Overview: Midleton Very Rare introduces the inaugural release of its new limited-edition Rare Wood Collection with the Irish Chestnut Edition. This single pot still Irish whiskey marks a category-first innovation using casks crafted entirely from Irish sweet chestnut wood sourced from a single estate.
The Full Story
Midleton Very Rare has announced the launch of the first release from its new limited-edition Rare Wood Collection, which explores how exceptional and unconventional woods can shape Irish whiskey. Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition (56.1% ABV) is a single pot still Irish whiskey, initially matured in first-fill and refill Bourbon barrels, before being finished in casks crafted entirely from Irish sweet chestnut sourced from a single Irish estate.
Nearly a decade in the making, the release is described as a celebration of Irish nature and craftsmanship, bringing together generations of stewardship, exceptional coopering and Midleton’s mastery of whiskey-making. The journey began in 2017, when just six carefully selected Irish sweet chestnut trees (Castanea sativa) were harvested from the carefully managed woodland of Cappoquin Estate, home to the Keane family since 1735. Overlooking the Blackwater Valley, the estate has been cared for and nurtured by generations of the same family, with each tree individually selected as part of the estate’s considered approach to woodland management.
From there, the timber embarked on a remarkable journey. It was transformed into bespoke casks through a meticulous process of natural seasoning and traditional coopering in Spain, drawing on centuries of internationally recognised cooperage and seasoning expertise. The casks then returned to Ireland, where a specially selected marriage of light-, medium- and heavy-style Midleton Single Pot Still whiskeys, originally matured in first-fill and refill Bourbon barrels, was finished in the Irish sweet chestnut casks for a further five years.
Commenting on the launch, Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, said: “Wood has always played an essential role in shaping the character of our whiskeys, but with Irish sweet chestnut we saw an opportunity to explore something entirely new. Moving beyond traditional oak, we wanted to understand how this exceptional wood could bring a new dimension to one of our finest whiskeys.” He noted that when filled, they discovered a richness, texture and complexity unlike anything experienced before.
Production & Profile
The Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition is described as the world’s first whiskey finished in casks crafted entirely from Irish sweet chestnut wood sourced from a single estate. The spirit is a single pot still Irish whiskey, initially matured in first-fill and refill Bourbon barrels before finishing in casks crafted entirely from Irish sweet chestnut wood sourced from a single estate for five years.
The flavor profile features notes of honey-drizzled red apple, caramelised orange peel, melted chocolate, toffee fudge, nutmeg, cinnamon, sandalwood, sweet orchard fruits, citrus, vanilla, and soft wood tannins on the nose. The palate follows with notes of sweet orchard fruits, citrus, vanilla, chocolate shavings and soft wood tannins.
Brand & Industry History
The journey began in 2017, when just six carefully selected Irish sweet chestnut trees (Castanea sativa) were harvested from the carefully managed woodland of Cappoquin Estate, home to the Keane family since 1735. Overlooking the Blackwater Valley, the estate has been cared for and nurtured by generations of the same family, with each tree individually selected as part of the estate’s considered approach to woodland management.
What This Means
The result is described as the first whiskey in the world to be finished in casks crafted entirely from Irish sweet chestnut wood sourced from a single Irish estate — a category-first innovation that unites Midleton’s distilling expertise with a uniquely Irish provenance. The release serves as the inaugural expression in the Rare Wood Collection, which will continue to explore how exceptional woods can shape extraordinary Irish whiskey.
Consumer Takeaway
Limited in quantity, Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition is available from selected specialist retailers for a RRP of €440.00. The release date is October 2026.
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