Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey 2020

Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey 2020 is a particularly significant vintage in Ireland’s most prestigious annual whiskey collection. Created by Master Distiller Brian Nation at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, the 2020 release was the final Midleton Very Rare vintage to bear Nation’s signature, adding considerable historical and collectible interest to an already exceptionally limited bottling.

First introduced in 1984, Midleton Very Rare is produced each year from a carefully selected assemblage of the distillery’s finest single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys. For the 2020 vintage, Nation selected whiskeys ranging from 13 to 35 years of age, all matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels. The blend features a greater proportion of single pot still whiskey than several preceding vintages, together with increased use of refill barrels to preserve the whiskey’s elegant fruit character while allowing the older components to contribute depth, spice, and polished oak.

The nose opens with cane sugar, creamy vanilla, and white chocolate fudge, followed by orchard fruits, pepper, nutmeg, and beautifully integrated antique oak. On the palate, bright orange peel and ripe pear provide an initial burst of fruit sweetness before the signature pot still spices emerge, bringing touches of chili, baking spice, and toasted oak. The texture is refined and silky, with the older whiskeys lending structure without overwhelming the vibrant fruit. The finish is long and composed, allowing lingering fruit, spice, and gently charred oak to fade gradually.

Presented in Midleton’s distinctive wooden display case, each bottle is individually numbered and carries the signature of Master Distiller Brian Nation. Its combination of exceptional aged whiskey, limited production, and its place as the final Brian Nation vintage makes Midleton Very Rare 2020 one of the most desirable modern releases in the series.

Cask Program: A limited annual blend of hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys aged between 13 and 35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels, including a notable proportion of older refill-cask whiskey.

Producer: Irish Distillers
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
Country: Ireland
Region: County Cork
Whiskey Type: Blended Irish Whiskey
Vintage: 2020
Components: Single Pot Still and Single Grain Irish Whiskeys
Age Range: 13–35 Years
Maturation: Lightly Charred Ex-Bourbon American Oak Barrels
Master Distiller: Brian Nation
ABV: 40%
Proof: 80
Bottle Size: 750ml
Presentation: Individually Numbered Bottle with Wooden Display Case
Limited Release: Yes