Method And Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Review

By Emma Briones

Rating: A-

It would be peculiar to find a brand new Irish Whiskey range without an example of their-now iconic Pot Still whiskey included. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Method and Madness decided to introduce a Pot Still whiskey as their third expression.

If you haven’t heard about it yet, Method and Madness is a new line of Irish Whiskeys created by Irish Distillers. With this new brand, they intend to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey by mixing the experience of Midleton’s whiskey masters with the fresh talent of its apprentices.

Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been matured in a combination of ex-Oloroso sherry and ex-Bourbon barrels. So far, nothing unusual. But, as it is a Method and Madness whiskey,  there had to be a twist.

In this case, the whiskey was transferred to chestnut casks sourced from the Isére region (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Grenoble surroundings) in France. Unlike Scotch whisky, which has to age a minimum of three years in oak barrels, Irish whiskey can age in any kind of wooden cask (as established by the Irish Whiskey Act).

Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been bottled without chill-filtration and with natural color at 46% ABV.

The Whiskey
Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is copper gold in the glass with long tears. The nose is fresh and grassy, with notes of red liquorice. There are some soft vanilla and sherry notes, with a slight touch of cinnamon and green apple cake. Finally, gentle spicy notes with a strong touch of ginger.

The whiskey is mellow and medium-bodied. It starts blending its fruitier side with spicy notes. There are apple and bananas, followed by a toasty touch of cinnamon. Also, there is a hint of vanilla and soft sherry that finished with a dry touch of spice.

Method and Madness Single Malt Irish Whiskey has a long finish. Fruit notes fade slowly, leaving a dry mix of wood and spices.

The Method and Madness range seems to be one to look for in the years to come, with the Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey one of the highlights of the new brand. It has all the classic touches of Irish Pot Still whiskey and, probably through the use of chestnut casks, it is also offers something different. A nice mix of sweet and dry notes with different layers and a lovely finish. This one is a keeper.

The Price
Only available (officially) in Ireland, Great Britain and France, Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is priced at €69.