Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition: A Decade of Wood Innovation

A World First in Irish Whiskey Finishing

Midleton Very Rare has unveiled Irish Chestnut Edition, a limited release that marks the inaugural expression in its new Rare Wood Collection. Announced on 8 October 2026, the whiskey represents a departure from traditional oak maturation: it is the world's first whiskey finished in casks made entirely from Irish sweet chestnut wood sourced from a single Irish estate.

The release is bottled at natural cask strength, 56.1% ABV, with approximately 800 cases created for global distribution. At €440 RRP, it is positioned as an experimental and collectible release, distinct from the distillery's annual Very Rare expression.

The Cappoquin Estate Story

The origins of Irish Chestnut Edition extend back to 2017, when six carefully selected Irish sweet chestnut trees (Castanea sativa) were harvested from Cappoquin Estate in County Waterford. The estate, which overlooks the Blackwater Valley, has belonged to the Keane family since 1735. Each tree was individually selected as part of the estate's considered approach to woodland stewardship and management.

The choice of Cappoquin Estate reflects a philosophy shared between the landowners and Midleton: that wood selection is inseparable from landscape and craft. Sir Charles Keane of Cappoquin Estate reflected on the partnership:

"For generations, our family has cared for these woodlands with the responsibility of passing them on in good health to those who follow. Seeing a small number of these rare, sweet chestnut trees become part of the story of Midleton Very Rare reflects that same long term thinking, respecting nature, valuing craftsmanship and allowing time to create something that will endure."

Coopering and Innovation

Once harvested, the chestnut timber underwent natural seasoning before being crafted into casks using traditional coopering techniques in Spain. This decision to partner with Spanish coopers drew on centuries of recognized cooperage expertise, though Irish chestnut as a medium was entirely novel for whiskey finishing.

The casks returned to Ireland, where Midleton filled them with a specially selected marriage of light, medium, and heavy style Single Pot Still whiskeys that had been initially matured in first fill and refill Bourbon barrels. The whiskey then spent a further five years in the chestnut casks, allowing the wood to exert its influence.

Chestnut wood presents distinct technical challenges. It is naturally more porous than traditional oak, which encourages greater interaction between the spirit and the cask. This heightened interaction comes at a cost: the angel's share over the five year finishing period reached approximately 29 percent, significantly higher than conventional oak maturation. This loss underscores the experimental nature of the release and contributes to its limited availability.

Flavor Profile

According to Midleton's official notes, Irish Chestnut Edition presents layers of honey drizzled red apple and caramelised orange peel on the nose, with melted chocolate and toffee fudge rounding out the aromatics. Warming woodland spices including nutmeg, cinnamon, and sandalwood add depth, alongside rich and nutty undertones.

On the palate, sweet orchard fruits emerge with subtle hints of citrus, followed by waves of vanilla and chocolate shavings. Soft wood tannins and pot still spices define the mid palate, with notes of freshly crushed pepper and a mild prickle of chilli oil building gradually. The finish sees the fruit slowly fade, leaving pot still spices and the influence of the chestnut wood to linger.

Kevin O'Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton, reflected on the discovery:

"When we filled these casks, we couldn't know exactly how Irish sweet chestnut would influence the whiskey, but what we discovered was something genuinely distinctive: a richness, texture and complexity unlike anything we'd experienced before."

Midleton Very Rare in Context

Irish Chestnut Edition joins several other Midleton Very Rare releases already available on Spiritory. The Midleton 28 Years Old Very Rare 200th Anniversary Edition and Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition represent recent collectible bottlings from the brand. Irish Chestnut Edition differs significantly in its approach: rather than pursuing age or commemorative value, it explores how an unconventional wood can reshape a familiar spirit.

The Rare Wood Collection itself represents a new direction for Midleton Very Rare, suggesting that future releases will continue to interrogate the role of wood in shaping Irish whiskey character.

Availability

Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition is available globally from 8 October 2026, at a recommended retail price of €440. The release is limited to approximately 800 cases worldwide and is distributed through selected specialist retailers.

The Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition is available on Spiritory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this release so limited to 800 cases?

The experimental nature of the project, its decade long development timeline, and the significant maturation losses inherent to chestnut wood all constrain availability. Over the five year finishing period, approximately 29 percent of the spirit is lost to the angel's share, nearly double the rate of conventional oak maturation.

How does this compare to Midleton Very Rare's standard annual release?

Unlike the annual Very Rare expression, Irish Chestnut Edition is finished in an unconventional wood specifically chosen for its novelty and technical challenge. The chestnut finish creates a distinct flavor profile emphasizing chocolate, spice, and wood influence, whereas standard Very Rare relies on traditional Bourbon cask maturation.

Who should consider buying this bottle?

At 56.1% ABV and €440 RRP, Irish Chestnut Edition is positioned for collectors and enthusiasts seeking experimental and limited releases. The price reflects both scarcity and the decade of research embedded in the project, rather than mainstream consumption.