Midleton Very Rare has unveiled the sixth and final chapter of its Silent Distillery Collection, featuring the last remaining whiskey from the historic Old Midleton Distillery which operated from 1825 to 1975.
The ultra-premium release coincides with the distillery’s 200th anniversary and contains whiskey distilled five decades ago by Master Distiller Emeritus Max Crockett in what was once the world’s largest pot still.
Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Six
Priced at $60,000 (£55,000), Chapter Six represents the culmination of an unprecedented six-year release program that began in 2020, with each annual edition featuring increasingly rare liquid from the now-silent distillery. The previous release was unveiled in April 2024 – a 49 year old.
Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman described the release as “a whiskey whose excellence is shaped by so many extraordinary factors,” noting the rarity of the single pot still distillate style created at Old Midleton and the 50-year maturation process.
“There is a balance of aged oak influence with fresh fruit notes that can be challenging to achieve in ultra-aged whiskeys, which I hope those lucky enough to enjoy it will find a remarkable surprise. I truly believe that we have encapsulated the essence of Old Midleton in this ultimate expression,” O’Gorman said.
Unique Cask Crafted from Previous Releases
In an innovative approach to the final release, Master Cooper Ger Buckley created a bespoke cask using wood from the five previous Silent Distillery Collection releases.
Buckley, a fifth-generation cooper at Midleton Distillery, meticulously selected and reassembled staves from each chapter to form a one-of-a-kind cask for the final marrying of this historic whiskey.
“Working on the cask that would hold this once-in-a-lifetime whiskey, I found myself wondering if my coopering predecessors ever felt such pressure to preserve every last drop!” Buckley said.
Initially aged in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, the whiskey was later transferred to this unique vessel, resulting in what O’Gorman describes as “wonderful vibrancy, where lively, fresh fruit flavours elegantly balance earthy aromas of dried tobacco leaves and antique oak.”
The final product is bottled at 53% ABV and represents the collaborative efforts of three generations of Master Distillers – Max Crockett, his son Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and Kevin O’Gorman – who have safeguarded the liquid over five decades.
Kevin O’Gorman reflected on the bittersweet ending to the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection: “Max, Barry, Brian, Ger and I, alongside the Midleton Distillery family past and present, have been a team over many decades, protecting and nurturing this liquid to achieve its peak. While there is a sense of sadness as the Old Midleton Distillery and the Silent Distillery Collection reach a close, I know they would all agree that it has been an extraordinary privilege to be part of the creation process.”
Premium Presentation Reflects Artisanal Craftsmanship
The whiskey is presented in an individually mouth-blown crystal decanter created by Ireland’s House of Waterford, housed in a unique wooden cabinet designed by Irish master craftsman John Galvin.
The cabinet combines six rare woods – each previously featured in the first five Silent Distillery releases – with the addition of blue bird’s eye maple for the final chapter. Details include 18-carat gold-plated trim, hand-cut and embroidered premium leather interior, and oak reclaimed from old Irish whiskey vats.
Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Six is available to purchase through the Midleton Collection website and from specialist retailers in the UK, Ireland, and the U.S.
Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Six Tasting Notes
Nose: Opens with decadent notes of dark fruits and malted barley drizzled with forest honey. Earthy aromas of dried tobacco leaves combine with worn leather and antique oak to produce an intricate assortment of flavours that recalls five decades of ageing to perfection. Burnt orange peel and grated ginger deliver vibrant crisp notes alongside subtle hints of black truffle, cocoa aromas and mild nutty undertones.
Taste: Stone fruit notes to the fore with flavours of peaches and nectarines. Indulgent notes of treacle and whiskey-soaked raisins build over time. Oak tannins work gently in harmony with the pot still spices giving balance to the rounded and luscious texture of this wonderfully complex whiskey.
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Finish: Exquisitely long finish that showcases the range and spectrum of flavours ranging from crisp, elegant and sweet notes to the rich, earthy and oak driven nature of this timeless liquid.
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