As Midleton Distillery marks its 200th anniversary, it unveils the Midleton Very Rare 2025 vintage a limited edition whiskey, representing the zenith of Irish craftsmanship, combining six distinct distillate styles from across four decades.
Led by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, (read our interview with Kevin here) Midleton Very Rare 2025 is the culmination of years of expertise in distillation and maturation. The process began with a careful selection of rare single pot still and single grain whiskeys from the A2 Warehouse an historic stone building dating back to the 1860s, where only the finest whiskeys are aged to perfection. For the first time in the collection’s history, six distillate styles were chosen, each one representing a different generation of artisans who have helped shape Midleton Very Rare’s exceptional profile.
This unique blend includes three grain whiskey styles two of which are exceptionally rare 22-year-old and 21-year-old expressions, carefully matured in refill ex-American oak barrels. These whiskeys contribute to the distinctive sweetness and rich butterscotch notes that define the vintage. An increased pot still contribution, aged in first-fill barrels, brings depth and complexity, with deep spice and stone fruit nuances that balance the sweeter, floral characteristics of the grain whiskey. The final result is a harmonious blend that pushes the boundaries of Irish whiskey, offering a subtle yet significant twist on the classic Midleton Very Rare profile.
This vintage is not just about the whiskey itself, but also the craftsmanship involved in its presentation. Housed in an elegant, fully recyclable gift box, the Midleton Very Rare 2025 bottle is adorned with an intricate illustration of Midleton Distillery and its iconic pot stills, with a commemorative stamp marking the distillery’s 200-year milestone. At 40% ABV, the whiskey is as much a work of art as it is a drink, blending heritage with the forward-thinking spirit that continues to define Midleton’s legacy.
The Midleton Very Rare 2025 opens with a nose that delights with sweet waves of caramelised apple, toffee fudge, and vanilla, layered with subtle herbal notes of garden mint and lavender. The influence of American oak brings warm woodland spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, while the rich complexity of pot still spices and sweet grain character round out the aromatic profile.
On the palate, the whiskey reveals textured flavours of honeycomb, soft fruits, and delicate herbs. White pepper and a mild hint of chilli oil work in harmony with citrus and orchard fruits, while the sweet nature of the whiskey intensifies with decadent notes of treacle, toffee, vanilla, and sugar-glazed fruits. The finish is rich and lingering, as the fruits fade gently, leaving the oak and pot still spices to make their final statement.
Midleton Very Rare 2025 is more than just a commemorative release; it is a bold statement of Irish whiskey’s future. With its refined balance of tradition and innovation, this vintage honours the craftsmanship that has gone into every bottle over the past two centuries. As Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller, reflects, “Midleton Very Rare 2025 is a whiskey of depth and balance, meticulously composed from six distinct distillate styles, each representing generations of mastery, innovation, and dedication that have become synonymous with Midleton Very Rare.”
Midleton Very Rare 2025 is available in select markets, including Ireland, the USA, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, and global travel retail, with an RRP of €240, $350, and £220. Buy from the Midleton website here.
