The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Emma Briones
Rating: A-
Method and Madness Single Pot Still Acacia Wood-Finish
(Credit: Irish Distillers)
There are so many whiskeys available globally that, sometimes, a good whiskey should stay close to home. Not for its limited availability or its high quality. Just because it is something special or it will be better enjoyed in a concrete environment. And one of those whiskeys is the new Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey finished in Acacia Wood, the second of this year’s Method and Madness releases. Sadly, it is available only in Ireland (see below).
This new whiskey has been initially matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks but finished between one and four years in barrels crafted from acacia wood, sourced from France. According to Irish Distillers, the dense acacia wood has a tight grain that slowly imparts rich nutty and chocolatey flavors.
Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Acacia Wood has been bottled at 46% ABV.
The Whiskey
Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Acacia Wood is amber in the glass with long tears. On the nose is sweet and a bit dark. There are some sweet caramel and chocolate aromas, followed by a touch of coffee. A hint of green apple is followed by sweet marzipan and toasted pinions, quite like a typical Halloween pastry from Catalonia called Panellet. There are also some herbal notes at the far end, accompanied by a soft touch of wood.
The whiskey is dry, velvety, and with a thick body. It is spicy on the back of the palate, and you can feel the wood astringency. It is still sweet, with notes of brown sugar and chocolate. A touch of baked peaches mixed with marzipan and sugar notes. A few black coffee beans.
Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Wild Cherry Wood has a medium finish, but quite sweet, more like a dessert whiskey.
There are whiskeys that are great for a warm summer afternoon. Others, like this Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Acacia Wood, were made to accompany you on a rainy evening or after a bad day. This is the kind of “Netflix and chill” whiskey. A sweet but complex whiskey that releases slowly each and every one of its layers. A comforting hug after a long day. The perfect ending to a nice dinner. A must take away from your next visit to Dublin.
The Price
The new Method and Madness Single Pot Still finished in Acacia Wood is available exclusively through the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Ireland. It is priced at €92.
