Midleton Very Rare has launched its 2026 Vintage Release, a blend of three single pot still and two single grain Irish whiskeys selected by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and his team at Midleton Distillery. The expression is bottled at 40% ABV and is available from March 4 in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, and global travel retail at an RRP of $240 (£220).
Additional European and U.S. markets will follow from April.
O’Gorman’s journey to create the 2026 Vintage began in the distillery’s historic warehouses, some dating to the 1860s, where each Master Distiller has set aside small amounts of “exceptionally performing” whiskeys over the past four decades.
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READ THE STORYAmong the five distillate styles chosen this year is a select batch of grain whiskey with a barley and malted barley mash bill that also featured in the 2025 Vintage. The inclusion of this style contributes enhanced butterscotch and toffee aromas.
Midleton’s signature grain whiskey has seen a subtle increase compared to last year. This contributes floral notes of rose petal and geraniums alongside enhanced herbal character. O’Gorman also included older grain whiskey parcels matured in ex-American bourbon barrels, building layers of crème brûlée and milk chocolate.
Careful adjustments were made to the three single pot still elements. Increasing the lighter pot still parcels imparted enhanced citrus, lemon zest, and orange peel notes. A boost to the traditional pot still style delivers a richer mouthfeel and luscious sweetness.
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Celebrating the launch, O’Gorman said: “Each year, we hope to share a Midleton Very Rare Vintage that heroes the years of craftsmanship gone before whilst creating something rare, new and enticing for people to discover. As the sixth Vintage Release under my guardianship, I wanted to explore the bounds of what is possible from our array of exceptional liquids, while remaining true to the unique style for which Midleton Very Rare has become known.”
He added: “The final liquid offers a great depth of complexity, showcasing both the elegant, floral and herbal notes of grain whiskeys with the spicier, stone fruit notes from our single pot still whiskeys for a unique blend that is layered, elegant and distinctly Midleton.”
Since its inception in 1984, Midleton Very Rare has defined blended Irish whiskey at its highest level. The 2026 release honors that legacy.
The official tasting notes from the brand describe a nose of “vibrant and fresh citrus aromas of orange peel and lemon zest accompanied by delicate hints of soft apricot and orchard fruits,” followed by “sweet tones akin to crème brûlée and toffee.” On the palate, the brand notes “a rich assortment of luscious and mouthwatering fruit notes” with “generous servings of vanilla and cinnamon.” The finish sees “pot still spices slowly fade, leaving the rich infusion of fruits and oak to linger until the very end.”
The 2026 Vintage will be housed in a new recyclable secondary box made entirely from paper, replacing magnets used in previous packaging.
