A 2023 release from the Midleton Very Rare series has been unveiled. This ultra-premium Forêt de Tronçais has been limited to 1,350 bottles and is available to purchase in Ireland, the USA, Northern Ireland, Global Travel Retail, France, the UK, China, Hong Kong, and online. Bottled at 48% ABV, this exceptionally crafted expression will be available at the RRP of €5,000 / $5,000 / £4,400.
The Midleton Very Rare release began in 1984, and the collection is the work of three master distillers: Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and most recently, Kevin O’Gorman. The whiskey itself is the pinnacle of excellence and rarity in the world of Irish whiskey and represents the harmonious fusion of Irish and French craftsmanship and luxury.
The collaboration began in 2017 when Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and his team traveled to France to explore the Tronçais forest, a national forest found in the central Allier region. The forest oaks were originally planted by Louis XIV’s minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, to supply the French Navy and are well-known worldwide for their exceptional quality. On their cask procurement trip, they found the rare and sought-after T5 oak cask, which Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman used in the production of the Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais. The T5 oak offers a fine grain that delivers delicate flavors and adds a new dimension to the subtle aromatics of the whiskey.
Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, commented:
“We may have created ‘the Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey’ with Midleton Very Rare, but we are constantly driven by the desire to push boundaries and create something new. Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais represents our relentless pursuit of perfection and innovation while staying true to the unmistakable Midleton character and DNA, as we introduce some of the world’s finest oak to produce an outstanding and elegant Midleton expression.”
In finishing this fine and rare edition, Midleton Distillery collaborated with Taransaud Cooperage, who are world-renowned for their expertise in cask-making. The T5 casks were carefully monitored and dried in the natural air over a five-year period by Taransaud, preparing them to infuse the best of Midleton whiskeys with unique aromas, flavors, and tannins that carry the distinct characteristics of Tronçais oak.
Jacquelin de Pracomtal, Vice President at Taransaud added,
“We are immensely proud to be part of this historic collaboration that showcases the utmost rarity and excellence in both Irish whiskey and French coopering. Our dedication is reflected in each T5 oak cask that was used to infuse the whiskey with its distinct characteristics. We love to collaborate with the finest brands in their field and the Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais embodies exclusivity and our ‘par excellence’ approach to our craft. We are honoured to have contributed to its creation.”
In finishing this fine and rare edition, Midleton Distillery collaborated with Taransaud Cooperage, who are world-renowned for their expertise in cask-making. The T5 casks were carefully monitored and dried in the natural air over a five-year period by Taransaud, preparing them to infuse the best of Midleton whiskeys with unique aromas, flavors, and tannins that carry the distinct characteristics of Tronçais oak.
Limited Whisky Release Notes | Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais
ABV: 48%
CASK TYPE: Tronçais oak
WHISKY TYPE: Blended.
NOSE: Floral, fruit, honeycomb and hazelnut.
PALATE: Herbal, peppermint, honeycomb and vanilla.
FINISH: Fruits and spices.
REGION: Ireland
RETAIL PRICE ON RELEASE: €5,000 / $5,000 / £4,400.
TOTAL NUMBER RELEASED: 1350
AVAILABLE TO BUY: Ireland, USA, Northern Ireland, Global Travel Retail, France, UK, China, Hong Kong and online
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