Midleton has unveiled its 2026 edition of Very Rare, the Irish distillery's flagship limited release that has been turning heads since 1984. For Australian whiskey collectors looking toward Ireland, this annual drop represents some of the finest pot still whiskey the island produces.
What Makes This Release Special
Each year's Midleton Distillery Very Rare is a carefully selected blend of aged single pot still and grain whiskeys, chosen by the master distiller from exceptional casks resting in the Midleton warehouses. The 2026 edition continues this long-standing tradition, though the finer details around cask selection and exact ages typically remain closely held until the bottles begin appearing in market.
What makes the series stand out is its remarkable consistency. Every release is slightly different, yet unmistakably Midleton—elegant, layered, and polished. Expect the classic hallmarks: orchard fruit, gentle spice, honeyed sweetness and that silky texture that defines great Irish whiskey.
Should Australian Collectors Care?
Historically, Midleton Very Rare lands in Australia north of the $400 mark, firmly positioning it among the premium Irish releases available locally. It’s not a casual purchase, but for collectors building a well-rounded cabinet, it remains one of the benchmark annual releases in the category.
Availability has usually been solid through specialist retailers and select premium accounts, though quantities are always limited. When these bottles land they tend to move steadily, particularly with collectors who follow the series year to year.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 edition won’t be arriving on Australian shelves before St. Patrick's Day, but that doesn’t stop it from being a good piece of Irish whiskey news to keep on the radar.
As the pints of stout start flowing and Irish flags appear in pub windows across the country, consider this a bit of pre–Paddy’s Day reading for the whiskey shelf. The bottles may take a little longer to land here, but when they do, Midleton Very Rare remains one of those releases collectors quietly keep an eye on year after year.
Source: The Whisky Wire
