Midleton Very Rare 2020 Vintage Release

The Midleton Very Rare 2020 Vintage Release represents both an ending and a legacy — the final vintage crafted by Master Distiller Brian Nation, who continued the vision first established by Barry Crockett in 1984. This release captures the essence of balance, elegance, and craftsmanship that defines Ireland’s most prestigious whiskey series.

Composed of an exceptional selection of Single Pot Still and Single Grain whiskeys aged between 13 and 35 years, the 2020 vintage was matured in lightly charred first-fill and refill ex-bourbon American oak barrels, imparting rich layers of vanilla, honey, and soft oak spice. Bottled at 40% ABV, it delivers the quintessential Midleton experience — luxurious texture, refined sweetness, and exceptional balance.

On the nose, aromas of honey, orchard fruit, and vanilla mingle with delicate floral tones and subtle oak. The palate is silky and complex, revealing flavours of ripe pear, apricot, toffee, and baking spice with gentle oak warmth and caramel undertones. The finish is long and graceful, with lingering notes of fruit, spice, and polished wood that epitomise Midleton’s hallmark smoothness.

Produced at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, the Midleton Very Rare Collection stands as Ireland’s most prestigious annual whiskey release — a celebration of the finest aged stocks, blended with precision and artistry. Established in 1825, the distillery has become synonymous with Irish whiskey excellence, producing iconic brands such as Jameson, Powers, and Redbreast, alongside its crown jewel: Midleton Very Rare.

Each annual vintage in the Midleton Very Rare Series is a testament to the skill of its master distiller, combining Ireland’s rarest pot still and grain whiskeys in perfect harmony. The 2020 Vintage Release holds a special place in the collection — the last under Brian Nation’s stewardship, it stands as a graceful and heartfelt tribute to his tenure and to the legacy of those who came before him. A whiskey of both reflection and celebration, it exemplifies everything Midleton stands for: tradition, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Style: Vintage Irish Whiskey (Blend of Single Pot Still & Single Grain Whiskeys)

Region: Midleton, County Cork, Ireland

Producer: Midleton Distillery (Irish Distillers)

Master Distiller: Brian Nation (final vintage created under his stewardship)

ABV: 40%

Maturation: Matured in lightly charred first-fill and refill ex-bourbon American oak barrels

Composition: A blend of rare pot still and grain whiskeys aged between 13 and 35 years, carefully chosen for balance and complexity

Appearance: Deep gold with rich amber highlights