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Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Six: A Historic Release

The sixth and final installment of the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection has arrived on select shelves, making history as the oldest single pot still Irish whiskey ever offered. With a remarkable 50-year aging process and a staggering price of $60,000, this whiskey represents one of the oldest and most costly selections available in the market today.

This collection serves as a tribute to the Old Midleton Distillery, which was in operation from 1825 to 1975. Currently, the modern Midleton distillery is a powerhouse, producing numerous renowned Irish whiskey brands, including Jameson, Powers, Redbreast, Green Spot, and Midleton Very Rare.

During the 1960s, faced with declining market conditions, leading Irish whiskey producers unified their operations under the umbrella of Irish Distillers Limited, which included ownership of the Old Midleton Distillery.

In 1975, the merged producers opted to construct a new facility, consolidating all operations in one location. This led to the cessation of production at the Old Midleton Distillery, while manufacturing resumed next door at the newly built Midleton complex. Currently, this facility operates as Irish Distillers, now part of Pernod Ricard.

Starting in 2020, Midleton Very Rare began unveiling a series of extremely rare bottles from its Silent Distillery collection. So far, there have been five releases, each dubbed a “Chapter,” with the latest being Chapter Six. Earlier editions included whiskey aged for 46, 47, and 49 years, each holding the title of the oldest single pot still whiskey sold until this newest release.

Chapter Six not only marks the conclusion of the Silent Distillery Collection but is also referred to as “The Last Drops.” This release signifies the final drops of whiskey distilled by the esteemed Master Distiller Emeritus Max Crockett, crafted using the world’s largest pot still, coinciding with the bicentennial celebration of the Midleton brand.

The whiskey itself was aged in four different ex-bourbon American oak barrels before being combined and transferred into a custom-built cask. This cask was crafted using staves from the first five releases of the Silent Distillery Collection.

Fast Facts: Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter Six

ABV: 53%
Age: 50 years
Maturation: Initially aged in four ex-bourbon American oak barrels, the remaining whiskey was then combined and placed in a single custom cask designed by master cooper Ger Buckley, employing wood from the preceding Silent Distillery releases.
Availability: Limited quantities will be available at select specialty retailers.
MSRP: $60,000

Ger Buckley, a fifth-generation cooper and currently the master cooper at Midleton, reflected on the importance of crafting this last cask. “Creating a unique cask for this final maturation using wood from the original Silent Distillery barrels embodies the traditions and craftsmanship that my family has upheld at the distillery for generations,” he noted. He also expressed a sense of pressure to preserve every drop of this rare whiskey.

In an exclusive conversation, representatives from Irish Distillers revealed that the cooper mark belonging to Buckley’s father was discovered on the cask used for Chapter Five. This signifies that both father and son contributed to the making of the cask that ultimately became part of Chapter Six’s unique blending process.

Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman expressed his pride and excitement in unveiling these final drops. “This whiskey balances aged oak influence with fresh fruit notes that can be particularly challenging to achieve in ultra-aged spirits,” he stated, hoping that those fortunate enough to taste it will discover a delightful surprise.

The tasting notes for Chapter Six describe an aromatic profile beginning with dark fruit, malted barley, and hints of forest honey, evolving to reveal dried tobacco, leather, and oak, followed by lingering notes of burnt citrus peel, ginger, and cocoa.

On the palate, one can expect stone fruits like peach and nectarine, transitioning to raisins and treacle, with a prolonged finish highlighting a rich array of flavors that range from crisp and sweet to deep, earthy, and oak-driven elements.

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Six is presented at 53% ABV, or 106 proof, and housed in a uniquely crafted mouth-blown decanter by the House of Waterford. The decanters are accompanied by handcrafted wooden cabinets designed by master craftsman John Galvin.

These decanters can be found through select specialty international retailers, coming with a suggested retail price of $60,000.

Source
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