Midleton Very Rare Unveils Its 2026 Vintage Release

The latest annual release continues more than four decades of Irish whiskey craftsmanship. For BARTENDER® Magazine, the launch also carries a personal connection to our founder, Raymond P. Foley, who was a longtime admirer of Midleton’s exceptional quality and remarkable taste.

Some Irish whiskey brands hold a special place in our industry’s history, and Midleton has always been one of them for the BARTENDER® Magazine family. Our founder, Raymond P. Foley, was a big fan of Midleton, appreciating the exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and incredible taste that have become synonymous with the distillery. His appreciation for well-made spirits is something that continues to influence the way we celebrate the people and brands shaping our industry.

Now, Midleton Very Rare is introducing its 2026 Vintage Release, the latest annual expression from one of Ireland’s most respected whiskey producers.

An exceptional blend of single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys, the 2026 Vintage continues a tradition that dates back to 1984. Each year, Midleton’s Master Distiller and team carefully select exceptional whiskey stocks, drawing from casks that have matured in the distillery’s historic warehouses, some dating back to the 1860s.

Under the guidance of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, the 2026 Vintage brings together five distinct whiskey styles, including three single pot still and two single grain expressions. The blend features a carefully balanced combination of floral and herbal grain whiskey characteristics alongside the spice, fruit, and richness of traditional pot still whiskey.

The resulting expression delivers aromas of orange peel, lemon zest, apricot, and orchard fruits, complemented by crème brûlée and toffee. On the palate, expect layers of vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, butterscotch, and fresh citrus, with a rich, rounded mouthfeel and a lingering finish of fruit, spice, and oak.

The 2026 Vintage is bottled at 40% ABV and presented in a redesigned gift box featuring refined foil detailing and a new friction-closure presentation. It is now available in the United States at a suggested retail price of $240.

For whiskey enthusiasts and collectors, Midleton Very Rare also has its 2024 and 2025 Vintage releases available nationwide, although availability varies by market and retailer.

More than four decades after its debut, Midleton Very Rare continues to demonstrate the craftsmanship, patience, and attention to detail that make Irish whiskey such a special category.

A brand our founder appreciated for its quality and character, Midleton remains a wonderful example of the exceptional spirits and craftsmanship we love celebrating at BARTENDER® Magazine.

For more information, visit the Midleton Distillery Collection.