Who makes it?
From Humble Beginnings to Whiskey Giants
Every sip of Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers is a taste of history. The story begins in the 1790s, at the site of what would become the Midleton Distillery, a place of constant change and rebirth. What started as a modest wool mill on the banks of the Dungourney River was eventually purchased by three visionary brothers in 1825. Their ambition was immense, and they set out to transform the property into a state-of-the-art distillery.
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A Distillery Built for Legends
The Murphy brothers didn’t just build a distillery—they built a monument to Irish whiskey. They installed a massive undershot water wheel to power their operation, which was later replaced in 1852 by the very iron wheel that stands on the grounds to this day. But their most impressive feat was the creation of a massive 31,618-gallon pot still—so large it had to be built on-site with the distillery constructed around it. This single pot still remains the largest ever built and is a testament to the Murphys' ambition and the revolutionary changes sweeping through the Irish whiskey industry. This era of innovation saw the distillery's output soar, with nearly 200 people working to create what would become some of the world’s most celebrated spirits.
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Forging a Legacy, One Dram at a Time
By the mid-1800s, the Irish whiskey industry faced a period of upheaval. To survive and thrive, the head of the company, James Murphy, proposed a bold plan: unite the local distilleries. In 1867, the Cork Distilleries Company (CDC) was formed, bringing together the best whiskey makers in the region, including the Midleton Distillery. This spirit of collaboration and resilience is a core part of the heritage of Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers.
When you enjoy a glass from our collection, you’re not just tasting a finely crafted whiskey; you’re experiencing over two centuries of dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. This is more than just a drink; it's a piece of history.
Discover the legacy in every bottle. Explore our selection of premium Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers whiskeys and find your new favourite.
How is it made?
Breaking boundaries without breaking tradition, the Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition represents a historic world-first in premium spirit maturation. Crafted from a meticulously selected blend of single pot still and grain whiskeys distilled from local Irish barley and pristine river water, this expression matured for an incredible 17 to 24 years before its final, ground-breaking transformation. The spirit was finished in custom Irish sweet chestnut hogshead casks, lovingly crafted from timber sourced directly at the historic Cappoquin Estate in County Waterford. Bottled at natural cask strength and non-chill filtered to preserve every drop of its rich character, this rare single pot still creation showcases the absolute pinnacle of wood finish innovation and Irish wood provenance.
What does it taste like?
On the nose, expect a decadent greeting of honey-drizzled red apple, caramelized orange peel, and melted chocolate, grounded by cozy woodland notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and sandalwood. Take a sip and your palate is instantly rewarded with sweet orchard fruits, generous waves of vanilla, and delicate pot still spices that build into a cheeky prickle of freshly crushed pepper and mild chili oil. The full-bodied texture wraps everything in soft wood tannins before coasting into a ridiculously long, satisfying finish where luscious fruits slowly bow out, leaving sweet chestnut wood and signature Irish pot still spice to take the final curtain call.
