For ages, Midleton has stood just about on the high of the Irish whiskey tower, commanding unimaginable sums for some very uncommon whiskeys, a few of which we’ve managed to style. All of that pales compared to the model’s newest launch, which celebrates its fortieth anniversary. Midleton Very Uncommon Ruby Version has a listing value of €20,000 — and sure, that’s euros, not {dollars}.
What’s within the bottle issues, although at this value in all probability lower than you’d assume. As with most Irish, it’s a mix of single pot nonetheless and single grain Irish whiskeys — solely these have been aged for as much as 4 many years earlier than ending in a ruby Port cask. Per the model, “Solely essentially the most distinctive and rarest liquids from the Midleton retailer home have been chosen and masterfully married to type the celebratory expression.” As one would hope.
Unbelievably we received a pattern to take a look at. A small pattern, however nonetheless. Let’s strive it.
Irish may be fairly delicate, however this whiskey pulls no punches, providing a wealthy mélange of tea leaves, polished wooden, and dried flowers on the nostril. A contact of burnt marshmallow provides a layer of refined smokiness, but in addition a candy component, an elusive fruity high quality that finally lands on burnt orange peel. Plenty of floral notes endure; within the glass, they’re finally arduous to shake. There’s quite a bit occurring right here, and it’s all partaking — however the stage of alcohol retains the nostril only a hair on the cruel aspect.
On the palate, a significantly completely different expertise awaits. Right here the fruit comes first, orange marmalade layered with juicy raisins. A pleasant candy tea character emerges quickly after, adopted by honey and vanilla. The floral components from the nostril are current however fade extra into the background, including a light-weight however beautiful dusting of racy, spicy fragrance. On the end, the whiskey provides layers of nutty almonds, a grind of cinnamon, concluding with a light-weight contact of tannic oak. Regardless of the specter of warmth on the nostril, it’s very straightforward to get pleasure from at full energy on the palate, sans water.
Attractive and properly balanced, the flavour explosion wholly makes up for the sluggish begin on the nostril, and the dram is extremely arduous to place down. I in all probability needn’t say it’s the perfect few sips of Midleton I’ve ever tasted. I’ll take one other, barkeep!
106.2 proof.
A / €20,000
Midleton Very Uncommon fortieth Anniversary Ruby Version
€20,000
