Irish Distillers, has today announced the launch of its 2021
Midleton Very Rare bottling, the first in the series to be created by their new
Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman.
Midleton Very Rare 2021 (40% ABV) is a blend of hand-selected
Irish single pot still and single grain whiskeys, aged from between 15 and 36
years, which have been matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon barrels.
Midleton Very Rare 2021
Making his first selection as Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman took several months to explore the finest casks in the Midleton inventory, as he sought to put his own mark on this eagerly awaited annual limited-edition release.
Drawing on his experience in both distillation and
maturation, O’Gorman elevated the grain whiskey contribution for the 2021
vintage to create a delicate and elegant whiskey. In order to maintain a
luxurious, balanced aroma and taste profile, O’Gorman selected a perfect mix of
first fill and second fill casks to enhance the wood contribution while
allowing the pot still component to express itself.
Midleton Very Rare 2021, is said to deliver notes of floral
perfume, roasted coffee beans, salted caramel, honeycomb, nectarines, grated
ginger and nutmeg spice on the nose. Followed by notes of baked orchard fruits,
pot still spices, vanilla, sweet coffee liqueur and cocoa powder on the palate.
Commenting on the news, Kevin O’Gorman, said: “It is a great
honour to become the custodian of this extraordinary Irish whiskey family and
to have my signature adorn our 2021 vintage. The journey to launching this
vintage began almost 40 years ago. Continuing the work of my predecessors was
both a daunting and extremely enjoyable process that allowed me to explore some
of our rarest casks and create an exceptional blend that sits seamlessly within
the family.”
He went onto say: “I am particularly proud to have been able
to include distillate that was laid down in 1984, the year the collection was
first conceived by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, from who I have
learned so much. For me, this vintage adds a new dimension and elegance to the
style and quality for which the range is renowned. I couldn’t ask for a better
way to begin my chapter as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller.”
Midleton Very Rare 2021, is now available from Midleton’s
online store and specialist retailers in Ireland, for a RRP of €180.00. It will
also be available internationally in the coming months.
Posted by Steve Rush