Midleton Very Rare 2026 Revealed, and This Vintage Has Surprises

by Francis Moses

Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at 12:03Irish Whiskey Magazine

Irish Distillers has launched the new model in its popular premium Irish Whiskey series. The 2026 Vintage Release marks the 43rd anniversary of the Midleton Very Rare series. Next to that, it is the sixth vintage whiskey that is produced under the Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman. But what is it exactly?

A combination of various styles of distillates

The Midleton Very Rare 2026 whiskey is a blend of single pot still and single grain Irish whiskies. This year’s release includes five distillate styles, instead of the six styles used in last years release.

Three of them are pot still whiskies, and the other two are grain whiskies. The used combination of whiskies not only contributes to the creation of the balanced and elegant nature that Midleton Very Rare is famous for, but enhanced the flavor with depth and layering.

A careful balance of grain and pot still whiskey

This year, O'Gorman and his team made minor changes to the pot still components. The amount of lighter pot still whiskeys was slightly increased. A part of the whiskey matured in ex-bourbon barrels. This created flavours like butterscotch and milk chocolate, as well as introducing a light sweetness to the whiskey. Overall it makes the whiskey softer on the tongue and a bit sweeter.

The older pot still style is also still found in the blend. It provides a better texture to the whiskey and helps establish the smooth mouthfeel that Midleton Very Rare is famous for. All these whiskeys create a blend that is reminiscent of the traditional approach of the Midleton Very Rare series and also offers a new experience each year.

Tasting Notes

Nose: First, fresh citrus aromas are found like orange peel and lemon. After that apricot and orchard fruits follow, with hints of sweetness, toffee and crème brulée.
Taste: Flavors of fruit and sweetness. Vanilla, cinnamon, and butterscotch notes are found, and there is a hint of ginger and citrus.
Finish: Extensive and warm. Fruit and oak flavours remain for some time, while light spices gradually fade into the background.

The whiskey is bottled at 40% ABV.

Where to buy the Midleton Very Rare 2026 whiskey?

Midleton Very Rare 2026 is available in various markets such as Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, and global travel retail. The retail price per bottle is 220 pounds. Other European and US markets will get this whiskey as early as April.

This year also features new packaging. The Irish whiskey is now packaged in a more sustainable design, in an easy-to-recycle paper presentation box without magnets.

FAQ

What is the Midleton Very Rare whiskey series?
It is the the annual whiskey release of Midleton Distillery.
Who created the 2026 vintage?
The whiskey is selected and blended by the Master Distiller, Kevin O'Gorman, and his crew.
What is the strength of Midleton Very Rare 2026?
The whiskey is bottled at 40% ABV.