Midleton Very Rare

This Midelton is a blend and is rare for the fact that only 50 casks are bottled each year to create it. All the whiskey in the mix is triple distilled and aged between 12 and 25 years. The 2014 release was created by Master Distiller Brian Nation, who followed up the legendary Barry Crocket after his retirement. Nation’s signature is boldly depicted on the label.

The nose is dark, if you know what I mean. Some crème brûlée and baked apples, but also stewed pears and some cereals with candied sugar. It also sports a floral side. Potpourri. All of this, however, is overpowered a bit by a truck load of toffee and vanilla. Sandalwood. Tasted blind I could have confused this with a bourbon or even a rum.

It is creamy despite the light body. Again toffee and vanilla that drown out most of the fruit. Cashew nuts appear. Spicy on nutmeg and a pinch of pepper. The fruit really struggles to get past this. Do not ask me why, but I am suddenly reminded of ice cream.

The finish is fairly long and allows the fruit to re-emerge.

Truth be told, I expected more of this. If you know that a bottle will set you back more than 150 EUR… that is a bit too much to my taste. Somewhat overhyped, if you ask me.

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