Maker: Midleton, Midleton, Co. Cork, Ireland (Irish Distillers/Pernod Ricard)
Style: Single pot still (mix of malted and unmalted barley), finished in chestnut wood.
Age: NAS
ABV: 46%
Michigan state minimum: $77/700 ml (comes out to about $82 for 750 ml)
Appearance: Light copper.
Nose: Malt, chestnut shells, cut lumber, cinnamon sticks, vanilla.
Palate: Full-bodied and sweet. Cinnamon gummies, old oak, walnut shells.
Finish: Nutty and drying.
Parting words: Method and Madness is a new-ish line of experimental Irish whiskeys from Irish Distillers, makers of Jameson. There are three expressions available in Michigan: single grain ($57), single pot still (this one), and single malt ($90). There are even pricier expressions, like the33 year old, very limited edition Mizunara oak finish edition single pot still.
As for this one, it’s more than I normally like to pay for a 46% ABV, NAS whiskeys, but the last Irish whiskey I purchased was cheap and dull, and I just got a vasectomy last week, so I decided to treat myself. Plus I’d never heard of a chestnut wood-finished spirit of any sort, so I was intrigued.
I’m glad I did. This is a luscious, rich whiskey with a unique (but not weird) nuttiness that comes through on all three levels of tasting. It’s a refreshing Sunday night or special occasion sipper, and as such is priced appropriately. If you’re looking for a change of pace for St. Patrick’s Day (or any day) this year, give Method and Madness a try. It is recommended!
Sipology 