Midleton Very Rare, the pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, is proud to unveil Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage Release. An extraordinary blend of the finest single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys Midleton Distillery has to offer; this year’s Vintage is a true reflection of Midleton Very Rare’s artistry, honouring the brand’s traditionally elegant flavour profile with a wonderful balance of distillate and wood-derived flavours.

Over the past four decades, each Master Distiller has set aside small amounts of exceptionally performing whiskeys to make each year’s Vintage. These hand-selected casks are housed in warehouses dating as far back at the 1860s. Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and his team’s journey to create the 2026 Vintage began here.

Five distillate styles – three single pot still and two single grain styles – were carefully selected to create this year’s expression, including a select batch grain whiskey with a barley and malted barley mash bill that featured in last year’s Vintage. The inclusion of this style gives an enhanced butterscotch and toffee aroma.

The inclusion of Midleton’s signature grain whiskey has seen a subtle increase compared to last year, contributing floral notes of rose petal and geraniums along with enhanced herbal notes. O’Gorman has included some incredible parcels of older grain whiskeys matured in ex-American Bourbon barrels which build layers of crème brulée and milk chocolate

O’Gorman made very careful adjustments to the three single pot still elements this year. Increasing the lighter pot still parcels of whiskey imparted enhanced delicate notes of citrus, lemon zest and orange peel. The increase in the traditional Pot Still style gives a luscious sweetness and rich mouthfeel to the final liquid.

Marrying together this intricate combination of whiskeys showcases the artistry and mastery of those at the distillery, creating a finished liquid of elegance and finesse that sings together in harmony to showcase the very best of Midleton. Since its inception in 1984, Midleton Very Rare has defined what it means to create a truly exceptional blended Irish whiskey. A legacy of excellence and a celebration of Ireland’s rich distilling heritage with an unparalleled dedication to quality, the Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage Release honours decades of tradition.

Celebrating the launch of Midleton Very Rare 2026, Kevin O’Gorman shares: “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. 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.”

Following the removal of magnets the MVR 2026 vintage release will be housed in a recyclable secondary box made entirely from paper*. Adorned with elegant, foil details, the box features a new, friction closure, gliding open for a stunningly proud finish.

Midleton Very Rare 2026 is bottled at 40% ABV and will be available from 4th March initially in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, Irish and global travel retail and Irish Distillers’ brand homes at the RRP of €240, $240, £220, and in additional European & US markets from April.

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