Midleton Distillery Celebrates 200 Years of Whiskey Excellence

Midleton Distillery, established in 1825 by the Murphy family, has grown into one of Ireland's most iconic whiskey brands. More than just a production site, it serves as a brand home, attracting visitors to taste and learn about whiskey, earning its reputation as a sacred site for Irish whiskey. Midleton produces award-winning brands such as Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton Very Rare. To celebrate its 200th anniversary, Midleton will release limited-edition whiskeys, including Midleton Very Rare 2025 and the final chapter of the Silent Distillery Collection, which features rare 45-50 year-old whiskeys from the Old Midleton Distillery.

The distillery boasts a unique archive documenting its 200-year history. Carol Quinn, the archive manager, notes that the Murphy family had global ambitions from the start, exporting whiskey internationally despite their fame as beer producers. Their contributions to Irish whiskey remain significant.

Midleton's history is marked by challenges and transformations, including becoming Ireland's sole whiskey producer in the 1980s and merging with Jameson and Power in 1966. Quinn emphasizes that Midleton's success stems not only from its technology and products but also from the dedication of its employees.

The distillery's history is deeply intertwined with local farmers, as evidenced by the Barley Purchase Books, which record the names of farmers since the 19th century. Today, Midleton continues to source barley from the same regions, maintaining its strong ties with the farming community.

In 1975, Midleton moved to a new site equipped with cutting-edge technology, operated by the same team, showcasing their confidence and resilience. Today, Midleton produces Jameson, the world's most popular Irish whiskey, alongside award-winning brands like Redbreast and Midleton Very Rare, the latter being hailed as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey craftsmanship.

2025-03-14

Source: https://www.masterofmalt.com/blog/post/midleton-distillery-celebrates-200-years.aspx/