Midleton Very Rare 2021
Midleton Very Rare 2021 is this years iconic and highly sought after release in the Midleton Very Rare range and is the first from newly appointed Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman. Individually numbered and signed this release is bottled at 40% ABV and retails at €180, if you can get your hands on it.
Omar Fitzell Notes
Delicate and fruity. Tropical fruit mostly, melon and even a touch of pineapple. Apples and peach are in there too along with a subtle touch of spice when you delve in. Nutmeg and cinnamon.
Palate
Oily mouth feel at the beginning, more than expected from a delicate nose. The grain shines through with some lovely cereal notes. Peaches carry over from the nose. Milk chocolate mid palate with a very slight black pepper spice.
Finish
Short to medium finish. Right at the end I get a short burst of berries from the pot still component that is perfectly placed.
Overall
This is what I think of when I think of Midleton Very Rare. Some previous editions, 2018 in particular, were far too pot still driven for my liking. When I think of Midleton Very Rare I think of a very approachable whiskey. One that can be enjoyed by all and one that will not offend anyone’s palate. A perfect balance of fruit and spice. This is just that. If you want a big robust whiskey, this isn’t it. If you want refined, elegant and well balanced, this is the bottle you want on your top shelf.
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Delicate and refined. Old grain whiskey and light pot still whiskey flavours are quite evident here. More citrus flavours than previous releases with some vanilla, melon, kiwi and green apple.
Palate
Soft, polished and light in body. Again the grain whiskey is quite obvious giving this a more juicy and delicate character. Flavours of lemon, lime, melon, spearmint, green apples and fennel root.
Finish
Clean, crisp and minty with no chance of any harshness or bitterness.
Overall
It’s a clear shift in style on this release with the increased grain whiskey component. The result is a blend that will no doubt appeal to fans of the older editions of Midleton Very Rare. Personally, I would prefer more pot still content and more complexity, but for those looking for polished and easy drinking premium whiskeys then this fits the bill.
Omar Fitzell
Omar has been lurking in the background of the Irish Whiskey Industry since 2010 when he started his journey through tasting, enjoying and collecting whiskey. In January 2018 he launched the online blog “That’s Dram Good” which, in those few short months, has become one of the most popular whiskey blogs in Ireland.
You can find him on:
• Twitter – @thatsdramgood
• Facebook – ThatsDramGood
Al Higgins
Over 20 years of experience in drinks retail and a member of the team at the Celtic Whiskey Shop since 2003. Alastair is chief tester and taster at the shop and is also coordinator for the Irish Whiskey Awards. When he is not working he is either training for ultra-marathons, parenting or drumming with his band Le Galaxie.
You can find him on:
• Twitter – @mostlydrinking