Method and Madness Single Grain Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak Casks

Like Wood? I've heard of the heretofore believed to be mythical pencil shavings aroma/flavor in whiskey, but until now, I've not experienced it myself. But the wood is strong with this one, and you can see that, noting that, this might end up being a divisive taste. Granted I did read the review of this @cascode wrote last night prior to opening this bottle, so I may have been influenced by that, but then too, it says, Pencil Shavings on the back of the bottle, so one has to assume that, with it being this prominent everyone is getting it. I'm just a bit staggered at how much I like it. Method and Madness is a brand I've had my eye on for a while. They were well reviewed in Whisky Advocate, and while I don't necessarily put a whole lot of stock in everything they promote, the description of these sounded interesting, particularly the single pot still. The problem was that they seemed a bit expensive for what they were. Then the PA Wine and Spirits stores went buck wild with their clearance sale, marking a host of bottles down to 50% off, and these were in the mix. So, speaking honestly, I was never going to buy this single grain for $64.99, but at $32.49 (and with the single pot still $37.49 and the single malt $42.49), I went all in on these (in addition to buying 4 bottles of Teeling Blackpitts for $37.49 and 4 bottles of Alberta Premium Cask Strength at $24.99...they accidentally marked that down by 60% before realizing they'd messed up, but too bad, and yes, I'm trying to make you jealous a little bit). In any case, I opened the single grain first, with the understanding that it would be the least of the three, planning to work my way up. And wow! Just wow. In addition to the pencil shavings, which is the most prominent aroma, there's a very subtle and nice vanilla, honey and citrus, that makes the nose delightful, if you enjoy the pencil shavings (let's face it, I'm assuming this is like anchovies, you either love 'em or hate 'em). The flavor sits light on the tongue, with the pencil shavings as well as a bit of dry spice. They mention grapefruit on the bottle and there is a nice citric tang that carries over from the nose, and the finish itself is moderate in length with the spices carrying over. They mention mint on the bottle as well, and I can't say that I'm getting that, though who knows how this will develop over time. The bottle itself is beautiful too, and my only complaint is that the plastic wrap on the top was perforated, but it was hard to get a fingernail under so it took me two to three minutes work to get the damned thing open. Overall, I think it's a 3.75, but I'm bumping it up a quarter star because of how surprised I am at how much I like it. People in my state seem to be snatching up the other two and sleeping on this, but given how much I'm enjoying this first glass, I can see myself buying another bottle on clearance here. To me, this blows any other Irish whiskey in the below $40 category out of the water. Now, do I like it enough that I would have paid full price for a bottle had I known how much I'd enjoy it? No. $65 is still too much for this. But if you can nab it for less than $50, I'd say swing away.

Nose: Oak, vanilla, something crisply floral (lemon peel?) and a resinous note (pencil shavings). The nose is completely dominated by the barrels. Palate: A rather spirity arrival with some bitter oak and grapefruit, but there is a little sweetness as well. There are also buttery notes but these are accompanied by an acidic quality like sour citrus peel. The texture is silky but modulated by sharp tannic notes. Finish: Medium. Hot spiciness that eventually trails off into a subtle, sweet minty aftertaste. This whisky is unusual compared to most single grains. Typically the better ones (particularly Scottish single grain) are matured for a long time in first-fill bourbon barrels and wind up with a buttery, toasty vanilla profile. This is completely alien to that, instead featuring brisk, almost harsh and spiky European oak tannin which gives it a woody and citric character. It's like a barrel full of bitter grapefruit. This makes it an interesting whiskey but it's not one you easily love. The Single Malt and Single Pot Still expressions I've tasted from this producer have been very good and instantly approachable for any whiskey enthusiast, but this one is brittle and more of a challenge. The nose is unremittingly woody in character and although some supporting aromas arise over time it is steadfast in its acerbic oakiness. It takes forever to open up and demands time and patience. I'll be interested to see if it mellows a little once there is some air in the bottle. The palate is similarly cantankerous with a bitter/sour quality coming from some highly active oak tannin. Well, yes, it IS aged in virgin Spanish oak so what do you expect, but I can't help but wonder if this was such a terrific experiment. A touch more refill bourbon softness would not have gone astray. As I said, an interesting whiskey, but certainly not one I'd recommend to a novice (N.B. the official Distiller notes are from an experienced critic and novices should be wary - this is not as approachable as it might seem from the description). You need time, patience and experience to really enjoy this. I'm not disappointed in it and I'm looking forward to the journey of exploring it as it oxidises, but if the choice was between this and the chestnut-barrel finished single pot still expression I'd choose the latter any time, even if it was twice the price, and as much as it is an "interesting" whisky there is no way I'd ever buy a second bottle of this. "Good (but not easy)" : 83/100 (3.5 stars)

This review is for the M&M Single Pot Still bottle (aged in French Chestnut barrels). But that bottle isn't listed on Distiller, so this is the closest option. The French Chestnut barreling is a crazy standout. Possibly the best and most unusual Irish Whiskey I've tried. Can't even describe the notes and complexity of the finish. Demonstrates that it's well worth experimenting with various other kinds of wood for aging, and that some really exciting spirits are coming out of Ireland these days!

Rich oak nose with sweet malty perfume. Nice body with a warming, quite sweet and round mouthfeel. After a few seconds, the oak comes into play, creating a dry, tannic envelope that moves quickly into a slight bitter note at the end of a medium-long finish. Although there isn't a lot of unusual character here, this is a very solid Irish that is perfect for sipping or in a traditional Irish Coffee.

Heavy vanilla and treacle nose. A big bang of liquorice and cooking apples on arrival. Unashamedly sweet and dessert, with some subtle spice on the finish. If you like very sweet whiskeys, this will be a delight. If you don't you'll want to avoid this!

Blind tasted for 13 weeks in a row from 14/08/19 to 06/11/19 A light grainy, sawdust luxury, has a wine like texture, a long finish, polish, chocolate, sundried tomatoes, lemons, sherried & rummy, dark fruit, nuts.