For the first Time, this Irish Whiskey is Aged in Japanese oak

Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 08:01

The Midleton Distillery in County Cork turned 200 this year, a milestone celebrated throughout the year with special reveals and events. Just before year’s end comes one final unveiling: the 28-year-old Midleton Very Rare 200th Anniversary Edition whiskey.

For this special whiskey, Kevin O’Gorman decided to go all out and push into new territory. He combined three different pot still styles and five distinct cask types, including a first for the distillery.

What is the Midleton Very Rare 200th Anniversary Edition whiskey?

For this exclusive release, both first-fill and second-fill American oak barrels were used. On top of that, the whiskey spent six years maturing in a Mizunara oak puncheon, another first for Midleton.

Together, the casks create a complex, layered flavor profile, where soft, fruity notes are lifted by wood spice and the sandalwood character from the Mizunara cask.

How does the Midleton Very Rare 200th Anniversary Edition whiskey taste?

Midleton Distillery has provided detailed tasting notes. We’ve summarized the flavor profile for you below:

Nose: Rich and vibrant with tropical fruit notes like pineapple, kiwi, and fresh lemon zest. Also sandalwood, sweet vanilla, and heather honey, with fresh herbs, spices, and polished wood.

Palate: Exotic fruits such as pineapple, peach, and apricot. Also caramelized pear, gentle oak and wood spice with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Finish: Pleasingly long with lush notes of oak, spice, and rich fruit.

The whiskey is bottled at 54.7% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Where can you buy the Midleton Very Rare 200th Anniversary Edition whiskey?

The new whiskey is limited to just 636 bottles worldwide, so if you want one you will have to be fast. Priced at 1,500 euros, it’s available on Midleton’s website. Each bottle comes in a luxury presentation box, along with an illustration of the distillery and a special commemorative stamp.