been Master Distiller since June 2020; the 2026 edition is the sixth Vintage Release under his direction.

Facts: