How Midleton Very Rare Became the Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey

You discover the pinnacle of Irish whiskey when you experience Midleton Very Rare. This whiskey stands as a symbol of craftsmanship, with a legacy shaped by three master distillers and the annual release of individually numbered bottles. For nearly 40 years, Midleton Very Rare has offered collectors and enthusiasts a taste of history, with fewer than 22,500 bottles released each year.

• Less than 2,500 nine-bottle cases are produced annually, making each vintage truly rare.
• You can sense the anticipation for the 200th anniversary, as Midleto continues to set the standard for excellence.

Key Takeaways

• Midleton Very Rare is a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship in Irish whiskey, with fewer than 22,500 bottles released each year, making it a true collector's item.

• Each vintage of Midleton Very Rare is hand-selected, offering unique flavors and aromas that reflect the master distiller's vision and the quality of the casks used.

• The whiskey has received numerous awards, including 21 Double Golds, showcasing its consistent excellence and high regard in the industry.

• Investing in Midleton Very Rare can be rewarding, as limited releases have seen significant increases in value, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

• The legacy of Midleton Distillery, shaped by master distillers over decades, ensures that each bottle tells a story of tradition, innovation, and exceptional quality.

Reputation of Midleton Very Rare

Pinnacle Status

You find Midleton Very Rare at the very top of the Irish whiskey world. Experts and collectors agree that this whiskey stands out for its luxury branding and exceptional quality. Since its launch in 1984, Midleton Very Rare has set a new standard for what you can expect from a premium whiskey. Each vintage is hand-selected, which means you experience slight differences in taste every year. Collectors cherish these unique qualities.

“Midleton Very Rare is regarded as the crown jewel of Irish whiskey—a prestigious annual vintage crafted at the iconic Midleton Distillery in County Cork. Each bottle represents a masterful balance of single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys, aged anywhere from 12 to 33 years, hand-selected by the Master Distiller. What sets Midleton Very Rare apart isn’t just its high-quality components, but its philosophy. It was conceived not to be flashy or overbearing but to offer subtlety, grace, and elegance—a whiskey that you don’t just drink, but appreciate.”

• Midleton Very Rare is recognized for its luxury branding and exceptional quality.

• The whiskey is crafted from a selection of the finest casks, making each vintage unique.

• The brand has built an aura over decades, appealing to collectors and consumers seeking premium gifts.

• Launched in 1984, Midleton Very Rare was introduced to establish a luxury brand in the Irish whiskey market.

• Each vintage is hand-selected, contributing to slight variances in taste that collectors cherish.

• Limited editions and innovative releases, like the Silent Distillery Collection, further enhance its prestige.

Over the years, the perception of Midleton Very Rare has grown even stronger. The brand has become highly collectible, with full sets valued at up to €90,000. Limited releases and global interest in Irish whiskey have increased its investment potential. Auction prices continue to rise, showing how much collectors value each bottle.

Awards and Recognition

You see the reputation of Midleton Very Rare reflected in its many awards. The whiskey has received high scores from respected critics and industry leaders.

• Midleton Very Rare 2019 received a score of 94 points from Whisky Advocate, placing it among the best in recent years.

• Midleton Very Rare 2014 earned high marks from reviewers, showing strong approval.

• Midleton Very Rare 2010 was considered outstanding by whiskey enthusiasts, highlighting its exceptional quality.

In 2025, Midleton Distillery earned the title of Most Awarded International Distillery at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This achievement highlights the distillery’s consistent excellence across its whiskey portfolio.

You can see that Midleton Very Rare has won 21 Double Golds, 10 Gold medals, 9 Platinum Awards, and 9 Best of Class honors. These awards show the whiskey’s consistent quality and the respect it commands in the industry.

“Midleton Very Rare lives up to its name. It’s not an everyday whiskey—it’s a special occasion pour meant to be savored and respected. It excels not through intensity, but through balance and elegance—a rare feat in the world of whiskey.”

Midleton Distillery Legacy

Origins and History

You step into a story that began almost 200 years ago. In 1825, the Murphy brothers saw an opportunity in Midleton. They bought an old woollen mill by the Dungourney River and turned it into a distillery. Their smart choice of location gave them access to water and power, which helped them produce more whiskey than their rivals. The Murphy family built a strong team and kept the distillery running even when others struggled.

• 1825: Murphy brothers established the distillery in Midleton.

• 1845: A new brick chimney signaled plans for growth, just before the potato famine.

• 1970s: Irish distilleries joined forces to form the Irish Distillers Company.

• 1973: The new Midleton distillery opened, and the old site became a heritage center.

You see how the distillery survived tough times and became a symbol of resilience. For over 200 years of whiskey-making, Midleton Distillery has shaped the local community. It has provided jobs, supported local businesses, and worked with farmers and sports clubs. The distillery stands as a cornerstone of County Cork’s economy.

Old and New Distilleries

You can trace the journey from the old distillery to the new one. The old Midleton Distillery produced whiskey for generations. In the 1970s, rising demand led to the creation of a modern facility next door. The new distillery uses advanced technology and aims for carbon neutrality by 2026. It will increase production and use innovative methods like Mechanical Vapour Recompression to reuse heat and save energy.

• The new distillery will boost barley and malted barley needs by up to 50%.

• It will create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation.

• The facility will produce a range of Irish whiskeys, including Jameson and Redbreast.

Irish whiskey, renowned for its smoothness and rich history, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by a wave of innovation. Traditional distilleries, once bound by strict regulations, are now embracing creativity and experimentation to push the boundaries of what Irish whiskey can be.

The Master Distillers

Barry Crockett’s Vision

You experience the heart of Midleton Very Rare through Barry Crockett’s vision. He founded the collection in 1984, setting a new standard for Irish whiskey. Barry believed that making whiskey is like conducting an orchestra. Each element—grain, cask, and time—must work together in harmony. You taste this harmony in every bottle.

• Barry Crockett played a foundational role in the creation of the Midleton Very Rare collection.

• The Pinnacle Vintage pays tribute to his decades of dedication.

• His influence ensures the consistent quality and guiding principles of the brand.

Barry’s approach shaped the flavor profile and reputation of Midleton Very Rare. Each year, he selected only the finest and rarest whiskeys. His blending process created rich and complex flavors. You notice hints of honey, vanilla, and toasted oak, all thanks to his careful selection of pot still whiskeys matured in ex-bourbon barrels and new American oak. Barry’s commitment to excellence made Midleton Very Rare a rare treasure in the world of whiskey.

“Conducting the creation of Midleton Very Rare is like leading an orchestra—every note must be in perfect harmony.”

Brian Nation’s Innovation

You see the next chapter unfold with Brian Nation. He brought fresh ideas and a spirit of innovation to Midleton Distillery. Brian respected tradition, but he also pushed boundaries to keep the whiskey relevant and exciting.

Brian’s leadership changed how the world views Midleton Very Rare. His focus on quality and new expressions helped the brand stand out in the global whiskey market. You benefit from his drive to blend tradition with progress, making each vintage both classic and new. Brian’s time at the distillery ensured that Midleton Very Rare remained a rare and sought-after whiskey.

Kevin O’Gorman’s Craft

You now witness Kevin O’Gorman’s craft as he leads Midleton Distillery into a new era. Kevin learned from masters like Barry Crockett and Brian Nation. He combines their wisdom with his own passion for innovation.

“Crafted from a marriage of distillations left to mature over 47 years in a hand-selected bourbon barrel and a sherry butt, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter Three, is a wonderfully aged yet contemporary expression of Irish Whiskey like no other.”

• Respect for tradition and craftsmanship

• Incorporation of unique aging processes

• Emphasis on the historical significance of the distillation methods

• Introduction of exceptional releases, including the Silent Distillery Collection’s final chapter

• Focus on innovation while honoring the distillery’s rich history

Kevin O'Gorman shared, “Since starting my career in Irish Distillers in 1998, I have been lucky to learn from masters like Barry Crockett and Brendan Monks about the intricacies of the whiskey production, from grain to glass. Of course, Brian Nation and I have also worked very closely together on distillation and maturation for the past 10 years and he will be missed by all his friends at Midleton Distillery. I am excited to use my experience to drive the sector forward by producing innovative new whiskeys that will delight whiskey fans over the coming years.”

Midleton Very Rare Annual Release

Selection Process

You experience the heart of craftsmanship each time you explore the annual release of Midleton Very Rare. The process begins months before the whiskey reaches your glass. The master distiller at Midleton Distillery spends time exploring the vast inventory, searching for casks that stand out for their character and maturity. For each edition, you see a careful balance between rare single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys. The 2021 edition, for example, included a higher proportion of grain whiskey and a thoughtful mix of first fill and second fill casks. This approach creates a blend that feels both classic and new.

Each bottle carries a certificate of authenticity, complete with the master distiller’s signature and a unique serial number. This signature not only guarantees the whiskey’s origin but also adds value and exclusivity for collectors.

Signature Blend

You taste the result of this meticulous process in every sip. The Midleton Very Rare blend brings together Irish single pot still whiskey and single grain whiskey, aged between 15 and 36 years. The blend uses both first fill and refill ex-American whiskey oak barrels. This variety in casks shapes the whiskey’s flavor, giving you rich aromas of honey, vanilla, and floral notes. The 2024 edition stands out with more single grain whiskey, adding gentle hints of herbs and rose water.

You find that each experimental annual release offers something unique. The blend changes slightly every year, reflecting the master distiller’s vision and the character of the casks. This careful selection and blending process ensures that Midleton Very Rare remains the pinnacle of Irish whiskey. You experience a rare balance of tradition, innovation, and flavor in every bottle of the Midleton Very Rare blend.

Rarity and Collectibility

Silent Distillery Collection

You discover true rarity when you explore the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection. This series stands as one of the most exclusive in the world of Irish whiskey. The collection features bottles that come from the old distillery, with some releases limited to just a handful of bottles. For example, only 44 bottles of the Midleton Very Rare 45 Year Old Silent Distillery Chapter One exist. These bottles attract collectors who seek the rarest expressions of whiskey.

Investment Value

You notice that Midleton Very Rare has become a strong investment over the past decade. During Brian Nation’s time as master distiller, auction prices for certain vintages surged. Some bottles appreciated three to five times in value, driven by scarcity and growing demand. The auction market for collectible Irish whiskey has gained momentum, setting new records for rare vintages.

• Midleton Very Rare whiskeys are produced in limited quantities—less than 2,500 cases each year.

• The 1998 vintage increased in value by 235% since May 2022, reaching $2,696.

• In 2021, a set of 37 bottles from 1984 to 2020 sold for about $45,600 at Christie’s.

• The 1984 vintage was auctioned for around $1,900 in 2021.

You find that each annual release, like the 2022 edition, offers a blend of single pot still and single grain whiskeys aged up to 33 years. With only 33,077 bottles released, the rarity of each vintage boosts its investment potential. Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman continues the tradition, ensuring every bottle maintains its value and appeal.

When you invest in Midleton Very Rare, you join a select group of collectors who appreciate the artistry and history of Irish whiskey. The combination of rarity, quality, and legacy makes each bottle a treasure for years to come.

FAQ

What makes Midleton Very Rare different from other Irish whiskeys?

You find Midleton Very Rare unique because each vintage uses only the finest casks. Master distillers hand-select every blend. You taste a balance of single pot still and single grain whiskeys, creating a rare and elegant flavor profile.

How can you tell if your bottle is authentic?

You check the certificate of authenticity included with each bottle. The master distiller’s signature and a unique serial number appear on the label. These details confirm your bottle’s origin and rarity.

Why do collectors value Midleton Very Rare so highly?

You see collectors value Midleton Very Rare for its limited releases and consistent quality. Each vintage offers a new tasting experience. The brand’s history and the involvement of three master distillers add to its prestige.

Can you drink Midleton Very Rare, or should you keep it sealed?

You can enjoy Midleton Very Rare neat to experience its full flavor. Many collectors keep bottles sealed for investment. If you open a bottle, you taste the craftsmanship and history in every sip.

How should you store your bottle for the best preservation?

You store your bottle upright in a cool, dark place. Avoid direct sunlight and temperature changes. This helps preserve the whiskey’s quality and value over time.