The new single-cask, pot still expressions have been released exclusively to accounts in Ireland, France, Germany and the UK, with each bottle bearing the name of the retailer from which it is sold.
Six stores - James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store, Dublin Airport, La Maison du Whisky, Irisch Lifestyle and The Whisky Exchange – are involved in the launch, taking between one and three of the ten expressions.
Each bottling has been matured in ex-bourbon casks, as is the Midleton style, which have been charred and seasoned with bourbon.
Casks, each of which produced about 185 bottles of whisky, were laid down between 1991 and 1999.
Each expression is presented in a similar packaging to Midleton Very Rare, which Irish Distillers considers to be Midleton’s “most exclusive whisky”.
Prices will be decided by the retailer but are listed below where available.
Barry Crockett, master distiller at Midleton Distillery, said: “The Midleton brand name is synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and the extension of the single pot still single cask releases has allowed us to further showcase the quality of the single pot still style to whiskey connoisseurs, who eagerly anticipate opportunities to taste Midleton whiskeys."
The new releases follow the launch of Irish Distillers' first single pot still, single cask account exclusive at the Celtic Whisky Shop, in November 2010.
Crockett added: “The response to the release of cask #71578 in 2010 was phenomenal, so I anticipate a similar reaction this year and look forward to discussing each cask with single pot still whiskey advocates.”
According to Irish Distillers, tasting notes for Midleton Single Pot Still Single Cask Irish Whiskeys are as follows:
Cask #7102 [60.0% ABV]
Date of Bonding 29 October 1997, exclusive to La Maison du Whisky (355 Euros)
Nose A balance of spices, herbs, fruits and wood derived aromas. Marzipan, leather, pipe tobacco, coffee beans and dark chocolate sit comfortably with the fruity aromas of pineapple, mango and overripe banana.
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Midleton #53735 La Maison du Whisky |
Taste Silky smooth in texture with layers of fruits and spices including almond, mango, vanilla and barley.
Finish Exceptionally long with all the flavours remaining in balance until the very end.
Cask #53735 [56.9% ABV]
Date of Bonding 8 June 1999, exclusive to La Maison du Whisky (335 Euros)
Nose Spicy notes of perfumed rose petal, to succulent red bell peppers, with a touch of garden mint in between. These aromas are held together by soft vanilla, along with cedar wood and charred oak.
Taste Silky and tongue coating with a burst of crisp light spices, vanilla, cinnamon and a touch of clove in balance with the fruity combination of unripe banana and green apple. The deeper notes of charred oak perfectly compliment the flinty character of the barley grains.
Finish Lengthy, yet soft and subtle.
Cask #31689 [46.0% ABV]
Date of Bonding 11 April 1997, exclusive to Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dublin
Nose Pale gold in colour with lively aromas of Seville oranges, marshmallow, mixed citrus peel, beeswax, and lemon curd and a hint of ginger bread and fruit cake.
