Midleton Very Rare has unveiled its Forêt de Tronçais Edition 2 whiskey, a new collaboration with the Taransaud cooperage, renowned for its French oak casks.
Crafted by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, this premium release follows in the footsteps of its Edition 1 predecessor, combining meticulously aged Irish whiskey with barrels crafted from prestigious Forêt de Tronçais oak.
Bottled at 48% ABV, the expression is a hand-selected blend of grain and single pot still whiskey distilled between the 1980s and early 2000s.
Edition 2 has been meticulously aged, combining decades-old Irish whiskey with barrels crafted from prestigious Forêt de Tronçais oak…
Initially matured in American bourbon barrels, the whiskey was then transferred to casks made of five-year air-dried Tronçais oak (known as T5 casks) for an additional four years. This extra ageing adds additional complexity to an already celebrated spirit.
Kevin O’Gorman, explains: “For the second edition, we have increased the proportion of pot still whiskey and added more refill-cask elements. This change allows the pot still distillate to shine, imparting extra layers of stone fruitiness, creaminess, and soft clove spice.”
As befits the luxury of the Midleton Very Rare series, the Edition 2 is presented in a hand-formed glass bottle, in signature duck egg blue. The bottle is housed in a handcrafted wooden cabinet made from the same rare oak used for the casks, designed by Manufacture Jacquemin, a family-owned woodcraft business in France.
The cabinet’s laser-cut detailing pays homage to the history of the Forêt de Tronçais, with a design that carefully mirrors the intricate wood grain of the oak.
Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais Edition 2 tasting notes
According to official tasting notes, Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais Edition 2 offers an aromatic bouquet of vanilla and sugar cane on the nose, lifted by orange and sweet pear. The influence of French oak brings an array of spices, notably cinnamon and nutmeg, with hints of candied ginger, heather honey, and white chocolate.
On the palate, expect stone fruits and vanilla cream, accompanied by delicate herbal and floral hints. Subtle tannins from the oak elevate the flavour, adding clove spice and cinnamon.
The finish is described as satisfyingly long, with pot still spices giving way to lingering oak and fruit flavours.
Available in limited quantities, Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais Edition 2 is being released in the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Czech Republic, Benelux, Germany, Singapore, and through Global Travel Retail. Also available online, priced at £4,388 (€5,000).
Two new exclusive bottlings have been released by The Whisky Exchange, offering dram-fans a chance to explore contrasting whisky styles from Ireland and Japan – one is a 20-year-old Redbreast, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, the other a single-cask Mars Komagatake, the latest entries in its Sumo Series. The Redbreast offers mature pot still character,…
Midleton Distillery has confirmed the arrival of its Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage, the latest edition in an Irish whiskey series now into its 43rd annual incarnation, and the 6th Vintage under the careful watch of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman. Bottled at 40% ABV, the 2026 expression continues a tradition that sees the distillery’s Master…
There’s a new American malt whisky company in town, and it hails from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Virginia Distillery Company is making its UK debut with the release of eight American single malt whiskies. The family-owned producer is introducing both of its core whisky ranges simultaneously, giving UK drinkers a broad view of its…
The Luxe Review 
Midleton Very Rare has unveiled its Forêt de Tronçais Edition 2 whiskey, a new collaboration with the Taransaud cooperage, renowned for its French oak casks.
Crafted by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, this premium release follows in the footsteps of its Edition 1 predecessor, combining meticulously aged Irish whiskey with barrels crafted from prestigious Forêt de Tronçais oak.
Bottled at 48% ABV, the expression is a hand-selected blend of grain and single pot still whiskey distilled between the 1980s and early 2000s.
Initially matured in American bourbon barrels, the whiskey was then transferred to casks made of five-year air-dried Tronçais oak (known as T5 casks) for an additional four years. This extra ageing adds additional complexity to an already celebrated spirit.
Kevin O’Gorman, explains: “For the second edition, we have increased the proportion of pot still whiskey and added more refill-cask elements. This change allows the pot still distillate to shine, imparting extra layers of stone fruitiness, creaminess, and soft clove spice.”
As befits the luxury of the Midleton Very Rare series, the Edition 2 is presented in a hand-formed glass bottle, in signature duck egg blue. The bottle is housed in a handcrafted wooden cabinet made from the same rare oak used for the casks, designed by Manufacture Jacquemin, a family-owned woodcraft business in France.
The cabinet’s laser-cut detailing pays homage to the history of the Forêt de Tronçais, with a design that carefully mirrors the intricate wood grain of the oak.
Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais Edition 2 tasting notes
According to official tasting notes, Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais Edition 2 offers an aromatic bouquet of vanilla and sugar cane on the nose, lifted by orange and sweet pear. The influence of French oak brings an array of spices, notably cinnamon and nutmeg, with hints of candied ginger, heather honey, and white chocolate.
On the palate, expect stone fruits and vanilla cream, accompanied by delicate herbal and floral hints. Subtle tannins from the oak elevate the flavour, adding clove spice and cinnamon.
The finish is described as satisfyingly long, with pot still spices giving way to lingering oak and fruit flavours.
Available in limited quantities, Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais Edition 2 is being released in the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Czech Republic, Benelux, Germany, Singapore, and through Global Travel Retail. Also available online, priced at £4,388 (€5,000).
The Whisky Exchange debuts 20 Year Old Redbreast Irish Whiskey and Mars Komagatake Japanese single cask exclusives
Two new exclusive bottlings have been released by The Whisky Exchange, offering dram-fans a chance to explore contrasting whisky styles from Ireland and Japan – one is a 20-year-old Redbreast, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, the other a single-cask Mars Komagatake, the latest entries in its Sumo Series. The Redbreast offers mature pot still character,…
Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage Irish Whiskey has arrived, run don’t walk to secure yours
Midleton Distillery has confirmed the arrival of its Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage, the latest edition in an Irish whiskey series now into its 43rd annual incarnation, and the 6th Vintage under the careful watch of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman. Bottled at 40% ABV, the 2026 expression continues a tradition that sees the distillery’s Master…
Virginia Distillery stages UK launch with eight strong American single malt whisky range
There’s a new American malt whisky company in town, and it hails from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Virginia Distillery Company is making its UK debut with the release of eight American single malt whiskies. The family-owned producer is introducing both of its core whisky ranges simultaneously, giving UK drinkers a broad view of its…
Share this: