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 Distiller select and marry small parcels of maturing stock set aside over decades. For fans, the drop is less a product launch than a yearly checkpoint for the state of Irish whiskey at its most polished.
Midleton Distillery, in County Cork, occupies hallowed ground in Irish spirits. Warehouses on site date back to the 19th century, and it’s here that successive Master Distillers have earmarked casks deemed exceptional enough to contribute to a future Very Rare bottling. The concept is simple in outline: once a year, create a vintage blend that reflects the house style at its most refined.
In practice, that simplicity conceals a great deal of patience. Each edition is drawn from a combination of single pot still and single grain whiskeys, some of them matured for extended periods in ex-American bourbon barrels. Over more than four decades, the series has developed a reputation for remarkable consistency and flavour.
Each edition is drawn from a combination of single pot still and single grain whiskeys, some of them matured for extended periods in ex-American bourbon barrels…
Building the 2026 Vintage
For 2026, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and his team selected five distillate styles: three single pot still and two single grain. Among them is a select batch grain whiskey made from a barley and malted barley mash bill that also featured in the 2025 release, bringing with it a distinct butterscotch and toffee character.
There has been a subtle increase in the proportion of Midleton’s signature grain whiskey this year. The effect is aromatic rather than structural, we’re told: floral notes of rose petal and geranium, alongside gentle herbal tones. Older grain parcels matured in ex-bourbon barrels contribute familar layers of crème brûlée and milk chocolate.
Adjustments to the pot still components also introduces lifted citrus notes, while the traditional pot still style contributes a rounded sweetness.
Middleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage tasting notes
On the nose, the 2026 Vintage is fresh and fruity, opening with orange peel and lemon zest, but traditional Midelton notes of crème brûlée and toffee are there too, here intertwined with whiskey’s floral influence.
The palate is layered and complex, with subtle spice, the fruit notes accentuated by generous servings of vanilla and cinnamon. Notes of peeled ginger and lemon zest complement warm toffee and butterscotch tones.
The finish tapers into light spice, the mouthfeel rewardingly lush.
Available now, Midleton Very Rare can be found at global travel retail, and through Irish Distillers’ brand homes, priced £220 (€240, $240) with additional European and US markets to follow from April.
Drinks by the Dram has unveiled The Whisky Library, an educational tasting collection created in collaboration with whisky expert Dave Worthington. Presented as a miniature bookshelf, the set contains 36 wax-sealed 30ml drams housed across six themed volumes covering Scotch whisky regions, single malt whisky, Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, Bourbon and American whiskey, and sherry-cask…
Kentucky’s famous red wax-sealed bourbon is heading to luxury department store shelves with one of its rarest UK releases to date. Maker’s Mark has unveiled its first-ever collaboration with Selfridges, resulting in a bespoke Private Selection bourbon created exclusively for the retailer. Known as Selfridges Barrel No. 1 2026, the whiskey is limited to just…
Old Pulteney is marking its 200th anniversary with the release of two suitably rare single malts: Old Pulteney 50 Years Old and Old Pulteney 30 Years Old. Crafted at the distillery’s coastal home in Wick, both whiskies reflect the maritime character that has defined the brand since 1826. Limited to just 200 bottles globally, the…
The Luxe Review 
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 Distiller select and marry small parcels of maturing stock set aside over decades. For fans, the drop is less a product launch than a yearly checkpoint for the state of Irish whiskey at its most polished.
Midleton Distillery, in County Cork, occupies hallowed ground in Irish spirits. Warehouses on site date back to the 19th century, and it’s here that successive Master Distillers have earmarked casks deemed exceptional enough to contribute to a future Very Rare bottling. The concept is simple in outline: once a year, create a vintage blend that reflects the house style at its most refined.
In practice, that simplicity conceals a great deal of patience. Each edition is drawn from a combination of single pot still and single grain whiskeys, some of them matured for extended periods in ex-American bourbon barrels. Over more than four decades, the series has developed a reputation for remarkable consistency and flavour.
Building the 2026 Vintage
For 2026, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and his team selected five distillate styles: three single pot still and two single grain. Among them is a select batch grain whiskey made from a barley and malted barley mash bill that also featured in the 2025 release, bringing with it a distinct butterscotch and toffee character.
There has been a subtle increase in the proportion of Midleton’s signature grain whiskey this year. The effect is aromatic rather than structural, we’re told: floral notes of rose petal and geranium, alongside gentle herbal tones. Older grain parcels matured in ex-bourbon barrels contribute familar layers of crème brûlée and milk chocolate.
Adjustments to the pot still components also introduces lifted citrus notes, while the traditional pot still style contributes a rounded sweetness.
Middleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage tasting notes
On the nose, the 2026 Vintage is fresh and fruity, opening with orange peel and lemon zest, but traditional Midelton notes of crème brûlée and toffee are there too, here intertwined with whiskey’s floral influence.
The palate is layered and complex, with subtle spice, the fruit notes accentuated by generous servings of vanilla and cinnamon. Notes of peeled ginger and lemon zest complement warm toffee and butterscotch tones.
The finish tapers into light spice, the mouthfeel rewardingly lush.
Available now, Midleton Very Rare can be found at global travel retail, and through Irish Distillers’ brand homes, priced £220 (€240, $240) with additional European and US markets to follow from April.
The ultimate whisky tasting set: The Whisky Library puts 36 premium drams on your bookshelf
Drinks by the Dram has unveiled The Whisky Library, an educational tasting collection created in collaboration with whisky expert Dave Worthington. Presented as a miniature bookshelf, the set contains 36 wax-sealed 30ml drams housed across six themed volumes covering Scotch whisky regions, single malt whisky, Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, Bourbon and American whiskey, and sherry-cask…
Maker’s Mark and Selfridges launch exclusive 258 bottle Private Selection Cask Strength Bourbon
Kentucky’s famous red wax-sealed bourbon is heading to luxury department store shelves with one of its rarest UK releases to date. Maker’s Mark has unveiled its first-ever collaboration with Selfridges, resulting in a bespoke Private Selection bourbon created exclusively for the retailer. Known as Selfridges Barrel No. 1 2026, the whiskey is limited to just…
Old Pulteney marks 200 years of whisky with limited edition 50 and 30 Year Old single malts
Old Pulteney is marking its 200th anniversary with the release of two suitably rare single malts: Old Pulteney 50 Years Old and Old Pulteney 30 Years Old. Crafted at the distillery’s coastal home in Wick, both whiskies reflect the maritime character that has defined the brand since 1826. Limited to just 200 bottles globally, the…
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