Midleton Very Rare is the pinnacle of Irish whiskey — an annual vintage release that has been produced without interruption since 1984. Each year, the Master Distiller of Midleton Distillery hand-selects a small number of exceptional casks from across the distillery's aging warehouses, blending single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys into a new expression that reflects the character of that particular selection. No two vintages are the same. Each bottle is individually numbered and signed by the Master Distiller as a final mark of quality.
The 2021 release marks a landmark moment in the series: it is the debut vintage of Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman, who began his cask selections in July 2020. For this 38th release, O'Gorman blended 83% single pot still with whiskey drawn from third-fill casks — a deliberate choice to let the spirit take center stage rather than the oak. The whiskeys are aged between 13 and 35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels, with the oldest components including single pot still spirit from as far back as 1984. Rated 94 points by Whisky Advocate and awarded Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2021. Presented in a distinctive wooden gift box.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Ireland (Irish Distillers / Pernod Ricard, Est. 1825) |
| Master Distiller |
Kevin O'Gorman — debut vintage (38th annual release) |
| Type |
Blended Irish Whiskey — 83% Single Pot Still + Single Grain |
| Maturation |
13–35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak (third-fill casks) |
| Availability |
Individually numbered — strictly limited production |
| Awards |
94pts Whisky Advocate (Collectible) | Gold — IWSC 2021 |
| Proof |
80 Proof |
| ABV |
40% |
| Bottle Size |
700ml |
| Country |
Ireland, County Cork |
Tasting Notes
Color: Light caramel with warm golden tones — elegant and refined
Nose: Sweet mandarin orange, green banana, vanilla, and floral perfume. Roasted coffee, salted caramel, and honeycomb develop with air. Pot still spices — cardamom, nutmeg, freshly grated ginger — with cedarwood and charred oak adding depth.
Palate: Creamy and smooth — vanilla, red apple, baked orchard fruits, kiwi, and citrus. Soft pot still spices (cinnamon, clove, root ginger) build gradually alongside cocoa powder and sweet coffee liqueur. Polished antique wood and light tannins from the barrels.
Finish: Extra long — spices subside gently, giving way to green fruit and stalks of barley in a clean, elegant close.
FAQ
What makes each Midleton Very Rare vintage unique?
Every year the Master Distiller selects a different combination of casks — different ages, different fill levels, different ratios of pot still to grain. The 2021 vintage stands apart for its emphasis on third-fill casks and high pot still content (83%), which pulls the focus away from oak and toward the fruit-forward, spice-rich character of the spirit itself.
Why is the 2021 vintage historically significant?
It is Kevin O'Gorman's debut as Master Distiller of Midleton — making it the first vintage bearing his signature and the first to reflect his personal vision for the series. The oldest components include pot still spirit from 1984, the same year the Midleton Very Rare series was first released.
Where can I buy Midleton Very Rare 2021 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.
