Midleton Very Rare has unveiled the oldest Irish whiskey ever produced, the Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Six, which is a remarkable 50-year-old whiskey available for £55,000 (€60,000/US$60,000). This marks a significant milestone in the Irish whiskey landscape and comes shortly after Bushmills introduced its own 46-year-old single malt, setting a new record for the category.
Launched on April 11, Chapter Six concludes Midleton’s landmark series that began in 2020, featuring the final remnants of spirit from the historic Old Midleton Distillery, which ceased operations in 1975. Limited to fewer than 250 bottles, this whiskey is not only the most mature expression released by Midleton but also serves as a testament to two centuries of distilling heritage.
This edition was distilled in 1973 by Max Crockett, the Master Distiller Emeritus of Midleton. He began using the world’s largest pot stills at the time, which remain on display at the distillery. The whiskey has been carefully nurtured by a succession of Master Distillers over the years, including Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and the current Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman.
O’Gorman recounted how the casks were set aside by Max Crockett from the old distillery as they transitioned to a new site. He noted that these casks were always valued highly by those who worked at the Old Midleton and were meticulously monitored.
Chapter Six was primarily matured in refill American oak barrels, optimizing it for prolonged aging, before being transferred to a specially crafted marrying cask constructed from the staves of previous chapters in the collection. The result is a whiskey with vibrant tasting notes despite its age, featuring rich aromas of plums, figs, dates, and blackcurrant, with hints of bergamot and rhubarb. The palate reveals a full, oily texture with flavors of candied ginger, orange bitters, and fresh citrus, culminating in a long finish with toasted marshmallow and dark chocolate.
Presented in a mouth-blown Waterford crystal decanter and housed in a bespoke cabinet made from six different types of wood, the release is both a visual and sensory masterpiece. A unique blue bird’s eye maple wood, contrasting against 18-carat gold detailing and reclaimed Irish oak, adds to the collection’s artisanal appeal.
O’Gorman emphasized that this final chapter celebrates the legacy of the people and the distillery that crafted it. Once Chapter Six is sold out, it will mark the definitive end of an era for Old Midleton Distillery. This release also coincides with Midleton’s broader celebrations of its 200 years of whiskey craftsmanship in 2025.
The Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Six can be purchased through the Midleton Distillery Collection and select retailers in Ireland, the UK, and the US.