Irish Distillers has today announced the launch of the final release in the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection – the rarest and oldest Irish whiskey collection in the world.

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter Six (53% ABV) represents the final drops from the Old Midleton Distillery, which operated from 1825 to 1975. This 50 Year Old Irish whiskey was initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels before being transferred into a bespoke cask crafted by Master Cooper Ger Buckley and his team.

The bespoke cask was created using wood from the five previous Silent Distillery releases, with Buckley meticulously selecting and reassembling staves from each chapter to form a one-of-a-kind cask for the final marrying of this historic release.

This latest release is the culmination of the six-year Silent Distillery Collection, which began in 2020. The collection honours the legacy of the Old Midleton Distillery, renowned worldwide for its Irish single pot still whiskey.

Chapter Six is the final release distilled by the forefather of modern Irish whiskey, Master Distiller Emeritus Max Crockett, in the world’s largest pot still. Over the decades, it has been nurtured under the guardianship of three subsequent Master Distillers—Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and most recently, Kevin O’Gorman—ensuring that this “liquid gold” was safeguarded with each passing of the baton.

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter Six, is said to deliver notes of dark fruits, malted barley, forest honey, dried tobacco, worn leather, antique oak, burnt orange peel, grated ginger, black truffle, cocoa and mild nutty undertones on the nose. Followed by notes of peaches, nectarines, treacle, oak tannins and pot still spices on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller, said: “Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Six is a whiskey whose excellence is shaped by so many extraordinary factors. From the characteristics of the now incredibly rare single pot still distillate style created back in Old Midleton, to the 50-year maturation process under the care of my predecessors and I, to a one-of-a-kind final marrying, this whiskey has been looked after like no other.  Max, Barry, Brian, Ger and I, alongside the Midleton Distillery family past and present, have been a team over many decades, protecting and nurturing this liquid to achieve its peak. While there is a sense of sadness as the Old Midleton Distillery and the Silent Distillery Collection reach a close, I know they would all agree that it has been an extraordinary privilege to be part of the creation process.”

Kevin concluded by saying: “As for this exceptional whiskey, I feel an immense pride and excitement in unveiling these last, precious drops. There is a balance of aged oak influence with fresh fruit notes that can be challenging to achieve in ultra-aged whiskeys, which I hope those lucky enough to enjoy it will find a remarkable surprise. I truly believe that we have encapsulated the essence of Old Midleton in this ultimate expression.”

Limited to 250 bottles, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter Six will be available later this month from select specialist retailers, for a RRP of £55,000.