Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais Edition 1
Exquisite, rare, and masterfully crafted, Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais Edition 1 marks a groundbreaking collaboration between Irish whiskey excellence and the finest French oak.
A bespoke blend of aged grain and pot still whiskeys from Midleton - matured in American bourbon barrels and finished for three years in T5 French oak casks sourced from the Forêt de Tronçais - this edition elevates the Midleton Very Rare lineage.
Bottled at 48% ABV and limited to around 1,380 bottles, it offers perfumed oak, orchard fruit, honeycomb, and woodland spice in an elegant, refined package. A true collector’s masterpiece - where Ireland’s whiskey heritage meets the artistry of French coopering.
Ireland
Co. Cork
700ml
48.00% ABVA rare and luxurious edition in the Midleton Very Rare series, Forêt de Tronçais Edition 1 marries the character of premium Irish whiskey with the refined influence of fine French oak. The release features a select blend of Midleton’s aged grain and pot still whiskeys, finished in T5 casks made from Tronçais forest oak — world-renowned for its fine grain and subtle influence. This finishing adds an elegant layer of oak spice, gentle tannin structure, and woodland character to Midleton’s signature smooth profile.
Midleton Distillery, operated by Irish Distillers, has long been the home of Midleton Very Rare — a benchmark of the distillery’s top-tier expressions. The Forêt de Tronçais project involved collaboration with Taransaud Cooperage to craft exceptional T5 French oak casks from the fabled Tronçais forest. These casks are naturally seasoned and carefully coopered to exacting standards. The result is a limited-edition whiskey that highlights both Irish and French craftsmanship — only a handful of bottles (approx. 1,380) were released
Style: Blended Irish Whiskey (Single Grain + Single Pot Still)
Region: Midleton, County Cork, Ireland
Producer: Irish Distillers / Midleton Distillery
Distillation: Multiple distillations — blending of aged single grain and aged single pot still whiskeys
Blend Composition: A bespoke blend of Midleton’s finest grain and pot still stocks matured from the 1980s to 2000s in American bourbon casks, with finishing in French oak casks from the Forêt de Tronçais
Maturation: Primarily aged in bourbon barrels; finished for 3 years in T5 French oak casks from Forêt de Tronçais
Cask Influence: Fine-grained French oak (T5 casks) adds delicate spice, subtle tannins, oak character
Filtration / Proofing: Standard filtration (non-cask strength)
Appearance: Rich amber / warm gold
ABV: 48 %
Nose:
Perfumed oak aromas with rich fruit — poached pears, caramelised apples, orange zest. Layers of honeycomb, toasted hazelnut, and hints of freshly roasted coffee beans. Wood spices from Tronçais oak subtly weave through.
Palate:
Begins herbal — fresh peppermint, sage — merging with orchard fruits, zesty citrus, chocolate-dipped honeycomb, vanilla, and silken texture. The fine oak tannins and spice from the French cask finish enhance complexity without overpowering the Irish whiskey backbone.
Finish:
Long, elegant, and enveloping. Fruit, spices, and oak linger harmoniously. The toasted wood influence from the Tronçais cask subtly underpins the finale.
Overall Character:
Balanced and refined — a luxurious interplay between Irish smoothness and refined French oak.
Neat: Best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass or Glencairn to appreciate the layered aromas and texture
With Water: A few drops of water can open further orchard and floral tones
On the Rocks: Small ice can chill and soften while retaining depth
Cocktails: Suited for elevated whiskey-forward cocktails such as:
• Old Fashioned (minimal dilution)
• Boulevardier / Paper Plane
• Whiskey Sour (premium style)
Food Pairings:
• Roasted nuts, dark chocolate
• Dried fruit, pear tart
• Hard cheeses
Occasions:
• Collector tastings and showcase pours
• After-dinner sipping
• Exclusive and limited edition menus
5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom
