The journey of Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais whiskey began in 2017 when Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and his team from the Midleton Distillery set out to procure casks from the famed Tronçais forest in France. Before diving into this captivating tale, it’s essential to reflect on the history of the Irish whiskey industry, which experienced a flourishing era in the 1900s before facing significant challenges such as the Irish War of Independence and U.S. prohibition, which nearly decimated it.
A New Era In Irish Whiskey Production
Rather than marking the end, these challenges sparked innovation and resilience that fostered a new golden era for Irish whiskey. Leading the charge was Midleton Very Rare, a symbol of superior craftsmanship, utilizing the finest ingredients and cutting-edge techniques, all backed by a dedicated team. This commitment to quality positioned Midleton as the pinnacle of excellence in Irish whiskey.
Fast-forward to 2023, when Ape to Gentleman received an invitation to Cognac, France, to witness first-hand the remarkable evolution of Midleton Very Rare in its relentless quest for excellence. October greeted us with pleasant weather, around 30ºC, as we settled into the lovely Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa, where we would stay for the next two days.
Forêt de Tronçais Oak And Taransaud Cooperage
Our inaugural stop on the expedition to discover Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais whiskey was Taransaud Cooperage. Renowned for crafting rare T5 oak casks, celebrated for their fine grain and complex flavors, these barrels are designed to infuse the Midleton Very Rare Irish whiskey with a distinctive character. Guided by Jacquelin de Pracomtal, Vice President of Taransaud, we gained insight into their meticulous craftsmanship, which involves air-drying T5 oak staves over five years to produce the finest whiskey.
The Liquid Within
To complement the unique properties of Tronçais oak, a distinct batch of Midleton single grain and single pot still whiskeys matured in American bourbon barrels from the 1980s to the 2000s was selected and transferred to T5 casks under O’Gorman’s careful supervision. The resulting whiskey is both elegant and refined, bursting with notes of poached pears, caramelized apples, and honeycomb, all gently enhanced by the unique qualities of the Tronçais oak.
A Word From Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery:
“While we may refer to ‘the Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey’ with Midleton Very Rare, our aspiration to innovate and explore remains unwavering. Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais reflects our tireless commitment to perfection and authenticity, utilizing some of the world’s finest oak to craft an exceptional and elegant expression of Midleton.”
Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais Official Tasting Notes
Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery
Nose: Rich aromas infused with oak, showcasing the delightful scents of poached pears, caramelized apples, and a hint of orange zest. Enhanced by notes of honeycomb and toasted hazelnut, the aroma evolves, accompanied by the fragrance of freshly roasted coffee beans, while woodland spices emerge through the refined influence of the extra fine-grained French oak, adding layers that enhance the pot still spices and floral elements in this complex blend.
Taste: Initial herbal nuances of fresh peppermint and sage intertwine with ripe orchard fruits and zesty orange. The oak’s delicate tannins harmoniously complement the chocolate-dipped honeycomb and sweet vanilla, contributing to the silky texture synonymous with Midleton’s whiskeys. Evolving wood spices introduce further depth to this intricate whiskey.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, where fruity and spicy flavors meld beautifully with the toasted wood’s enchanting characteristics, creating a balanced fusion of Irish whiskey and French oak.
The Bottle
The official product shot of Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais whiskey
The Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais whiskey bottle is a true masterpiece. Revealed at No.3 The Château, the design draws inspiration from the Midleton duck egg blue featured in the distillery’s logo. Crafted by Manufacture Jacquemin, a third-generation woodcraft business in the Jura Mountains, the cabinet is made from fine oak sourced from the Tronçais forest, adorned with laser-cut illustrations that pay tribute to this legendary woodland, established in the 1600s for sustainable shipbuilding, which plays a crucial role in the whiskey’s unique narrative.
Conclusion And Availability
The cabinet, created by Manufacture Jacquemin, a third-generation traditional woodcrafts business based in the Jura Mountains in Eastern France
Ape to Gentleman had the privilege of attending an educational event in Cognac, delving into the history of Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais whiskey, and we can confidently affirm its status as a superb whiskey. If you have the opportunity to acquire a bottle or enjoy a sip, we trust you will share our enthusiasm for this complex and exquisite whiskey. Sláinte!
This inaugural edition of Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais is bottled at 48% ABV and will be available in select markets, including Ireland, the USA, Northern Ireland, Global Travel Retail, France, the UK, China, and Hong Kong. Online orders will begin on October 13th at 12 PM, with an RRP of €5,000 / $5,000 / £4,400.
Expect annual releases of Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais, contingent on the availability of this rare whiskey and oak combination in the coming years.
For further details, please visit midletonveryrare.com.
