Method and Madness Single Grain - March 2024 Irish Whiskey Review
Posted by Irish Whiskey USA on
In the Irish Whiskey world, March is known for Saint Patrick's Day. For several other weeks however; bracketology and basketball dominate the discussion known as March Madness. This review is inspired by all of these events resulting in a closer look at the Single Grain expression from the Method and Madness range.
"Restless Hearts, Making Inspired Spirits" is the motto of the Method and Madness range of Irish Whiskeys. Spawned from the micro distillery at Midleton, the name refers to the traditional methods of whiskey making at Irish Distillers with the experimentation encouraged by their young apprentices. Opened in 2015, the micro distillery pales in comparison to the size of its parent Midleton Distillery but is actually bigger than most other whiskey distilleries in Ireland.
Innovation and experimentation are the hallmarks of the micro distillery. The original core M&M range includes the Single Grain (finished in Virgin Spanish oak), Single Malt (finished in French Limousin oak), and Single Pot Still (finished in Chestnut casks). Limited editions are also released under the Method & Madness brand including single pot stills finished in Hungarian, Acacia, Wild Cherry, Mulberry, Japanese Cedarwood, and Japanese Chestnut casks to name a few.
The exciting innovation is not limited to the distilled liquid, as both the bottle and label design also push traditional boundaries. The labels depict both straight lines (symbolizing method and order) and marbled patterns (representing madness and experimentation). Each label uses different color patterns which represent aspects of the micro distillery. The bottle has an octagonal shape designed to refract and bounce light. The side panels of the bottle are patterned after whiskey casks and designed to produce a kaleidoscope effect.
The core range Single Grain is a non-age statement expression originally matured in first fill bourbon casks for 8 years. This is where tradition ends as the whiskey is then finished for 1 year in an un-conventional wood type, virgin Spanish oak. From Galicia in North West Spain, the Spanish oak produces more tannins and smoky, vanilla qualities. The Single Grain distillate is made from 96% French corn and 4% malted barley. Made in a continuous column still, the liquid is light, floral, non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% abv.
Official Tasting Notes:
Nose New Pencil Shavings, Light Rose Petal, Fresh Rain on Pine
Taste Warm Toasted Oak; Fresh Peeled Grapefruit; Zesty Wood Spices
Finish Sweet Cereal; Clove Spiciness; Fresh Mint
Irish Whiskey has really embraced a vast range of wine finishes from the burgeoning distilleries in an effort to explore nuanced flavors and differentiate from the many new brands. The Method and Madness range has gone in a different direction by emphasizing unique and unusual wood types. The Spanish Oak really differentiates this single grain from wine finished offerings from other brands. Initial burst of sweet sugar is enveloped by a light, prickly clove spice finish that lingers. A lovely whiskey that can be enjoyed year round, this core expression is widely available in the USA. Pour yourself a glass while you watch your Brackets get Busted and keep from going crazy during March Madness.