I love everything about Midleton whiskey. I’m a fan, a big fan.

So when I got an invite to the release of the 1991 Single Cask, exclusively bottled for Blake’s of the Hollow in Enniskillen, I was just a tad to the right of excited.

Then fate dealt me a shitty blow – it seems to be doing that a lot to me lately – and I wasn’t able to make it. That made Al a very unhappy chappy.

However, due to the amazing generosity of the distillery and ambassador Joe Magowan, a sample was sent to me for this review, for which I am exceedingly grateful.

This limited edition masterpiece – there are only 180 bottles available – is the result of a collaboration between Midelton Head Distiller Brian Nation and Blake’s of the Hollow owner Pat Blake.

This single pot still whiskey was laid down on 27th November 1991 and left to mature in first fill ex-Bourbon barrel for 26 years. It is bottled at 53.1% ABV.

TASTING NOTES

• REGION: Irish
• ABV: 53.1%
• PRICE: £690

NOSE: Toasty oak and vanilla essence richness blends seamlessly with mixed fruits and a hint of marzipan. I’m not a fan of marzipan at all, but such is the complementary nature of the mix, the marzipan doesn’t have any negative impact at all. Throughout, the richness of the toasty oak and vanilla mix is just delightful.

PALATE: The wow factor is instant. That toasty oak and vanilla is there in

abundance as if beautifully coats the mouth. Toffee and chocolate convey the higher proof – not in an alcohol burn kind of way – but through their full-bodied nature and flavour-filled heat. Dark fruits, again with a rich and full-bodied taste, perfectly complement the other flavours.

OVERALL: This is just a stunning whiskey, utterly sublime. I can’t recall ever having any better. Everything just works wonderfully well. It’s a true masterpiece. Granted, it is a hefty £690 a bottle which will definitely price most out of it (unless you band together with mates and share a bottle), but I tell you what, if I had that kind of money lying around, I’d snap up a bottle pronto. It is THAT good.

If you’re ever down in the lovely county of Fermanagh, I highly recommend that you head into Enniskillen and check out Blake’s of the Hollow.

As well as this wonderful whiskey, they’ve got a range of other top notch pours and you’ll get a first class meal in Café Merlot. I know this from experience. Indeed, I need to head back there soon myself.