Midleton Irish whiskey makes rare casks available to ‘circle’ members

Irish Distillers has released the 2017 vintage of its Midleton Very Rare Cask, alongside the launch of its Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle – a private members club offering individuals the opportunity to obtain a cask of its Irish whiskey.

Midleton Very Rare Cask 2017

First unveiled in 1984, Midleton Very Rare 2017 has been specially blended from a batch of ex-Bourbon Barrels ranging in age from 12 years to 32 years, including some 32-year-old Midleton Grain Whiskey, which contributes ”lighter floral perfume notes along with some citrus fruit,” says master distiller Brian Nation, and a 26-year-old single pot still whiskey, which adds a “wide spectrum of typical spice character, such as sweet cinnamon and clove”.

The Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle Club meanwhile invites enthusiasts to obtain their own cask of Midleton Very Rare Irish whiskey from 30 casks selected by Nation for their quality and rarity, including 12 to 30-year-old whiskies that have been matured in a range of barrels including Bourbon, Sherry, Malaga, Port, Irish Oak and Rum, with prices available on request.

Once members have chosen a cask that suits their personal taste, they can bottle it immediately or instead request bottles of their unique whiskey as and when required.

By becoming a member of the Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle, guests will have access to the Distillery Concierge, a service that will assist members in choosing their whiskey to planning an extended itinerary while in Ireland.

“The unveiling of the Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle Club and the new Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release heralds a new era for luxury Irish whiskey and is testament to the growing demand for our finest, prestige Irish whiskeys around the world,” said Jean Christophe-Coutures, chairman and CEO at Irish Distillers.

“We are proud of our position as long-standing guardians of our sector and we look forward to welcoming new additions to the Midleton Very Rare range in the years to come. Today’s launch allows Midleton Very Rare to further build upon its position as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.”

Bottled at 40% ABV and without chill-filtration, the Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2017 is available from this month with an RRP of €180 and is available in the USA, Canada, Ireland and Ireland Travel Retail.