Whiskey type: Single Pot still  Age: 13 to 26 years  ABV: 56.6% Midleton Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest Collection Tree 2For 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: Baked apples and peach turnovers are joined by mango slices and guava. Alongside - vanilla cream, desiccated coconut, milky coffee and toasted marshmallows. Spices (nutmeg and ginger) exert themselves increasingly once the whisky has been rested and sit with steeped fruit teas and biscuit crumbs. The addition of water expresses Fruit Salad chews (!) and brings with it a creamier aspect of Chantilly, peach melba and set custard. Nose: Rich on the arrival with apricot slices dipped in chocolate served alongside charred mango chunks and orange liqueurs. The spice builds with nutmeg and ginger joined by saffron. Cashew nuts and rich tea biscuits are revealed in the back palate which also contains a whack of progressively drying oak – charred with aspects of charcoal like quality. Reduction adds tinned fruits, creamy fudge and a slight chalkiness. Finish: Tree 2 of the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest series offers a slightly softer composition than its sibling Tree 1. Whilst the combination of flavours are broadly similar, their configuration is slightly more delicate and with a focus on creamy, rather than spicy oak. Nevertheless, this is still firmly in thrall with its oak. Dilution is more beneficially on the nose than the palate – where a slight, powderiness manifests itself.