The Midleton Very Range has been going since 1984, but the latest edition in the series is one of the best yet, in our opinion. This time round it seems to offer up a lot more pot still character and also more spicy, oaky notes. It even reminds us a little of some of the recent Midleton Virgin Oak single cask releases. Like last year’s bottling, this now carries the signature of new-ish Master Distiller Brian Nation.

Powerful and assertive on the palate. A bit of a departure from previous bottlings. This is quite muscular and richly flavoured with perhaps a higher pot still content than before. Quite reminiscent of some of the recent virgin oak single cask editions. This begins with sweet, orange citrus and pineapple then quickly becomes quite peppery and spicy with flavours of cloves, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla.

Midleton Distillery, Cork | ABV: 410% | Price: €22