Down in Cork, there is something called a ‘silent distillery’. After 150 years of activity, Old Midleton Distillery produced its last drop of whiskey in 1975, and the workers left for good.
However, treasures were saved for future generations – and now a lucky few will be able to sample its riches. This month sees the launch of the first of those six special whiskeys, leading up to the 200th anniversary of the distillery in 2025.
Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One is a peated single malt – innovative for Irish whiskey at the time, and still rare today – that has been aged for 45 years in a sherry cask.
Now on sale, it retails at an eye-watering €35,000 per bottle – that makes it the most expensive Irish whiskey in the world, released in an edition of 48 750ml bottles in Ireland, UK, France and US.
We asked for a sample for research purposes only, but sadly we were knocked back. Can’t think why...
Fortunately though, Midleton's Master Distiller Brian Nation has put together some tasting notes, so the most deep-pocketed among you will know what to expect when you crack open a bottle:
- Nose: The first impression is very rich with deep, dark spices on a satisfying antique oak base. An earthy note of freshly cut peat, along with chamois leather, is lifted by a twist of grapefruit. The very old sherry wine seasoned hogshead cask contributes a touch of ripe honeydew melon and red berries as well as the sweet spices of toasted oak.
- Taste: Instantly rich with the initial peppery spices slowly softening as the influence of the malted barley shows through. Liquorice root, barley sugar and honey bring some sweetness, just given a little edge by a touch of sherbet. All build on a solid foundation of toasted oak.
- Finish: The rich spices and malted barley are slow to fade.
