Midleton Very Rare 2023 is the 40th edition of Ireland's most celebrated annual whiskey release and the third vintage crafted by Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman. It is a blend of aged single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys, matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels and bottled at 40% ABV.
Midleton Very Rare began in 1984, when the masters of the time set aside small amounts of outstanding whiskey so that future masters could create something special each year. Today its limited annual vintages are highly collectible and widely regarded as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey. For 2023, the share of pot still was raised to highlight spice, ripe fruit and citrus, and fewer first-fill casks were used so the wood sits further back.
The whiskey opens with nectarine, ripe melon, green apple and apricot. On the palate it is luscious and creamy, with succulent fruit and a herbal quality like chamomile tea, as pot still spice weaves through floral grain notes. Charred oak brings candied orange and dried apricot as it opens, with chocolate and coffee notes integrating beautifully. Whisky Advocate scored it 94 points.
Each bottle is signed by the master distiller and numbered, and for the first time the vintage comes in luxury recyclable packaging in place of the wooden cabinet used since 1990.
It is a superb gift for a collector of Irish whiskey and a bottle to mark a special year.
Tasting Notes
-
Nose: Nectarine, ripe melon, green apple and apricot.
-
Palate: Creamy and luscious, with succulent fruit, chamomile, pot still spice and floral grain notes.
-
Finish: Candied orange, dried apricot, chocolate and coffee.
Specifications
-
Producer: Irish Distillers (Midleton)
-
Style: Blended Irish Whiskey (single pot still and single grain)
-
Expression / Batch: Very Rare Vintage Release 2023, 40th edition
-
Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
-
Cask / Finish: Lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels
-
Region: Midleton, County Cork, Ireland
-
Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat in a tulip glass, or with a drop of water to lift the fruit. It pairs with apricot tart, milk chocolate or a cheese board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made Midleton Very Rare 2023?
Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman; it is his third vintage and the 40th edition of the series.
What is in the blend?
Aged single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys from ex-bourbon American oak.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 40% ABV, or 80 proof.
Explore more in our Irish Whiskey collection.
