Whiskey type: Single Pot still  Age: 13 to 26 years  ABV: 56.6% Midleton Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest Collection Tree 5For this 3rd release in the series- the team have worked with Knockrath Estate in Co. Wicklow to sustainably harvest 7 Irish Oak trees. Each of which has matured selected Midleton Whiskies between 13 and 26 years old.  These are single pot still whiskies, first matured in traditional American Oak Bourbon Barrels before being transferred to this native Irish oak. Tree 2. Taste: Soft brown sugars, toffee, biscuit crumbs and vanilla cream are joined by an assortment of dried stone and tropical fruits and a similar array of juicy tinned fruits. The result is medley of apricot, peach, guava and mango – everything rather orange in colour. Dusty spices perk through – ginger and nutmeg, whilst milk chocolate and freshly baked pastry provide additional sweetness. Reduction expresses Fruit Salad chews (…back to the old school) alongside overripe honeydew melon and kiwi fruit. Nose: A rich and velvety arrival with orange juice, mango and pineapple all tinned in their own juices and served alongside ginger and nutmeg spices sponge cake. Milk chocolate and cashew nuts sit with light wood polish, whilst pepperiness builds steadily (but sympathetically) in the background. Dilution adds a slight ‘fizzing oakiness’ as well as overripe nectarines, blood oranges, baked buns and toasted cereals. Finish: Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest Tree 5 is one of the softer bottlings in the series. Whilst the wood is still a driving feature, there’s more of a dainty nature which allows the fruit-forward nature of the well-made distillate ample room to shine. This tree is notable well integrated – everything feels like it should be where it is. And whilst that means that there are fewer surprises, the end result is nothing less than tasty stuff.