Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Tree No. 1 Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750mL)

Rare Collectible Irish Whiskey | Virgin Irish Oak Collection | Bluebell Forest, Castle Blunden Estate | Tree No. 1 | 12–23 Year Old Whiskey Components | 19-Month Irish Oak Finish | Cask Strength | 110.6 Proof | 55.3% ABV | 750mL

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Tree No. 1 Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is an extraordinary limited-edition Irish whiskey that represents one of the most ambitious and innovative achievements in modern Irish whiskey craftsmanship.

Created by the legendary Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, this remarkable expression celebrates the rich heritage of native Irish oak, the artistry of traditional single pot still whiskey production, and the exceptional influence of individually selected oak trees.

Part of the prestigious Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Virgin Irish Oak Collection, Bluebell Forest represents the second chapter in an innovative series exploring the distinctive flavors that can be achieved by maturing Irish whiskey in barrels crafted from sustainably sourced native Irish oak.

The name Dair Ghaelach, meaning Irish Oak in the Irish language, reflects the central philosophy behind this exceptional collection: allowing Ireland's native forests to contribute directly to the character of its finest whiskeys.

This particular bottling is especially distinguished because it originates from Tree No. 1, one of just six approximately 130-year-old oak trees selected from the historic Bluebell Forest on the Castle Blunden Estate in County Kilkenny.

The selected trees were transformed into specially crafted virgin Irish oak casks, creating an extraordinarily limited collection in which each tree contributed its own distinctive flavor characteristics.

For this release, Midleton's whiskey makers selected exceptional single pot still whiskeys aged between 12 and 23 years, previously matured in American oak barrels.

These mature whiskeys were then transferred into specially constructed virgin Irish oak casks for approximately 19 additional months, allowing the rich, spicy character of traditional Irish pot still whiskey to develop remarkable complexity through its interaction with native oak.

Bottled at its natural cask strength of 110.6 proof (55.3% ABV), Tree No. 1 is non-chill filtered and presented without added coloring, preserving the whiskey's authentic character.

The result is an exceptionally sophisticated whiskey featuring aromas of sweet vanilla, honeycomb, fresh citrus, coffee, woodland spices, and ripe fruit, followed by beautifully layered flavors of butterscotch, clove, cinnamon, lemon pepper, toasted oak, and delicate fruit sweetness.

With its exceptional provenance, limited production, individual tree designation, and distinguished Midleton heritage, Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Tree No. 1 represents a remarkable achievement in premium Irish whiskey.

Product Details

Brand: Midleton Very Rare

Expression: Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Tree No. 1

Collection: Dair Ghaelach Virgin Irish Oak Collection

Release: Bluebell Forest — Second Edition

Bottling Year: 2017

Classification: Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Producer: Irish Distillers

Distillery: Midleton Distillery

Country of Origin: Ireland

Distillery Location: Midleton, County Cork, Ireland

Oak Origin: Bluebell Forest, Castle Blunden Estate, County Kilkenny

Tree Designation: Tree No. 1 of 6 Selected Trees

Tree Age at Harvest: Approximately 130 Years

Whiskey Components: Single Pot Still Whiskeys Aged 12–23 Years Before Finishing

Initial Maturation: American Oak Barrels

Secondary Maturation: Virgin Irish Oak Hogshead Casks

Irish Oak Finishing Period: Approximately 19 Months

Cask Preparation: Naturally Air-Dried Oak, Light-to-Medium Toast

Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered

Color: Natural

Bottling Strength: Cask Strength

ABV: 55.3%

Proof: 110.6

Bottle Size: 750mL

Availability: Limited Historical Release

Flavor Profile: Vanilla, Honeycomb, Lemon Zest, Butterscotch, Coffee, Clove, Cinnamon, Ripe Fruit & Irish Oak Spice

Midleton Very Rare — The Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey Craftsmanship

Located in County Cork, Ireland, Midleton Distillery stands among the world's most respected producers of premium Irish whiskey.

The distillery is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, traditional production methods, and remarkable ability to create complex, beautifully balanced whiskeys.

Midleton Very Rare was established in 1984, introducing a prestigious collection of carefully selected Irish whiskeys that would become synonymous with luxury, refinement, and outstanding quality.

The brand's philosophy emphasizes exceptional cask selection, patient maturation, and the expertise of master distillers and blenders.

Over the decades, Midleton Very Rare has become internationally recognized for its limited annual releases and extraordinary expressions.

The Dair Ghaelach Collection represents an especially innovative chapter in this history.

Rather than relying exclusively on American or European oak, Midleton's whiskey makers explored the potential of Ireland's native oak forests.

This ambitious project required years of research into sustainable forestry, barrel construction, and the distinctive influence of Irish oak on mature single pot still whiskey.

The result was an entirely new expression of Irish whiskey craftsmanship, connecting the character of the spirit directly to the historic landscapes of Ireland.

Bluebell Forest — A Historic Irish Oak Woodland

The remarkable story of Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest begins at the historic Castle Blunden Estate in County Kilkenny, Ireland.

For centuries, generations of the Blunden family have cared for the estate's distinctive woodland, where magnificent native oak trees grow above a seasonal carpet of vibrant bluebells.

The forest's name reflects these beautiful flowers, which transform the woodland floor into a striking landscape each spring.

For the Dair Ghaelach project, Midleton selected six mature Irish oak trees, each approximately 130 years old.

These trees were carefully harvested as part of a woodland management initiative designed to support the continued regeneration and long-term health of the forest.

The harvested oak was then used to create a limited number of specially constructed whiskey casks.

Unlike conventional whiskey maturation, where the influence of individual trees is rarely identified, each Bluebell Forest bottling can be traced to one of the six selected trees.

This remarkable level of provenance allows whiskey enthusiasts to explore the distinctive influence of individual Irish oak trees.

Tree No. 1 represents the first designated tree in this exceptional collection, offering its own expression of the relationship between mature Irish whiskey and native Irish oak.

The Art of Virgin Irish Oak Maturation

One of the defining characteristics of Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Tree No. 1 is its finishing process in casks crafted from virgin Irish oak.

The production of these barrels required an extraordinary international collaboration involving Irish forestry specialists, Spanish sawmills, traditional cooperages, and Midleton's expert whiskey makers.

Historic Irish Oak Selection

Six carefully selected oak trees were harvested from Bluebell Forest on the Castle Blunden Estate.

Traditional Quarter-Sawing

The oak logs were transported to Galicia, Spain, where skilled craftsmen used traditional quarter-sawing techniques to prepare the wood into barrel staves.

Natural Air Drying

The staves were transported to Jerez, Spain, where they underwent approximately 15 months of natural seasoning.

This process helped prepare the wood for barrel construction.

Traditional Cooperage

The seasoned oak was transformed into 29 specially constructed casks, each receiving a light-to-medium toast.

Mature Whiskey Selection

Midleton selected exceptional single pot still whiskeys aged between 12 and 23 years in American oak barrels.

Nineteen-Month Irish Oak Finish

The mature whiskeys were transferred into the virgin Irish oak casks for approximately 19 months.

Throughout maturation, the whiskey was regularly evaluated to determine when the Irish oak influence had achieved the desired balance.

The result is a beautifully integrated expression combining the elegance of mature American oak whiskey with the distinctive spice, aromatic complexity, and structure of virgin Irish oak.

Tree No. 1 — A Distinctive Single-Tree Expression

What makes Bluebell Forest Tree No. 1 particularly fascinating is its connection to an individually identified oak tree.

Although all six trees originated from the same historic woodland, differences in their natural characteristics produced subtle variations in the resulting whiskey.

Tree No. 1 is distinguished by its 55.3% ABV bottling strength and expressive balance of citrus, sweet vanilla, honey, butterscotch, and traditional pot still spices.

Its aromatic character combines delicate woodland influences with rich sweetness and vibrant citrus.

On the palate, the whiskey reveals the distinctive spice associated with traditional Irish single pot still production, including clove, cinnamon, and allspice.

These characteristics are complemented by notes of vanilla, lemon pepper, and mature oak.

The finish is long and elegant, with lingering spice, citrus brightness, and refined wood influence.

For collectors, the individual tree designation provides an additional layer of rarity and historical significance.

Each bottle represents not only the craftsmanship of Midleton Distillery but also the unique character of a specific tree from one of Ireland's historic oak forests.

The Heritage of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Single pot still Irish whiskey is one of Ireland's most distinctive and celebrated whiskey styles.

Traditionally produced from a mash containing both malted and unmalted barley, it is distilled in copper pot stills at a single distillery.

This uniquely Irish production method creates a rich, textured spirit known for its characteristic spice, creamy mouthfeel, and layered complexity.

Unlike single malt whiskey, which uses only malted barley, single pot still whiskey incorporates unmalted barley, contributing to its distinctive flavor and texture.

Midleton is internationally recognized for its expertise in this traditional whiskey style.

For the Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest collection, the distillery selected mature single pot still whiskeys ranging from 12 to 23 years old.

These whiskeys provided an exceptionally sophisticated foundation for the final Irish oak finishing process.

The interaction between mature pot still whiskey and virgin Irish oak creates an extraordinary balance of sweetness, spice, fruit, and oak.

What Makes Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Tree No. 1 Special?

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Tree No. 1 stands apart from conventional premium Irish whiskeys because of its exceptional provenance, mature whiskey components, and distinctive single-tree maturation philosophy.

Its foundation consists of carefully selected single pot still whiskeys aged between 12 and 23 years.

The whiskey then undergoes approximately 19 months of additional maturation in virgin Irish oak casks crafted from the historic Bluebell Forest.

The use of native Irish oak creates a distinctive flavor profile that differs from conventional American oak maturation.

Its individual Tree No. 1 designation provides an unusually precise connection between the finished whiskey and the forest from which its maturation cask originated.

Bottling at natural cask strength preserves the spirit's concentration and complexity.

Non-chill filtration and natural coloring further reflect Midleton's commitment to presenting the whiskey with minimal intervention.

For serious Irish whiskey enthusiasts, the Bluebell Forest collection represents a milestone in the exploration of native Irish oak maturation.

For collectors, Tree No. 1 offers a particularly distinctive expression within an already limited and historically significant series.

Why You'll Love It

• Prestigious Midleton Very Rare limited-edition Irish whiskey

• Part of the acclaimed Dair Ghaelach Virgin Irish Oak Collection

• Second release in the historic Dair Ghaelach series

• Exclusive Bluebell Forest edition

• Individually designated Tree No. 1 bottling

• Oak sourced from Castle Blunden Estate in County Kilkenny

• Casks crafted from approximately 130-year-old Irish oak trees

• Mature single pot still whiskeys aged between 12 and 23 years

• Initially matured in American oak barrels

• Finished for approximately 19 months in virgin Irish oak

• Traditional cooperage and naturally seasoned oak staves

• Bottled at natural cask strength

• Powerful 110.6 proof presentation

• Non-chill filtered

• Natural color

• Rich vanilla, honeycomb, and butterscotch aromas

• Distinctive lemon zest and fresh citrus character

• Elegant clove, cinnamon, and allspice notes

• Sophisticated balance of fruit, sweetness, and Irish oak

• Exceptional provenance traceable to a specific oak tree

• Outstanding collectible for enthusiasts of rare Irish whiskey

How to Enjoy

Neat: Serve in a Glencairn glass at room temperature to appreciate the whiskey's complex aromas of vanilla, honeycomb, citrus, coffee, and woodland spices.

With Water: Add a few drops of still water to gently soften the cask-strength intensity and reveal additional layers of fruit, butterscotch, and oak spice.

Extended Tasting: Allow the whiskey to rest in the glass for several minutes before tasting. Its rich aromas and layered flavors develop beautifully with exposure to air.

Comparative Tasting: Sample alongside other Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach expressions to explore how different Irish forests and individual oak trees influence the finished whiskey.

Special Occasions: An exceptional choice for milestone celebrations, premium Irish whiskey tastings, and memorable gatherings among serious whiskey enthusiasts.

Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with aged Irish cheddar, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, caramel desserts, grilled lamb, and rich fruit-based pastries.