Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, has dedicated over 25 years to perfecting the craft of Irish whiskey. From his early days learning from industry legends like Barry Crockett to his current role overseeing some of Ireland’s most iconic whiskey brands—Jameson, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, and more—O’Gorman has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of Irish whiskey. With a deep respect for tradition and a drive for innovation, Kevin continues to lead the way, balancing the preservation of Midleton’s heritage with a forward-thinking approach to whiskey-making. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, discusses the challenges of working with rare casks, and shares his vision for the future of Irish whiskey.

Kevin, you’ve been at Irish Distillers for over 25 years, overseeing some of the most revered Irish whiskies. How has your approach to whisky-making evolved over time, especially as a Master Distiller? 

As Master Distiller, it has been my pleasure to maintain the high standards people have come to know and love from Irish Distillers and the many whiskey brands we craft here at Midleton Distillery; Jameson, the world’s most awarded and bestselling Irish whiskey, Redbreast, the definitive expression of single pot still Irish whiskey, Midleton Very Rare, the pinnacle of Irish whiskey, the Spot Whiskeys, the cult classic Irish whiskey brand, influenced by wine casks for a colourful taste, Powers, the quintessential Irish whiskey since 1791, Knappogue Castle, the single malt from Ireland, and Method and Madness, the creative vanguard of the Irish whiskey revolution.

My approach to whiskey-making is to always challenge myself and the team to look for ways to innovate and diversify our offering, which we take great pride in doing, always with a focus on craft and quality. 

In recent years, I’ve also become very involved in team development and mentoring – I work with a great team and enjoy creating a nurturing working environment where emerging talent can flourish. Having learned so much from my own predecessors, I take great joy in passing on the craft and my experience with the team. My passion for sustainability has also grown immensely. From the sourcing of our raw materials to our use of modern technology for energy efficiency in the production process, our approach toward sustainable practices is always evolving.

Image: Kevin O’Gorman, Master distiller, and Katherine Condon, Distiller.

The Midleton Very Rare series is renowned for its exclusivity and craftsmanship. How do you decide which barrels are worthy of making it into this prestigious collection? Could you share some of the factors that influence your selection process, and how do you envision the future of this iconic series?

We refer to Midleton Very Rare as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey. We use the finest raw materials, the most advanced techniques, and of course, the expertise and passion of the team to ensure consistency and quality that is unsurpassed. 

Since the launch of Midleton Very Rare in 1984, each Master Distiller has brought a new annual Vintage Release into the portfolio. This creation of the annual Vintage Release has been one of the many great privileges in my tenure as Master Distiller. 

The selection of the vintage each year is a vigorous process. Our Distillate Team meets on a regular basis to select exceptional whiskeys in terms of taste and aroma. When creating the annual vintage, my aim is to preserve the timeless elegance and finesse of the liquid that has become synonymous with the Midleton Very Rare brand over the last forty years, while introducing my own twist by carefully adjusting elements such as grain and pot still whiskey contributions, as well as cask selections, to unveil new flavours. 

With the Midleton Very Rare range, we are constantly driven by the desire to push boundaries and create something new. When picking the barrels we are in search of the finest oak to maintain the unmistakable and elegant character of Midleton.

I am very excited about the future of Midleton Very Rare, as we continue to innovate and satisfy the thirst our consumers have for luxury Irish whiskey, growing the Midleton Very Rare family year on year.

Image: Left - Kevin O’Gorman Right - Barrels in the Midleton warehouse.

Midleton’s Silent Distillery releases, including Chapter Two, have created waves with their rarity and historical significance. Could you walk us through the meticulous process behind reviving these historic whiskies? What challenges and triumphs do you encounter in working with such rare and aged stocks?

The Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection is a magnificent celebration of combining the finest wood, exceptional whiskey, and indomitable spirit of the master craftsmen who sit at the heart of the Old Midleton Distillery’s legacy. 

Reviving the historic whiskeys for the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection is a meticulous process that starts with the careful selection of casks laid down decades ago during a time of experimentation at the Old Midleton Distillery. Having only been under the guardianship of four generations of Master Distillers - Max Crockett, Barry Crockett, Brian Nation, and myself - the collection represents an extraordinary history and unsurpassed legacy in Irish whiskey.

In working with such rare and aged whiskeys, a deep understanding of the original distillates and the casks used during their maturation is needed, as the aged stocks are delicate and must be carefully monitored. Careful cask management has been key to ensuring the quality of the final whiskeys. 

The collection highlights the artistry of cask management, resulting in whiskeys that are both historical treasures and timeless masterpieces – these final releases are the true triumph, and it is an honour and privilege to release these to the world, and to continue the guardianship of Midleton Very Rare.

Being crowned Master Distiller and Master Blender of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards is a remarkable achievement. How do you maintain such a high standard of excellence, and what do you believe sets Midleton apart in a highly competitive global whisky landscape?

Being recognised as Master Distiller / Master Blender of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards in 2022 was an incredible honour and is a reflection of the dedication and passion of the entire team at Midleton Distillery. 

Irish whiskey is known for its excellence, quality, and wonderful taste profile around the world, and there are so many factors contributing to the ongoing success of the category. As consumer perceptions evolve, it's clear that the craft and quality behind the whiskeys, the unrivaled heritage of the category, and the complex flavours we produce — both in new releases and old favourites — play key roles.

Maintaining such a high standard of excellence starts with our commitment to quality at every stage of the whiskey-making process. From sourcing the finest casks from around the world to the craftsmanship involved in distillation and blending, we strive for perfection in every detail. 

However, what truly sets Midleton Distillery apart in the global whiskey landscape is our deep respect for tradition, paired with a forward-thinking approach to innovation. Although Midleton Distillery has such a rich heritage, we’re not afraid to experiment and push boundaries. This allows us to produce iconic whiskeys across our portfolio, including the Midleton Very Rare, Jameson, and Redbreast collections, while continuously evolving with new releases that appeal to whiskey enthusiasts globally.

Image: Kevin O’Gorman, Master distiller.

How do you approach cask management at Midleton, and what do you see as the key trends or innovations in this area? Could you also talk about the impact of the legendary Forest de Tronçais casks on the newest Midleton Very Rare releases?

At Midleton Distillery, cask management is key to innovation. It is about ensuring we’re nurturing each spirit with the right wood over time, and that’s both a science and an art in itself.  The possibilities are endless, which is very exciting, and it allows us to continually refine the whiskey we produce.

We’re constantly discussing new cask types with cooperages and suppliers around the world, ensuring we get the best quality casks. 

When it comes to the Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais casks, we found the best at Taransaud Cooperage. Midleton Very Rare is a very delicate whiskey of great finesse. The rare and sought-after T5 oak casks are renowned for their quality and particularly their fine grain, which I felt would be a great match, and add a new dimension and even heightened elegance to the subtle aromatics of Midleton Very Rare. This was proven correct, and we’re very proud of the result.

Image: Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais

Your recent partnership with BlockBar, which brings digital innovation to the whisky world, is fascinating. How do you see the relationship between traditional whisky-making and modern technology evolving? What does this partnership bring to whisky enthusiasts and collectors that hadn’t been possible before?

At Midleton Distillery, where we’ve perfected the craft of Irish whiskey over the past 200 years, we are dedicated to preserving our rich heritage while also embracing the opportunities that modern technology presents. Our partnership with BlockBar allowed us to stay true to our legacy of excellence, quality, and tradition while enhancing the way collectors and enthusiasts interact with our brand. This collaboration reflects our commitment to marrying the timeless art of whiskey-making with cutting-edge digital innovation.

By using BlockBar's blockchain platform, we offered enthusiasts a new way to collect our rare and limited-edition whiskeys, with digital proof of authenticity and secure storage, providing a trusted, transparent experience for collectors. Additionally, the digital aspect of the partnership offered a new, interactive way to engage with the brand, creating a more personalised and immersive experience.

We see technology continuing to provide innovative ways to enrich our relationships with whiskey enthusiasts. Whether through blockchain for security, digital platforms for engagement, or new tools that bring our rich heritage to life, we believe technology can complement our tradition, enhancing how people experience, appreciate, and connect with Midleton Distillery and our array of excellent expressions. 

With the rise of experiential whisky-tasting events and digital platforms like BlockBar, how is Midleton engaging with the next generation of whisky drinkers? How do you balance maintaining the mystique and heritage of Midleton whiskies with appealing to a more diverse, tech-savvy audience?

We are embracing both experiential whiskey-tasting events and digital platforms to engage with the next generation of whiskey drinkers. We recognise that today’s audiences are not only looking for exceptional quality and craftsmanship but also meaningful, immersive experiences that connect them to the heritage of the brands they love. At Midleton Distillery we offer curated tasting events and distillery tours that offer consumers a chance to explore the rich history and expertise behind our 200-year-old traditions.

We believe that balancing tradition with innovation is key to our appeal. Therefore, we are always looking to utilise new ways of engaging a broader audience, making sure that everyone—from seasoned enthusiasts to curious newcomers—can experience the magic of Irish whiskey in a way that resonates with them. 

During the pandemic, we connected with people across the globe via virtual tastings. For those who cannot make the visit to Cork, Ireland, to interact with our whiskeys in person, we explore virtual reality and evolving digital mediums to share the magic of Midleton all around the world. 

How is Midleton Distillery keeping ahead in sustainability in its production processes, from sourcing ingredients to barrel management? Are there any specific initiatives that you could share with us?

At Irish Distillers, sustainability is a foundational pillar within our vision for growth. The use of quality ingredients is a fundamental commitment. We partner with grain merchants to source certified, traceable barley, promoting sustainable agriculture practices on farm. 

In 2020, we launched a tailored sustainability programme for barley growers to support the long-term viability of the spring barley sector in Ireland by incentivising farmers to deliver further environmental benefits on their farms. Growers receive an additional premium per tonne of barley grown for participating in Irish Distillers’ Spring Barley Scheme. They can choose from a menu of options which include establishing bee boxes, planting cover crops, and maintaining hedgerows. 

Because the long-term supply of our raw materials is dependent on respect for natural resources, we fully recognise the importance of protecting biodiversity. At our warehouse maturation site at Dungourney, Co. Cork we implemented a carefully planned, long-term biodiversity strategy supported by the input of external experts to better support the ecological health of the site by measures such as reintroducing native species of trees, plants, flowers, as well as bee lodges. 

Our plan to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions across our distilling operations at Midleton Distillery will involve the execution of innovative projects. We will do this by leveraging complex technology to reduce energy use onsite, by improving energy generation efficiency and recycling waste heat in the distillation process.  

Image: Midleton-Garden Stillhouse.

Looking back over your 25 years at Irish Distillers, what have been the defining moments of your career? How has your personal philosophy of whisky-making shaped the evolution of the Midleton brand? 

There have been many defining moments in my career – the first was when I started working with Barry Crockett in 1998 on the distillation process. Learning from the Master Distiller at the time, and from a master such as Barry, really shaped me. Similarly, when I moved to work in maturation in 2002 with Brendan Monks, eventually becoming head of Maturation in 2007, my passion and knowledge were nurtured and expanded. 

Since becoming a Master Distiller in 2020, I’ve considered each release of a new whiskey innovation as a particular highlight. Of course, the first Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release with my signature on the label was an especially significant moment for me. 

With each innovation from our brands, we collaborate with many craftspeople, from colleagues to partners, and these relationships have shaped my perspective. The team at Midleton, and Irish Distillers in general is great to work with, and in my role as Master Distiller, I enjoy a cross-functional approach, working with brilliant people in all areas. 

In terms of the evolution of Midleton Very Rare, the baton is now passed on to me to uphold the quality and craft of these exquisite whiskeys for generations to come, while also adding my own style and personality.

Image: Midleton Very Rare, Vintage Edition.

What are you most excited about for the future of Irish whisky?

I’m excited about the Irish whiskey category and its growth potential. When I started with Irish Distillers in 1998, there were only three distilleries in Ireland. Now, we have over 40 working distilleries in Ireland. As we continue to close the historical gap between Irish and Scotch whisk(e)y, the Irish Whiskey Association has predicted that Irish whiskey sales are forecasted to exceed Scotch in the US by 2030. 

There is an incredible future for Irish whiskey ahead, with a huge number of different brands and styles available to consumers. There is some magic in playing a part in this and I feel inspired every day playing my part by creating great quality, crafted, premium Irish whiskeys for people who enjoy them the world over. 

[[relatedPurchasesItems-63]]

Conclusion:

Kevin O’Gorman’s passion for Irish whiskey is evident in every aspect of his work at Midleton Distillery. From meticulously selecting barrels for the Midleton Very Rare collection to mentoring the next generation of whiskey makers, his influence extends beyond the bottle. His forward-thinking approach, combined with a deep respect for tradition, ensures that Midleton remains a leader in the global whiskey landscape. As Kevin looks to the future, it’s clear that Midleton will continue to push boundaries, creating whiskeys that honor the past while embracing innovation—just as he has done throughout his illustrious career.

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

Also Read:
Orchestrating the World’s Top Irish Whiskies: Billy Leighton
BlockBar’s Blockchain Revolution: Bringing Trust and Transparency to Collectible Spirits
Behind the Glass: Colin Hampden-White's Spirit-Filled Life