Midleton Dair Ghaelach Very Rare Irish Whiskey

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Irish Whiskey is not a single, specific expression but rather a distinguished collection of Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys from the renowned Midleton Distillery. "Dair Ghaelach" translates from Irish to "Irish Oak," and this series represents a unique exploration into the influence of native Irish oak on their exceptional spirit.

Key Features of the Dair Ghaelach Series:

• Irish Origin: Produced at the New Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Ireland.
• Single Pot Still: Crafted from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills.
• Virgin Irish Oak Maturation: The defining characteristic of this series is the maturation (or finishing) of the whiskey in casks made from virgin Irish oak sourced from specific estates across Ireland. Each release highlights the unique terroir and characteristics of the oak from a particular woodland.
• Cask Strength: Typically bottled at cask strength, allowing the full intensity of the whiskey's flavors to shine. The ABV varies by release.
• Limited Edition: Each release within the Dair Ghaelach series is highly limited due to the specific oak source and meticulous maturation process.
• Non-Chill Filtered: Bottled without chill filtration to preserve the natural oils and flavors.
• Natural Colour: The whiskey retains its natural colour, reflecting its interaction with the virgin Irish oak.
• Traceability: Each bottle often includes information about the specific Irish oak woodland from which the casks were crafted, sometimes even down to the individual tree.

Notable Releases in the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Series (as of late 2024):

• Grinsell's Wood: The inaugural release, showcasing oak from Grinsell's Wood in County Kilkenny.
• Bluebell Forest: Highlighting oak from Bluebell Forest at Castle Blunden in County Kilkenny.
• Knockrath Forest: Featuring oak from the Knockrath Estate in County Wicklow.
• Kylebeg Wood: Showcasing oak from Kylebeg Wood in County Laois.
• Kilranelagh Wood: With multiple "Tree" releases (e.g., Tree No. 3, Tree No. 5, Tree No. 6), all sourced from the Kilranelagh Estate in County Wicklow.
• Dair Ghaelach Forêt de Tronçais: A unique collaboration using French oak from the Tronçais Forest.

Tasting Notes:

As the Dair Ghaelach series comprises multiple releases from different Irish oak sources, the tasting notes vary. However, common themes include:

• Aromas: Woodland notes (pine, forest floor), spices (cinnamon, clove, pepper), vanilla, toasted oak, often with fruit and floral undertones that are influenced by the specific oak.
• Palate: Robust and complex, with a noticeable influence from the virgin Irish oak, often bringing a distinct spiciness and tannic structure alongside the classic Midleton pot still character (fruits, creamy texture).
• Finish: Long and warming, with the oak influence and pot still spices lingering.

Overall Impression:

The Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach collection is a groundbreaking and highly acclaimed series that demonstrates the profound impact of native Irish oak on whiskey maturation. Each release offers a unique and collectible expression, showcasing the terroir of Ireland's woodlands in liquid form. These whiskeys are highly sought after by connoisseurs for their complexity, innovation, and connection to Irish heritage.

Awards:

The Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach series has consistently received top accolades at prestigious whiskey competitions worldwide, recognizing its exceptional quality and innovation. Individual releases have often been named among the best Irish whiskeys.