Midleton Very Rare 2001
One of the hardest bottles in the Midleton collection to find.
A must-have for the Midleton Collector.
Midleton Very Rare: A Vintage-by-Vintage Guide (1984–2024)
For collectors, connoisseurs, and curious whiskey lovers, the Midleton Very Rare series stands as the crown jewel of Irish whiskey. Since its first release in 1984, this annual vintage has become a benchmark for balance, elegance, and complexity. With each bottle hand-selected by the Master Distiller, Midleton Very Rare is more than just a premium blend—it’s a time capsule of Irish whiskey craftsmanship.
In this master article, we take you through each vintage year, from 1984 to 2024, offering tasting notes, stylistic comparisons, and the evolution of the range under Master Distillers Barry Crockett and Kevin O’Gorman.
The Developing Identity: 1995–2004
1995
- Nose: Soft vanilla and floral honey
- Palate: Fuller body, more pot still presence
- Finish: Lingering sweetness with oak
1998
- A turning point; richer mouthfeel and increased pot still spice
2001
- Nose: Orange peel, toasted wood
- Palate: Round and sweet with peppery depth
- Finish: Long and creamy
Style Notes: The late ’90s and early 2000s marked a shift toward bolder flavors, more pronounced aging, and more depth on the palate.
