Midleton Very Rare has, in its 40th anniversary year, unveiled the fifth release in the Silent Distillery Collection. The Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five is a single pot still whiskey that has been aged for 49 years.
Distilled by Max Crockett using the famous pot still (the world’s largest) in 1973, the whiskey is the oldest expression to be released by Midleton Very Rare.
The whiskey is also some of the last spirit to be distilled at the Old Midleton Distillery, which was decommissioned in 1975 after running for 150 years. It was matured under the watchful eye of three subsequent Master Distillers and bottled under the current Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman.
O’Gorman carefully selected several aged barrels to be married together for a 6-month finishing period in an American ex-bourbon cask. This cask dates back to the 1970s when cooper Dominic Buckley repaired it and stamped it with the number ‘1’, both to indicate quality and allow the cask to be traced. The cask has since demonstrated remarkable integrity. It was inspected by Master Cooper Ger Buckley, Dominic’s son, at Midleton before use for finishing, ensuring it was up to the task.
The historic whiskey was bottled at 52.4% ABV in handblown and etched Waterford Crystal decanters which have been polished by hand. These are housed in bespoke tiger brown oak burr cabinets by John Galvin. The interiors of these cabinets are lined with antique white leather and feature silver detailing.
The Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five has an RRP of $55,000. A very limited number of bottles will be available across the US, UK, and Europe. To find out more, please visit the Midleton Distillery Collection website.
Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five Tasting Notes
Tasting notes for the 49 year old whiskey are as follows:
“Nose: Delicate hints of fruit at first, with peach, apricot, and dates to the fore. Notes of sugar glazed almonds, worn leather and antique wood add to the complexity. Indulgent sweet tones of treacle toffee, vanilla essence, and heather honey work in harmony with the earthy woodland aromas and light dustings of white pepper which quietly linger in the background.
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Taste: Opens with a vibrant medley of stone and citrus fruits, enhanced by the pot still whiskey’s luscious and silk-coating texture. The oak’s tannins slowly build, adding notes of herbal tea and dark chocolate, while the spices of anise and ginger perfectly complement the sweet undertones of salted caramel and toffee apple.
Finish: A lingering finish in which decades of ageing has developed intense and rich flavours, leaving the pot still spices and fruits to have the final say as the oak slowly fades.”
Commenting on this historic release, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman said:
“Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five embodies a captivating tale that celebrates the convergence of the finest wood, exceptional whiskey, and indomitable spirit of the master craftsmen who sit at the heart of the Old Midleton Distillery’s legacy. The result is truly remarkable, offering an exceptional liquid that exceeds expectations and promises an unforgettable experience. I eagerly invite whiskey enthusiasts to indulge in this exceptional liquid and discover the captivating history that accompanies the expression as they savour every sip.”
The Silent Distillery Collection
The Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection contains some of the oldest whiskeys ever produced by Midleton.
Chapter 1 is a 45 Year Old, with Chapter 4 (the most recent addition bar the new release) being 48 years old.
The collection pays homage to the Old Midleton Distillery, which was a powerhouse of Irish whiskey production until its closure in 1975. Today, the Old Midleton Distillery is home to the Jameson Experience.
The release of the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five comes just weeks after the brand launched a 40 Year Old Ruby Edition. It seems that Midleton is determined to make this anniversary year count.
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