The Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter 5 is the oldest whiskey expression the Irish distiller has ever released
Midleton Very Rare has unveiled Chapter 5 in its Silent Distillery Collection. Distilled by Max Crockett back in 1973, it is the penultimate release in the series and the oldest whiskey from the Irish Distillers owned brand.
The 49-year-old Irish whiskey is a single pot still whiskey matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, which were then married for six months in cask number 52969, which also previously held Bourbon. Current master distiller Kevin O’Gorman oversaw the final process.
“Chapter 5 embodies a captivating tale that celebrates the convergence of the finest wood, exceptional whiskey, and indomitable spirit of the master craftsmen who sit at the heart of the Old Midleton Distillery’s legacy,” says O’Gorman.
Adding, “The result is truly remarkable, offering an exceptional liquid that exceeds expectations and promises an unforgettable experience. I eagerly invite whiskey enthusiasts to indulge in this exceptional liquid and discover the captivating history that accompanies the expression as they savour every sip.”
On the nose, the whiskey offers hints of peach, apricot and dates. Aromas of glazed almonds, leather, and wood follow, leading to toffee, vanilla and heather honey. The palate delivers stone and citrus fruits as well as herbal tea and dark chocolate, followed by anise, ginger, caramel, and more toffee. The finish lingers with pot still spices, fruits, and oak.
The whiskey comes packaged in a hand-blown and etched decanter from Waterford Crystal. The bottles is housed in a brown oak burr cabinet that features white leather and silver detailing.
Chapter Four in the collection celebrates the rich Irish earth, or ‘talamh’ in Irish. While Chapter Three matured in a hand-selected bourbon barrel and a sherry butt.
Bottled at 52.4% ABV, the whiskey is priced at €55,000 ($55,000 USD). It will be available in Ireland, the US, the UK, global travel retail, and a variety of other nations.
Last fall, Midleton launched Forêt de Tronçais, a small batch release that marries the pinnacle of Irish whiskey with oak from the forest of Tronçais in France.
For more information, head over to the official website.