Emerging from the silence and created from the coming together of distillations that have matured to perfection over 48 years, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter 4 delivers something old and something new; a contemporary expression of a time-honoured Irish whiskey, as unique as it is special.
The Decanter
As unique and as special as the whiskey itself is the glass decanter created to hold the prized liquid. Designed especially to celebrate this rare release, each one is mouth blown – a skill that dates back more than 200 years.
Once carefully shaped, the flowing lines of the design are refined by the specialist craftsmen and women of Ireland’s world famous House of Waterford. Finishing, etching and polishing by hand, their individual attention to detail means each decanter is subtly different but still exudes the artistry and brilliance that are synonymous with the Waterford name.
The Cabinet
Fusing fine craftsmanship and precision engineering, each cabinet is lovingly handmade by John Galvin and his team from select lacewood. With its iconic flecking of red and brown, the lacewood’s striking appearance conjures up images of barley fields and so recalls the natural bounty that is at the heart of our whiskey. To finish the cabinets are dressed in premium shagreen leather and enhanced by detailing in sterling silver and oak reclaimed from Irish whiskey vats.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Notes of chocolate dipped honeycomb with caramelised red apples and quince jelly. Luxurious aromas are enhanced by the sweetness of coffee cake and vanilla-scented cream, while earthy fragrances are matched by those of an antique, cedarwood cigar box. Dried flowers, that still carry delicate waves of a floral perfume, add to the array of flavours.
Taste
An explosion of fruits at first with fresh plums, peaches, and dried apricot. A hint of chilli oil and grated ginger follows. Delicate oak tannins, perfectly balanced with the fruits and pot still spices, work in harmony with a suggestion of mature Roquefort cheese. Floral and sweet grain whiskey add finesse, making this a wonderfully complex blend that is silk-textured and full-bodied.
Finish
Stone fruits and soft spices continue to linger for a time, with the oak tannins quietly fading into the background.
