Termed as ‘Ireland’s oldest whisky range’, Irish Distillers announced the release of a limited-edition single malt whisky from the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection recently.
Chapter One is a 45 year old Irish whisky which uses the spirit distilled by master distiller emeritus Max Crockett in 1974. It is the only peated single malt in the collection and is the first release from the range. The whisky has been matured in third-fill sherry casks, which has contributed notes of ripe honeydew melon, red berries and sweet spices of toasted oak to it.
Max Crockett ran innovative trials for 10 years, from 1964 to 1974, experimenting with peated single malt at the distillery. These spirits were not to be released or repeated, but with the announcement of Chapter One’s release, whisky enthusiasts and collectors will be able to experience the whiskies for themselves.
Irish Distillers plans to release one whisky every year from the ‘old’ collection range. As per this announcement, the distillery’s last release would be in 2025, which would coincide with the now-closed Old Midleton Distillery’s 200th anniversary.
These 45 to 50 year old whiskies are being considered ‘ultimate heirlooms and mementos’ that retain the art and skills of precise malt preparation, brewing and distillation at the renowned closed-Midleton Distillery.
Only 48 bottles of Chapter One will be released for purchase, out of which two bottles will be sold through a ballot system at Midleton Very Rare’s The 1825 Room. It is bottled at 51.2% ABV and priced at US $40,000. The whisky will be available in the markets of Ireland, France, the UK and US.
The whisky offers an aroma of freshly-cut peat and chamois leather, and a flavour profile of peppery spices, liquorice root, barley sugar, honey and sherbet.
