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On April 11, 2025, Irish Distillers unveiled the sixth and final chapter of the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection: a remarkable 50-year-old whiskey priced at £55,000 (€60,000/US$60,000). This release marks the culmination of a six-year journey that has captivated whiskey enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, offering some of the rarest and oldest Irish whiskeys ever bottled. As the last drops from the now-silent Old Midleton Distillery, this 50-year-old expression represents not only the end of an era but also a celebration of Irish whiskey’s rich heritage and craftsmanship.
The Old Midleton Distillery, operational from 1825 to 1975, holds a storied place in Irish whiskey history. For 150 years, it was a hub of innovation and tradition, producing single pot still whiskey - a style unique to Ireland, made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley. The distillery was home to the world’s largest pot still, a testament to its ambition and scale. However, in 1975, production ceased, and the distillery fell silent, leaving behind a legacy preserved in the whiskeys it had created.
The Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection, launched in 2020, was conceived to honor this legacy. Each release in the series - aged 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and now 50 years - has offered a glimpse into the past, showcasing the exceptional quality of whiskey distilled at Old Midleton. These expressions are not only the oldest Irish whiskeys ever released but also some of the most sought-after, with collectors and connoisseurs eagerly awaiting each chapter.
The creation of Chapter Six is a testament to the dedication and skill of multiple generations of master distillers and coopers. The whiskey was initially distilled by Max Crockett, the master distiller emeritus, in the world’s largest pot still. Over five decades, it was nurtured by three master distillers: Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and Kevin O’Gorman, each contributing to its maturation and ensuring its quality.
Master cooper Ger Buckley, a fifth-generation cooper at Midleton Distillery, played a pivotal role in the whiskey’s final stage. He crafted a bespoke cask using staves from the original casks of the five previous Silent Distillery releases. This unique barrel, a mosaic of the collection’s history, was used for the whiskey’s final marriage, adding a layer of complexity and symbolism to the liquid.
Buckley reflected on the process: “Crafting a bespoke, one-of-a-kind cask for its final maturation, using wood from the Silent Distillery Collection’s original casks, embodies the heritage and craftsmanship that have been passed down through my family’s legacy at the distillery. Working on the cask that would hold this once-in-a-lifetime whiskey, I found myself wondering if my coopering predecessors ever felt such pressure to preserve every last drop.”
The 50-year-old whiskey began its journey in ex-Bourbon American oak barrels, where it spent the majority of its maturation. These barrels, known for imparting notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, provided a solid foundation for the whiskey’s flavor profile. However, the final stage of maturation in the bespoke cask - crafted from woods that had previously held the other expressions in the collection - added a unique dimension, blending the characteristics of each chapter into a harmonious whole.
This innovative approach to cask finishing not only honors the legacy of the Silent Distillery Collection but also showcases the artistry of cooperage. The result is a whiskey that is both a tribute to the past and a celebration of the present, with a flavor profile that is as complex as its history.
Described as “wonderfully vibrant,” the 50-year-old whiskey defies expectations for an ultra-aged spirit. While many whiskeys of this age can become overly oaky or tannic, Chapter Six maintains a lively character, with fresh fruit flavors elegantly balancing earthy aromas of dried tobacco leaves and antique oak. This balance is a testament to the careful maturation process and the expertise of the master distillers who nurtured it.
On the nose, expect a rich bouquet of orchard fruits, such as apple and pear, intertwined with hints of spice and a subtle smokiness. The palate offers a symphony of flavors: ripe peach, citrus zest, and honey, complemented by deeper notes of leather, dark chocolate, and a whisper of mint. The finish is long and warming, with lingering traces of vanilla and oak, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and refinement.
Kevin O’Gorman, the current master distiller, shared his thoughts on the final chapter: “There is a balance of aged oak influence with fresh fruit notes that can be challenging to achieve in ultra-aged whiskeys, which I hope those lucky enough to enjoy it will find a remarkable surprise. I truly believe that we have encapsulated the essence of Old Midleton in this ultimate expression.”
The presentation of Chapter Six is as extraordinary as the whiskey itself. The liquid is encased in a hand-blown, hand-finished, etched, and polished decanter by the House of Waterford, renowned for its crystal craftsmanship. This decanter is not just a vessel but a work of art, reflecting the prestige and rarity of the whiskey it holds.
Accompanying the decanter is a unique wooden cabinet designed by Irish master craftsman John Galvin. To mark the sixth and final release, Galvin incorporated six rare woods—each previously featured in the cabinets of the first five Silent Distillery releases - with the sixth being a striking blue bird’s eye maple. The cabinet is further enhanced with an 18-carat gold-plated trim, a hand-cut and embroidered premium leather interior, and finishing touches that include oak reclaimed from old Irish whiskey vats. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the presentation is as much a collector’s item as the whiskey itself.
With fewer than 250 bottles available, Chapter Six is a rare treasure, destined to be coveted by collectors and whiskey aficionados alike. Bottled at 53% ABV, it is available for purchase on the Midleton Collection website and through specialist retailers in the UK, Ireland, and the US. This release not only marks the conclusion of the Silent Distillery Collection but also commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Old Midleton Distillery, a fitting tribute to its enduring legacy.
As Irish Distillers looks to the future, with plans to open a second Midleton distillery connected to the current facility, the release of Chapter Six serves as a reminder of the craftsmanship and dedication that have defined Irish whiskey for centuries. While the Old Midleton Distillery may be silent, its spirit lives on in this final, historic expression.
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