Midleton – Very Rare 2022 (70cl, 40%)

Midleton Very Rare is an Irish whiskey made by selecting and blending the best barrels from the Midleton distillery, an idea first put forward in 1984 by Master Distiller Barry Crockett. A new vintage is created each year, and the 2022 is the 39th. Each bottle was numbered and signed by hand by Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman. It is bottled at 40% in a 70cl bottle. The nose opens with vanilla, butterscotch and white chocolate, building to honeycomb, cinnamon, nutmeg, green melon and kiwi, with charred oak giving structure. The palate is full-bodied, with a mild prickle of chilli oil, then caramelised pear and orange zest. The spices fade first on the finish, leaving soft fruits and sweetness with rich oak tannins.