In 1984, Barry Crockett, a master distiller, introduced the inaugural release of Midleton Very Rare with a straightforward aspiration: to craft the finest Irish whiskey. Although Scotland boasted a more extensive whisky legacy, this initial offering undeniably placed Ireland in the spotlight. Now, four decades later, Midleton has launched its latest edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this remarkable lineage. The unveiling took place at the Midleton distillery, where Crockett himself was present, and the whiskey was even sampled in the very house where he was born. The Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition is one of this year’s most significant whiskey launches, embodying the spirit of innovation that Crockett instilled in the ’80s and presenting a distinct interpretation of the distillery’s potential.
The Ruby Edition
The Ruby Edition has been crafted under the watchful eyes of Midleton’s team of experts, including the current master distiller, Kevin O’Gorman. Drawing from the esteemed archives of the Irish brand, several single pot still and single grain whiskeys were meticulously blended to create this unique offering. Finished in ruby port casks and showcasing an age range that spans over forty years, this whiskey is a veritable piece of history. To honor Midleton’s legacy, whiskeys laid down by each of its master distillers—Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and O’Gorman himself—were utilized in the blend. O’Gorman proposed the idea of aging the whiskey in ruby port casks for nine months, a nod to the significance of rubies, which symbolize 40th anniversaries.
Hugely complex, with a myriad of flavours
The end result is remarkably complex, with a harmonious blend of flavors that complement one another beautifully. Midleton is known for its signature profile featuring orchard fruits, citrus, vanilla, and floral notes. The ruby port cask infusion adds distinct undertones of blackcurrant, plum, and berries, creating an unforgettable symphony of tastes. As O’Gorman aptly describes it, “In just nine months, the whiskeys we blended in the warehouse evolved, absorbing these wonderful flavors. I detect lovely dark fruits, blackcurrants, and blackberries. It evokes thoughts of jams—blackcurrant jam, blackberry jam—and hints of autumn fruits and plums. There’s even a touch of raspberry, reminiscent of a raspberry tartlet. The influence of the Ruby Port is immediately apparent.”
“The whiskeys in this blend are up to 42 years old, imparting an essence reminiscent of aged furniture and tobacco, typical of older whiskies. Beneath the fruity notes, you’ll find a rich dark chocolate flavor as well as the spices from the pot still—cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. Everything intermingles in perfect harmony.”
Availability and Price
Priced at €20,000 or £17,558, the Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition is truly a special bottle of whiskey. Even more unique is a special one-off bottle, created in collaboration with Keanes Jewellers of Cork. This exclusive bottle, featuring hand-engraved 18k gold and adorned with thirty-two rubies set in the neck, stands as a work of art as much as a drinking vessel. It was auctioned via BlockBar, starting at $60,000, ultimately selling for $120,000—demonstrating that Midleton remains at the pinnacle of the whiskey world, with a robust appetite for extraordinary whiskey at an all-time high.
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