Midleton Very Rare launches second whiskey in landmark range

Following 2020's unprecedented news that Midleton Very Rare was launching the first in a range of six world-class whiskies - which had even the most seasoned experts in the spirits industry all aflutter - the Irish distiller is back with its second release of the collection. Crafted in a run of just 70 bottles, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Two is just as sought-after as the first.

An exciting reprisal from the silent distillery, Chapter Two is a 46-year-old Irish whiskey, that was distilled in 1973 using Old Midleton's signature style, using the seldom-used single copper pot still method. It was initially aged in sherry and bourbon casks for two decades before being recasked into refill bourbon casks - and then recasked again in port pipes, before eventually completing the process in refill bourbon casks once more, resulting in an impressive ageing period of 46 years total. Old Midleton Distillery closed its doors in 1975, making the 2021 reprisal even more exceptional. 

As before, we were fortunate enough to savour a taste of Chapter Two before it went on sale to the public. The contrasts to Chapter One are striking. Where the first whiskey was rich, earthy and honeyed, Chapter Two offers an alluringly fruitier, spicier dram. On the nose, the spirit opens with a complex yet playful floral bouquet that surprises with its touch of Eastern spice. A subtle syrupy sweetness runs underneath, tempered by a woody aspect thanks to its oak barrel maturation. 

When it comes to the tasting, a flavour of soft berries comes to the fore alongside an intensified spice dimension, echoing such flavours as clove, ginger and nutmeg, while the same sweet wood notes found in the aroma continue on the palate. Once the spiced fruit fades, the finish is satisfyingly oaky. 

As with last year's predecessor, no detail has been overlooked with Chapter Two's packaging, celebrating artisanal Irish talent. The bottle is an etched, handblown Waterford crystal decanter, individually numbered between 1 and 70, while the presentation box is a custom-made cabinet crafted with historic oak whiskey vars, courtesy of designer John Galvin. 

Chapter Three is due to launch in 2022, with Four, Five and Six to follow in the years leading up to 2025. Watch this space... 

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Two retails at £38,000, midletonveryrare.com