Midleton – Very Rare Vintage Release 2026 (70cl, 40%)

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2026 is the 43rd annual edition of this Irish blend, and the sixth under Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman. It is bottled at 40% in a 70cl bottle. The blend uses three single pot still styles and two single grain styles. The grain whiskey, made from barley and malted barley, adds rose petal, geranium and herbal notes, while older grain whiskey from American ex-bourbon casks brings crème brûlée and milk chocolate. The nose is fresh orange peel and lemon zest with apricot and orchard fruit, then crème brûlée and toffee. The palate is juicy fruit, soft oak tannin, vanilla and cinnamon, with ginger and butterscotch. The long finish lets pot still spice fade first, leaving fruit and oak.