Method and Madness – A New Range from Irish Distillers
The Global launch of the new brand/range from Irish Distillers was on Wednesday 22nd February at The Project Arts Centre, Dublin. I was more than pleased to receive an invite to this Global launch in Dublin where Irish Distillers were introducing METHOD AND MADNESS; a new range of experimental super premium Whiskeys. METHOD AND MADNESS is a series of unique Whiskeys that underpin a continued commitment by Irish Distillers to experimentation and innovation at the home of Irish Whiskey in Midlelton, Co. Cork, Ireland.
On arrival the first sense to be aware that this launch was going to be a wee bit more different than other launch’s was my hearing. Loud disco style music with a very heavy bass beat. When you enter the main area all the walls were being bombarded by psychedelic images some in bright fluorescent colours and some in black and white.
The evening started off with a selection of very fine cocktails and an exceptional range of snacks and canapes. In one area they were letting you taste the 31 Year Old Single Grain, Single Cask which I am sure that everyone at the launch managed to taste.
The Range:-
Single Grain Irish Whiskey – Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak 46% Alc/vol
Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: New pencil shavings, light rose petal and fresh rain on pine
Taste: Warm toasted oak, fresh peeled grapefruit and zesty wood spices
Finish: Sweet cereal, clove spiciness and fresh mint
After maturing in ex-Bourbon barrels it is finished for 12 months and is non-chilled filtered.
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – Finished in French Chestnut 46% Alc/vol
Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: Red Liquorice laces, Fresh Rosemary mint and grated root ginger
Taste: Sweet fruit and spice, cinnamon toast and ripe banana
Finish: Aromatic green tea, dissipating fruit and spice and rich wood farewell
After maturing in ex-Oloroso and ex-Bourbon barrels is was then finished in Chestnut barrels and is non-chilled filtered.
Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Enhanced with French Limousin Oak 46% Alc/vol
Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: Freshly shelled peanut and cereal malt aroma
Taste: Cracked cinnamon stick and ice cream cone wafer
Finish: Fragrant bon bons and a hint of tasted barley
Initially matured in ex-Bournbon barrels and then part-finished in Limousin barrels for one year. This like the others is bottled without chill filtration.
31 Year Old Cask Strength Single Cask Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: Crisp floral, black liquorice and succulent fruit
Nose: Creamy honey, wood spice and honeydew melon
Finish: Endless dark wood, lingering fruit and gentle spices
Fully matured in ex-Bourbon barrels. The expression which includes three Single Cask offerings and bottled at 51.3%, 51.8% and 52.5 % Alc/vol and will be available to buy in April this year.
These new Whiskies are all different and are a great addition to other family members that come out of Midleton Distillery in Cork.
At Midleton they did not only use the expertise of their Master Distillers/Blenders and Master Cooper to create a new range they brought into the mix the new and fresh talent of their Apprentices. Taking inspiration from the famous Shakespearean quote, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t’, METHOD AND MADNESS is designed to reflect a next generation Irish spirit brand with a measure of curiosity and intrigue (MADNESS), while honouring the tradition and expertise grounded in the generations of expertise at the Midleton Distillery (METHOD).
This launch was a big success with all the senior staff and the apprentices being on hand to answer any questions, a very enjoyable evening.
The following morning at 10 am we all met up in the hotel for a relaxed tasting and a Q & A with all involved in the evolution of the Method and Madness range.
I enjoyed tasting all of this new range but my favourite by a long way was the Single Malt Irish Whiskey a 14 year old that was matured in American Bourbon barrels and featured a parcel enhanced with Limousin Oak, a fragrant, sweet mouth coating dram.
To all at Midleton involved in this new range, you have a wee triumph on your hands.
