Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman has taken on the mantle of continuing this great legacy with the 2021 release marking his first at the helm of Midleton Distillery. Each bottle is individually numbered and signed by the Master Distiller, the mark of a true whiskey masterpiece. Midleton Very Rare is consistently awarded the highest honours at the world’s most respected whiskey awards. Opens with a delicate floral perfume closely followed by roasted coffee beans, salted caramel and honeycomb coming to the fore. Hints of nectarines that linger in the background evolve over time along with freshly grated ginger and nutmeg spice. The American oak provides structure throughout, ranging in depth from fresh woodland notes to aged charred oak. Baked orchard fruits with a touch of lime zest and kiwi. Mild pot still spices continue to build along with soft waves of vanilla, sweet coffee liqueur and cocoa powder. The texture initially round and full, gains additional wood spices with a delicate touch of clove oil and nutmeg adding a mild heat, giving balance to the sweetness. Lingering finish with the pot still spices and soft fruits eventually fading, allowing the oak to have the final say, highlighting the many years of maturation.