Midleton 1991 Single Cask – Blake’s of The Hollow
A whiskey of remarkable rarity and distinction, the Midleton 1991 Single Cask bottled exclusively for Blake’s of The Hollow represents a pinnacle of Irish whiskey craftsmanship and cask selection.
Distilled on 27 November 1991 at the legendary Midleton Distillery in County Cork, this exceptional expression spent over 26 years maturing in a single first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, before being bottled at its natural cask strength of 53.1% ABV. The result is a whiskey that captures the very soul of Ireland’s single pot still heritage - rich, complex, and gracefully matured.
Hand-selected in partnership with Blake’s of the Hollow, Enniskillen, a storied public house and cultural landmark dating back to 1887, this release embodies the collaboration between Irish Distillers’ master blenders and one of Ireland’s most respected whiskey establishments. The bottling stands as a testament to Blake’s dedication to quality and tradition, pairing their legacy of hospitality with Midleton’s unmatched expertise in long-aged pot still whiskey.
On the nose, layers of vanilla pods, toasted oak, marzipan, and subtle orchard fruit rise gently, underpinned by marmalade sweetness and polished wood. The palate unfolds in rich waves of crème caramel, toffee, ripe stone fruit, and blackcurrant, with an elegant thread of spice and toasted oak adding structure and depth. The finish lingers with warmth and refinement - clove, nutmeg, soft leather, and lingering oak - echoing the craftsmanship and patience that define every Midleton single cask release.
Only 180 bottles were drawn from this cask, making it an exceptionally scarce opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its perfect balance of age, strength, and individuality, this bottling is both an exquisite whiskey and a piece of Irish distilling history.
Ireland
Co. Cork
26 Year Old
700ml
53.10% ABV
1991Midleton 1991 Single Cask – Blake’s of The Hollow is one of the most sought-after private cask releases ever produced by Irish Distillers. Distilled at the world-renowned Midleton Distillery in County Cork, this exceptional whiskey represents a style and maturity level rarely encountered in modern Irish whiskey.
The whiskey was distilled in 1991 and laid down in a single first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, where it matured for approximately 26 years before being selected for exclusive bottling by Blake’s of The Hollow, one of Ireland’s most famous and historic pubs, located in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh.
Unlike standard Midleton releases that are created through careful vatting of multiple casks, this bottling comes entirely from a single barrel, allowing drinkers to experience the whiskey in its purest and most individual form. Bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration, it preserves the full texture, concentration, and character developed during more than two decades of maturation.
The early 1990s are increasingly regarded as a golden period for Midleton distillation. During this era, stocks of traditional Single Pot Still whiskey were relatively limited compared to modern production levels, and many enthusiasts believe these mature casks represent some of the finest examples ever produced by Irish Distillers.
Long maturation in a first-fill bourbon barrel has allowed the spirit to develop extraordinary complexity while preserving the vibrant fruit and spice characteristics that define traditional Single Pot Still whiskey. The interaction between oak and spirit has created remarkable depth without overwhelming the underlying distillery character.
The combination of age, single-cask provenance, cask-strength bottling, and extremely limited availability has elevated this release into the upper tier of collectible Irish whiskey. Bottles rarely appear on the open market and are typically traded through specialist whisky auctions and private collections.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this is not simply a mature Irish whiskey but a snapshot of an increasingly scarce era of Midleton production.
A full-bodied, cask-strength Irish whiskey with exceptional richness, depth, and complexity. The extended maturation softens and refines the spirit while preserving the vibrant fruit, spice, and creamy texture that define world-class Single Pot Still whiskey.
Unlike heavily sherried Irish whiskies, the bourbon cask maturation allows the spirit itself to remain centre stage. Oak, vanilla, and spice support the whiskey rather than dominate it, creating a style that feels elegant, layered, and remarkably balanced.
In simple terms: an ultra-premium Irish whiskey combining mature oak complexity with vibrant fruit and pot still spice — powerful, sophisticated, and extraordinarily rare.
Appearance: Deep gold with rich amber highlights.
Nose: Baked apple, vanilla, honey, toasted oak, citrus peel, and warm spice.
Palate: Orchard fruits, vanilla cream, almond, cinnamon, butterscotch, and elegant oak.
Texture: Full-bodied, silky, and remarkably mouth-coating.
Finish: Long, warming, and beautifully balanced with lingering spice and oak.
Serve at 18–20°C.
Best enjoyed neat to appreciate the full complexity.
A few drops of water can reveal additional layers of fruit, spice, and oak.
Use a tulip-shaped whisky glass.
Drink now or continue to hold as a collectible whiskey.
5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom
