Midleton Very Rare 2012

Midleton Very Rare 2012

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 Early Years: 1984–1994

Midleton Very Rare 1984

• Nose: Light citrus, soft floral, a touch of grain
• Palate: Delicate, lightly spiced, hints of apple and honey
• Finish: Short but clean, with subtle oak

1985

• See full tasting note above (vanilla, orchard fruits, gentle spice)

1986–1994 Highlights

• Increasing complexity with each year
• Notable years: 1987 (creamier texture), 1991 (rich spice), 1994 (exceptionally balanced)
• Dominated by older grain whiskeys and soft pot still

Style Notes: These early vintages are light, floral, and subtle—hallmarks of Barry Crockett’s early style. Highly collectible and now very rare.

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.

The Refined Decade: 2005–2014

2006

• Nose: Ripe banana, vanilla fudge
• Palate: Luxurious texture, balanced spice
• Finish: Long, drying oak and citrus zest

2011

• Nose: Dried fruit, toffee, hazelnut
• Palate: Exceptional complexity, layered spice and fruit
• Finish: Remarkably long, one of the best of the decade

2014

• Barry Crockett’s final year as Master Distiller
• Nose: Tropical fruit, mild spice
• Palate: Elegant and precise
• Finish: Silky and subtle

Style Notes: Peak Barry Crockett. These years are known for their refined balance and collectibility. If you’re building a vertical tasting set, these vintages are essential.

A Modern Legacy: 2015–2025

With Kevin O’Gorman stepping in as Master Distiller in 2020, the series has seen a renewed focus on structure, cask balance, and strength of character.

2016

• Nose: Apricot, toasted almonds
• Palate: Creamy malt, ginger warmth
• Finish: Lingering oak and dried fruit

2019

• Nose: Caramel, honeycomb, dried herbs
• Palate: Strong spice kick, layered wood notes
• Finish: Bold and lasting

2020

• Kevin O’Gorman’s first vintage
• Nose: Pear, vanilla bean, white chocolate
• Palate: Richer texture, increased complexity
• Finish: Long and evolving

2024

• Celebrates 40 years of the series
• Nose: Deep stone fruit, nutmeg, aged oak
• Palate: Silky entry, crescendo of spice and honey
• Finish: Exceptionally long and refined; a true collector’s piece

Style Notes: The O’Gorman years lean into structure and presence. There’s a clear evolution toward richer pot still components and more pronounced cask influence.

Midleton Very Rare: Key Comparisons Over the Years

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just starting your Midleton journey or deep into a collector’s pursuit, there’s no denying the significance of this series. Each bottle is a snapshot of its time—a reflection of craftsmanship, cask mastery, and evolving style.

At Revolution Whiskey Bar, we believe every dram tells a story. Discover rare Midleton vintages in our curated tasting sets, perfect for collectors and newcomers alike.

Explore Our Premium Irish Whiskey Sets → https://revolutionwaterford.com/product-category/whiskey-sets/