Midleton Very Rare 2019
The 36th iteration of the cult vintage series. Matured exclusively in lightly-charred ex-Bourbon American oak barrels for between 13 and 34 years. A blend of single grain and single pot still. Bottled at 40% ABV with an RRP of €180.
Omar Fitzell Notes
Oaky spicy that quickly gives way to fruity and sweet notes. Green apple and pear along with caramelised brown sugar and maybe even some tropical mango.
Palate
The taste arrives with a wallop of tropic fruit, that mango form the nose especially. Pear and even a slight orange note. A pot still oaky spice hits the palate and lingers for just the right length of time before retreating and allowing some sweetness shine in.
Finish
A medium finish that is almost all sweetness for me.
Overall
The 2018 MVR was a let-down for me. It was more single pot still forward in spice than what I would have considered a Midleton Very Rare blend. For me, an MVR is finesse. Subtle yet refined. This year’s release is certainly diving back towards that for me and it has won me over. One of the best in the last number of years
Al Higgins notes
Nose
Very delicate. Touches of lemon syrup, Madeira cake, freshly sliced red apples, pear tart, strawberry jelly and boiled sweets (candy).
Palate
Sweet, succulent and juicy. An array of classic old-school sweets, including fruit salads, refreshers and lovehearts (sorry to any non-Irish/non-UK readers!). Lemon drops, orange sherbet, dried apricots, strawberries and pineapple.
Finish
The fruit continues, remaining fresh and juicy all the way to the finish.
Overall
The Very Rare is back on track after a bit of a dip in 2018. Perhaps this year’s edition is a bit lighter on pot still content, but it has been expertly blended and is true to the style of the series. You won’t find an easier whiskey to drink in Ireland.
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