Midleton Very Rare has announced the fifth release in its Silent Distillery Collection — and its oldest whiskey to date. 

The new 49-year-old release uses some of the last single pot still whiskey produced at the Old Midleton Distillery, which operated from 1825 to 1975. It was originally distilled by Midleton master distiller Max Crockett in 1973 and has been in the care of the brand's three subsequent master distillers.

Current master distiller Kevin O'Gorman chose a number of casks for the release that were married for a final six months in an ex-bourbon barrel, which was repaired by cooper Dominic Buckley in the 1970s and has been maintained by his son Ger Buckley, Midleton's current master cooper. 

Tasting notes supplied by the Midleton Very Rare team say the whiskey has notes of stone and citrus fruits, antique wood, dates, almonds, dark chocolate, anise, ginger, and and toffee apple.

O'Gorman said: “Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five embodies a captivating tale that celebrates the convergence of the finest wood, exceptional whiskey, and indomitable spirit of the master craftsmen who sit at the heart of the Old Midleton Distillery’s legacy.

“The result is truly remarkable, offering an exceptional liquid that exceeds expectations and promises an unforgettable experience. I eagerly invite whiskey enthusiasts to indulge in this exceptional liquid and discover the captivating history that accompanies the expression as they savour every sip.”

Buckley added: “The marrying cask, marked and repaired by my father Dominic Buckley and subsequently inspected by myself, bears his distinct '1' mark—a symbol of the dedication and meticulous artistry embodied and passed down through my family.”

The whiskey comes in a handblown and etched Waterford Crystal decanter, presented in a tiger oak burr cabinet with white leather inlay created by Irish designer John Galvin.

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Five (52.4% ABV) will be available through the Midleton brand home and at select locations across the UK, US, and Europe with a recommended price of €55,000 / US$55,000.

Recent releases from the Midleton Very Rare range include the Ruby Edition to celebrate 40 years since the brand's inception, a pot still whiskey matured in casks produced from Forêt de Tronçais French oak, and a one-off whisky for NFT marketplace Blockbar.