Midleton Very Rare unveiled the fifth chapter in its Silent Distillery Collection, a rare, 49-year-old Irish whiskey. Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five is a single pot still whiskey crafted with some of the last remaining drops of the inimitable liquid from the Old Midleton Distillery, which was decommissioned after operating from 1825 to 1975. 

The 49-year-old release is Midleton’s oldest whiskey to date, inviting enthusiasts to savour a taste of history and opulent luxury. Master Distiller Max Crockett originally distilled the liquid in 1973 utilising the world’s largest pot still, often hailed as the 7^th wonder of the whiskey world.

This exceptional liquid was then left to rest and has been under the careful guardianship of all three of the brand’s subsequent Master Distillers. After almost half a century of aging, this limited-edition release will be available through the brand home and select markets across US, UK, and Europe at RRP €55,000.  

Handblown and etched by the skilled artisans of Waterford Crystal, each decanter is meticulously finished and polished by hand. Housed in an accompanying handcrafted tiger brown oak burr cabinet created by Irish designer John Galvin, the cabinet is inlayed with antique white leather, reclaimed 200-year-old whiskey vat oak and silver detailing. 

“Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five embodies a captivating tale that celebrates the convergence of the finest wood, exceptional whiskey, and indomitable spirit of the master craftsmen who sit at the heart of the Old Midleton Distillery’s legacy,” Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman said in a news release. “The result is truly remarkable, offering an exceptional liquid that exceeds expectations and promises an unforgettable experience. I eagerly invite whiskey enthusiasts to indulge in this exceptional liquid and discover the captivating history that accompanies the expression as they savour every sip.”

Expanding upon the rich heritage and generations of craftsmanship captured within Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five, the barrels chosen by Kevin O’Gorman were married for a final 6 months in cask number 52969.

This American ex-bourbon barrel was repaired by Dominic Buckley in the mid-1970s and, as is customary for coopers, he marked it with the Buckley family’s signature “1” stamp as a mark of quality and to ensure its traceability. Buckley’s barrel, which endured over 50 years without a single leak, was later inspected and maintained by his son Ger Buckley, the current Master Cooper at Midleton Distillery.

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five is bottled at 52.4% ABV and is available to purchase in Ireland, Northern Ireland, USA, France, UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Belgium, Austria, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Persian Gulf, Singapore, Global Travel Retail and Irish Distillers’ Brand Homes. It also can be purchased here.