Review #: 159
Description: Method and Madness Single Pot Still Chestnut Finish
Spirit: Irish
Background: Method and Madness is a relatively new brand coming from Irish Distillers and the Midelton Distillery. Aged in ex-oloroso and ex-bourbon barrels, it is finished in French Chestnut casks before bottling. The age is not disclosed for the maturation nor finish, but it isn’t chill filtered and is bottled at 46% so let’s see how it tastes.
Distillery – Midleton
Bottler – Midleton
Brand – Method and Madness
Selection – N/A
ABV – 46%
Age – NAS
Nose – Almost bourbony with the sweetness, but a bit lighter and more floral, sweet peppermint, licorice, cherry candy, freshly cracked tree nuts
Taste – Sweet nut butter, vanilla frosting, red vines candy, roasted tree nuts, some banana even
Finish – Gingersnap cookie, cherry lozenge, sweet caramel, tiny bit of “green” wood but it’s not distracting
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? At $90, it’s a bit steep, but it is certainly unique and I think would be worth it.
Thoughts: I don’t know if I’m just crazy or susceptible, but it seemed like the chestnut really imparted a lot of sweet and roasted nut flavor. I didn’t have super high expectations trying this but was really impressed with this. Do I think this is necessarily better than say Redbreast 12 CS? No. Do I think this is a completely different experience and therefore hard to compare directly in price to other bottles? Yes.