Midleton Very Rare 2024

Profile: The Midleton Very Rare 2024 at a glance

• A true Irishman: Blended Irish Whiskey from the Midleton Distillery
• A tribute to craftsmanship: Created by Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman
• A true taste experience: Abundant fruit and spice

Portrait: What makes the Midleton Very Rare 2024 special

The Midleton Very Rare 2024 is one of those whiskies whose very name evokes a touch of reverence. Perhaps it's because it's only bottled once a year—or perhaps it's because you instinctively sense that this bottle has probably traveled more than you do.
The whiskey is produced at the famous Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, a distillery that is, in a sense, the heart of modern Irish whiskey production. Numerous well-known brands originate here, but Midleton Very Rare is something of an elegant flagship of the distillery. While other whiskies are distributed across the globe in large quantities, this one appears more like a limited-edition guest of honor at a very exclusive party. The Midleton Very Rare series was originally launched in 1984.
The idea behind it was as simple as it was brilliant: Each year, the Master Distiller selects specially chosen casks and composes a unique annual bottling. The result is a series of vintages that are about as interesting to collectors as rare stamps—only considerably more stylish on the shelf.
The 2024 edition follows precisely this tradition. Each bottle is individually numbered and bears the signature of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman. There’s something pleasantly personal about that. While many products today roll anonymously off machines, here it almost seems as if someone at the end of the production line paused briefly and said: "Perfect. I'll put my name on it."

The Midleton Distillery itself looks back on a long history. Whiskey has been distilled on this site since the 19th century, and today the distillery is one of Ireland's most important. Here, traditional methods blend seamlessly with modern technology – a bit like a historic manor house suddenly having high-speed Wi-Fi.
Thus, the Midleton Very Rare 2024 is ultimately more than just a bottle of whiskey. It's an annual ritual, a piece of Irish distilling culture, and for many fans, a little time capsule from 2024. And if anyone asks why you own it, you can calmly reply: "I collect history. Some people do that in liquid form."

Tasting Notes: This is how the Midleton Very Rare 2024 tastes like

• Nose: Initially, a delicate floral scent, closely followed by roasted coffee beans, salted caramel, and honeycomb – in the background, nectarines, freshly grated ginger, nutmeg, and spicy oak
• Palate: Round and full-bodied – baked orchard fruit with a hint of lime and kiwi – followed by notes of mild spices, vanilla, sweet coffee liqueur, and cocoa powder – hints of clove oil and nutmeg
• Finish: Long, lingering finish with spices and soft fruits, increasingly revealing the spicy notes of oak