Midleton Very Rare 2020 Single Malt Irish Whiskey

let’s begin

Yet another stellar addition to the Midleton Very Rare collection, the 2020 Single Malt is an excellent whiskey.

Legacy and Legend

The Midleton Very Rare collection has been going since 1984, having been created by Master Distiller Barry Crocket. The collection is one of the best examples of just how incredible Irish whiskey can be, and is highly popular amongst collectors. Barry Crocket is himself renowned for his skills at crafting exceptional whiskies, and the Midleton Very Rare collection is a jewel in his distilling crown.

Today the casks used for the collection are selected by Brian Nation, the current Master Distiller at Midleton, who is also very well known for his craft. The legend of Barry Crocket and the Midleton Vary Rare collection lives on through the expertise of Brian Nation.

Now though, things are changing and the Midleton Very Rare 2020 expression is the last to have been crafted by Brian Nation. The Master Distiller has retired from the post and his final selection for Midleton Very Rare is an intriguing one indeed.

MIDLETON VERY RARE 2020 EDITION

For the 2020 edition of Midleton Very Rare, Brian Nation has selected more pot still whiskies than previously and used more refill barrels. This creates a wonderfully rich and complex whisky, with an exceptionally smooth mouth feel.

The nose opens with notes of oak wood, vanilla and spices. It is warming and mellow, with citrus fruits and caramel also appearing.

The palate is full of orchard fruits and more citrus notes. Lemon and limes abound, with hints of oak wood, malted grains and a hint of char. The wood is sweet and smoky, bringing out more caramel and vanilla flavours.

The finish is fruity and spicy, with hints of oak wood.

Brian Nation has definitely gone out on a high note with this release of Midleton Very Rare. It is complex and mellow, hitting all the right notes of a classic Irish whiskey.

What are your thoughts on Midleton Very Rare 2020 edition? Let us know in the comments!

Tags: Irish whiskeyMidletonSingle MaltVery Rare 2020

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.