3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MIDLETON WHISKEY

Midleton Distillery is the home to the largest inventory of maturing Irish whiskey in the world. Its impressive lineup includes renowned whiskey labels such as Jameson Irish Whiskey, Redbreast, Powers, Spot Whiskeys and even their own premium single pot still Irish whiskey, Midleton Very Rare.

Not only an industry leader when it comes to producing world-class whiskey, but they are also leading the way with its commitment to sustainability. Here, we look at just some of their trailblazing efforts. Plus, they have shared a refreshing cocktail to enjoy Midleton Very Rare.

THE DISTILLERY

Since 2010, Midleton distillery has invested over €100 million to improve efficiencies and reduce the environmental impact at its 45-hectare site. Subsequently, there has been a 30% reduction in energy; a 33% reduction in water; zero waste to landfill; a 46% reduction in carbon emissions and electricity is now sourced from 100% renewable sources.

What’s more, in 2014, Midleton distillery completed a major upgrade of their wastewater treatment plant which treats water used in various elements of the production process. This upgrade in the plant has resulted in improvements in the consistency and efficiency of wastewater treatment: polished wastewater is returned into the environment meeting all inland fisheries, Irish Water and EPA-related discharge quality standards.

THE WHISKEY

Amongst Midleton Very Rare’s impressive blends of whiskey is Midleton Dair Ghaelach, which means quite simply, Irish oak. The result of a six-year exploration by three master distillers: Bary Crockett, Brian Nation and Kevin O’Gorman, Midleton Dair Ghaelach uses native oak to mature Irish whiskey. But with sustainability at the core of everything they do, Midleton not only sources the Irish oak in a sustainable way but ensures the preservation of the country’s forestlands.

The fourth edition of the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach series, released in November 2021, started with the selection of seven oak trees in Kylebeg Wood. The space created in the canopy by harvesting the oak trees has allowed light to reach the forest floor, enabling the growth of newly planted saplings. This method of sustainable forestry has facilitated the return of the pine marten to the Laois countryside, and, as a result, a rise in the population of native red squirrels, which had previously almost vanished due to the proliferation of invasive grey squirrels.

THE FUTURE

Knowing there’s always more you can do to help better our planet, Midleton Distillery recently announced its plans to become carbon neutral by 2026. Investing €50 million into the distillery over the next four years, this is the largest investment made by an Irish distillery to date in pursuit of this ambition, putting Midleton Distillery on track to become Ireland’s first and largest carbon-neutral distillery. Using break-through emissions-reducing technology, Midleton Distillery aims to eliminate scope 1 and scope 2 carbon emissions by the end of 2026 as well as entirely phasing out the use of fossil fuels in its operations.

The carbon-neutral roadmap for Midleton Distillery will involve the rollout of several projects aimed firstly at reducing overall energy use by improving on-site energy generation efficiency and recycling waste heat in the distillation process. In time, the distillery’s remaining energy requirements will be fulfilled by generating power from renewable sources.

THE COCKTAIL

Inspired by the rich and spicy wood notes present on the palate, paired with a berry compote note on the finish, this cocktail highlights them with an added herbaceous hint and a body of dark fruit covered in white chocolate.

Serve on ice and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

• 45ml Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest
• 10ml Monin Framboise (Raspberry) Syrup
• 5ml Crème de Cacao
• 2.5ml Suze
• 2 Dashes Walnut Bitters
• Garnish: Orange Coin

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