Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2020

The 37th edition. Brian Nation's final selection as Master Distiller at Midleton. A blend of the finest single pot still and grain Irish whiskeys, aged between 13 and 35 years.

Midleton Very Rare has been released once per year, every year, since 1984. Each vintage is assembled by the Master Distiller from the finest pot still and grain whiskeys in Midleton's warehouses — casks too exceptional for the standard blended lineup. The 2020 marks the 37th edition of this series and carries additional historical significance: it was the final selection by Brian Nation, who served as Master Distiller at Midleton from 2013 to 2021.

Nation's 2020 reflects a higher pot still inclusion than some recent editions and an increased use of refill barrels, which allows the natural character of the whiskeys to express themselves more directly without the dominant wood influence of first-fill casks. The components range from 13 to 35 years old — a breadth of maturation that produces the layered complexity the series is known for. Each bottle is numbered and signed, certifying this as a specific, documented vintage that cannot be reproduced.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Warm golden amber.
• Nose: Cane sugar and vanilla, pepper and nutmeg spices, sweet orchard fruits, white chocolate fudge, and polished antique wood notes.
• Palate: Tangy fruit sweetness with orange peel and sweet pear, pot still spices, mild chili oil, and a constant background of charred oak.
• Finish: Satisfyingly long — fruits slowly fade as oak and spices linger in a warm, elegant close.

Specs

• Distillery: Midleton, County Cork, Ireland
• Style: Blended Irish Whiskey (pot still and grain)
• Components: Single pot still and grain whiskeys, aged 13–35 years
• Master Distiller: Brian Nation (final selection)
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2020 Vintage — 37th Edition
• Certification: Numbered, signed certificate of authenticity

Explore the full Midleton collection or browse all Irish whiskey at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is the 2020 historically significant? The 2020 was Brian Nation's final selection as Master Distiller at Midleton before his departure in 2021. For collectors building a complete Midleton Very Rare vertical, the 2020 marks the end of Nation's tenure — making it one of the more significant transition vintages in the series' 37-year history.
• How does the 2020 compare to the 2019? The 2019 was Nation's penultimate selection. The 2020 reflects a higher pot still inclusion and greater use of refill barrels — producing a more direct expression of the whiskeys' natural character. Flavor differences between consecutive vintages reflect the specific casks that peaked each year.
• What is Irish pot still whiskey? Irish pot still whiskey is made from a mash of both malted and unmalted barley distilled in traditional copper pot stills — a style unique to Ireland. It produces a creamy, spicy character distinct from Scotch single malt or grain whiskey. Midleton Very Rare blends pot still spirit with aged grain whiskey for its characteristic profile.
• Is the 2020 Midleton Very Rare still available? In limited quantities. Each annual edition is produced in limited numbers and not restocked. As a final Brian Nation vintage, the 2020 carries additional collector significance.