Midleton Very Rare, the pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, is proud to unveil Midleton Very Rare 200th Anniversary Edition, an extraordinary 28-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey incorporating a unique Japanese Mizunara cask contribution.

The launch of this limited-edition [MQ1] 200th Anniversary Edition concludes a year-long celebration of the bicentennial anniversary of Midleton Distillery, which was first established by the Murphy family in 1825. This expression pays tribute to two centuries of craftsmanship and dedication to excellence at Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork, Ireland, the most awarded international distillery at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Marking this milestone, the 200th Anniversary Edition introduces a Japanese Mizunara oak contribution for the first time in a Midleton Very Rare whiskey, a symbol of Midleton’s long-standing commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman set out to create a whiskey that not only reflects the complexity and refinement of Midleton Very Rare but also celebrates two centuries of whiskey-making excellence. At its core lies a tribute to heritage: the use of all three distinctive single pot still styles produced at Midleton. This approach recognises the distillery’s time-honoured techniques and deep-rooted legacy.

When crafting this limited release, O’Gorman hand selected five exceptional casks – including a Mizunara oak puncheon, filled over six years ago with a bespoke batch of whiskey previously matured in American Oak casks. Combining this most exquisite and prized cask with a selection of first and second fill American Oak casks has allowed each distillate to express its full personality, creating a whiskey of extraordinary depth, harmony and structure – a true reflection of Midleton’s artistry.

The inclusion of rare and revered Japanese Mizunara oak for the first time in Midleton Very Rare’s history introduces a bold new dimension. Its unique influence brings vibrant notes of sandalwood and fresh wood spices while elevating the fruit characteristics of pineapple, kiwi and lemon, perfectly complementing the notes of vanilla, toffee and heather honey of the American oak. The result is a whiskey of exceptional balance, where innovation and tradition meet in perfect harmony.

Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman comments, “The 200th Anniversary Edition is both a celebration and an evolution, remaining true to Midleton Very Rare’s elegant and sophisticated nature whilst embracing the opportunity to explore something new. The Mizunara Oak cask brings a vibrant, layered flavour that perfectly complements the liquid and legacy of the brand. It is an honour to share this whiskey as we celebrate 200 years of excellence at Midleton Distillery.”

Speaking about the significance of the 200th anniversary of Midleton Distillery, Head of Archives Carol Quinn said “We are marking the 200th anniversary of Midleton Distillery in the most appropriate way, by paying tribute to our rich distilling tradition which celebrates our history, our people, our brands and our craft. Over the year, we delved into the company archive to bring our past to life, sharing with the world the cultural richness and the ambition that has driven the distillery forward over two centuries. This release is shaped by that long legacy of innovation and dedication to quality which has been the cornerstone of distilling at Midleton for generations.”

Housed in a beautifully crafted gift box, the Midleton Very Rare 200th Anniversary Edition is adorned with elegant details, including an illustration of Midleton Distillery, its iconic pot stills, and a commemorative stamp marking the distillery’s historic 200th anniversary.

The Midleton Very Rare 200th Anniversary Edition stands as a rare expression of the distillery’s enduring pursuit of excellence, a harmonious balance of tradition, innovation, and artistry that has defined Midleton since 1825. Bottled at 54.7% ABV, only 636 bottles will be available at the RRP of €1500 / £1,220. Pre-order is available now exclusively via Midleton Distillery Collection online for delivery from 16th December, or purchase instore at Midleton Distillery Experience, Cork, and Jameson Distillery Bow St., Dublin (limited availability) from 16th December.

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Midleton 200th Anniversary Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and vibrant with tropical fruits to the fore including pineapple, kiwi, and fresh lemon zest. Fragrant aromas of sandalwood, sweet vanilla and heather honey are complemented by the fresh herbs and pot still spices. Antique notes of polished wood highlight the time carefully spent maturing in oak to create a truly definitive Midleton single pot still expression.

Taste: Exotic fruits of pineapple, peach, and apricot accompanied by caramelised sweet pear intertwine with the delicate and soft oak tannins and woodland spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. The spices continue to build with notes of grated ginger peel, all the while the fruits remain constant throughout to create a wonderfully luscious and full-bodied whiskey that has both depth and complexity.

Finish: Satisfyingly long. The oak and spice influences continue to linger for a time before slowly subsiding, allowing the rich and decadent fruits to have last word.