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19th February 2021 |
Beginning a
new tradition under the guardianship of
Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, the
Midleton Very Rare 2021 vintage is the
first expression in the series to be
launched at the start of the year.
 Hot
on the heals of the outstanding
Midleton Very Rare 2020 expression,
and breaking from what had become
tradition over the years, the folks at
Midleton has released the next
instalment of their Midleton Very Rare
premium Irish blended whiskey series
early in 2021. Normally released each
year around October as we head into
winter, the distillery has decided to
release the 39th edition in the series,
Midleton Very Rare 2021 as we approach
Spring.
The Midleton Very Rare
2021 is also the first in the series to
be created by Irish Distillers’ new
Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman. In
keeping with tradition, Irish Distillers
tells me that Kevin has created a
balanced blend of rare and hand-selected
single pot still and single grain Irish
whiskeys from Midleton’s extensive
inventory. The Midleton Very Rare 2021
includes whiskey aged between 15 and 36
years which have been matured in lightly
charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.
Making his Midleton Very Rare debut
selection as Master Distiller, Kevin
O’Gorman took several months to explore
the finest casks in the Midleton
inventory as he sought to put his own
mark on this eagerly awaited annual
limited-edition release. Drawing on his
experience in both distillation and
maturation, O’Gorman elevated the grain
whiskey contribution for the 2021
vintage to create a delicate and elegant
whiskey. In order to maintain a
luxurious, balanced aroma and taste
profile, O’Gorman selected a mix of
first fill and second fill casks to
enhance the wood contribution while
allowing the pot still component to
express itself.
The result I am told is a whiskey of
great finesse, with a floral, perfumed
character. The higher selection of grain
whiskeys extends the spectrum of
flavours and aromas to include baked
orchard fruits, lime zest and kiwi,
perfectly rounded off with mild pot
still spices and soft waves of vanilla
from the exceptional bourbon casks.
Celebrating the launch of Midleton Very
Rare 2021, O’Gorman comments: "It is a
great honour to become the custodian of
this extraordinary Irish whiskey family
and to have my signature adorn our 2021
vintage.
"The journey to launching this vintage
began almost 40 years ago. Continuing
the work of my predecessors was both a
daunting and extremely enjoyable process
that allowed me to explore some of our
rarest casks and create an exceptional
blend that sits seamlessly within the
family.
"I am particularly proud to have been
able to include distillate that was laid
down in 1984, the year the collection
was first conceived by Master Distiller
Emeritus Barry Crockett, from who I have
learned so much.
"For me, this vintage adds a new
dimension and elegance to the style and
quality for which the range is renowned.
I couldn’t ask for a better way to begin
my chapter as Irish Distillers’ Master
Distiller."
Beginning a new tradition under the
guardianship of Master Distiller Kevin
O’Gorman, the Midleton Very Rare 2021
vintage will be the first to be launched
at the start of the year, in response to
consumer demand. As the new Midleton
Very Rare calendar establishes this
year, Ireland, online platforms and
select markets will retain an allocation
for a second sales period in late autumn
to ensure availability before the
festive period, in keeping with customer
expectations.
The new Midleton Very Rare 2021
which has been bottled at 40% ABV is
launching in Ireland now, and will hit
shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel
Retail, Australia, Germany and Canada in
the coming months from this month at the
RRP of £160/€180, you will soon find it
available from specialist online whisky
retailers such as
The Whisky Exchange,
The Whisky Shop and
Master of Malt
|
Midleton Very Rare 2021 Review
|
Bottled at 40% ABV, I would have liked
it if they had taken this chance to bump
up the ABV with Kevin's debut Very
Rare expression, I haven't had the
chance to taste this yet so I cant
comment on its quality in comparison to
previous releases. I will certainly let
you know what I think of it if I get the
chance to taste it, meanwhile here is
the official tasting note.
Producer's Tasting Notes:
Nose:
Opens with a delicate floral perfume
closely followed by roasted coffee
beans, salted caramel and honeycomb
coming to the fore. Hints of nectarines
that linger in the background evolve
over time along with freshly grated
ginger and nutmeg spice. The American
oak provides structure throughout,
ranging in depth from fresh woodland
notes to aged charred oak.
Taste:
Baked orchard fruits with a touch of
lime zest and kiwi. Mild pot still
spices continue to build along with soft
waves of vanilla, sweet coffee liqueur
and cocoa powder. The texture initially
round and full, gains additional wood
spices with a delicate touch of clove
oil and nutmeg adding a mild heat,
giving balance to the sweetness.
Finish:
Lingering finish with the pot still
spices and soft fruits eventually
fading, allowing the oak to have the
final say, highlighting the many years
of maturation.
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