Midleton Very Rare, the pinnacle of Irish whiskey excellence, has unveiled a historic and poignant finale – Chapter Six of its Silent Distillery Collection. This final release marks the culmination of a six-part series that began in 2020 and brings to a close a remarkable era in Irish whiskey history. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Old Midleton Distillery, Chapter Six is a once-in-a-lifetime expression the last liquid legacy from Ireland’s oldest and now silent distillery.
Crafted fifty years ago in what was once the world’s largest pot still, Chapter Six was originally distilled by Master Distiller Emeritus Max Crockett and has been nurtured under the watchful care of three succeeding masters – Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and Kevin O’Gorman (read our interview with Kevin here). Aged first in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, the whiskey’s final resting place was a bespoke cask constructed from staves used in each of the previous five chapters, handcrafted by Midleton’s fifth-generation Master Cooper, Ger Buckley.
Images by Cathal Noonan
The whiskey itself delivers remarkable complexity – from dark fruit, leather, and antique oak on the nose to elegant stone fruit, treacle, and spice on the palate, culminating in a long, layered finish that is both sweet and earthy. Bottled at 53% ABV, it embodies half a century of Irish distilling heritage in every drop.
The presentation is equally breathtaking. The hand-blown decanter, created by Ireland’s world-renowned House of Waterford, is housed in a bespoke wooden cabinet designed by Irish craftsman John Galvin. This final edition merges six rare woods – each representing a previous chapter – and features blue bird’s eye maple, 18ct gold-plated details, and reclaimed oak from old Irish whiskey vats.
With only a limited number available worldwide, Chapter Six is offered at £55,000 and is available through specialist retailers and via the Midleton Collection website.
