Midleton Very Rare 2021

First off, the packaging and presentation are beautiful! The wooden case is impressive, and the bottle fits perfectly, with a specific notch to ensure precise alignment. It has a light golden color. Nose: Sweet vanilla and honey layered over a crisp malty character. It evokes peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Rich and smooth, with perhaps a subtle hint of clove. Fresh grain notes are present, suggesting the Irish flavors to come. Palate: Despite its lower proof, it has a pleasant mouthfeel. Flavors of apples and more vanilla are present. The start is very mellow. It's smooth and satisfying, though it could be consumed far too easily! This sweet vanilla continues and begins to incorporate the traditional, expected Irish flavors. It's like meeting old friends between your first and second pub stops on a pleasant evening out. Finish: This is where the energy picks up, and the flavors unite. The variety of flavors come together and persist through the experience. Pepper, spices, and fresh barley flavors are dominant, allowing the Irish character to stand out. It's medium to long in duration, and as the grain notes subside, the vanilla undertone remains. Overall, a very enjoyable creation. I would have preferred a higher alcohol content, around 45-48%. I believe this would have allowed more subtle spice notes to truly emerge and would have enhanced the finish. However, this whiskey is about as smooth and unobjectionable as one could hope for, without being dull or uninteresting. The overall presentation enhances the drinking experience, and it certainly looks good on my shelf.

A fantastic spirit. It possesses wonderful equilibrium and taste. It would earn a perfect score, but I feel it sacrifices some remarkable balance for a touch of distinctiveness that would elevate it further. For the cost of $225 USD, it stands tall against more expensive selections.

A light palate with fruit and caramel undertones, offering a semi-sweet profile. It's an easy drink. Worth trying once for the price per glass, and perhaps then a bottle.

An ideal Irish Whiskey. Shortbread and crème brûlée are prominent upfront, with a finish that is as good as the initial taste.

Nose has peach, sherry, and honey. The palate features baker's chocolate and black tea upfront and in the middle, with a peppery, grassy finish.

Sweet aroma, smooth taste, and smooth finish. Floral and pleasant.