Method and Madness Single Malt Enhanced With French Oak Casks

I have stated this before, but it is worth repeating: I dislike when individuals disregard cost when evaluating spirits. The notion of "This assessment was conducted without considering the spirit's price" truly irritates me because I am the one paying for my drinks. The spirit's quality in relation to its price significantly influences my enjoyment. A prime example: these Method & Madness Irish Spirits. I obtained the Single Grain, this Single Malt, and the Single Pot Still at a 50% discount from the suggested retail price. When I reviewed the Single Grain, I was surprised by how much I liked it and gave it a 3.5, considering I paid $32.50 instead of $65. I even bought another bottle at that discounted price to stock up. However, despite the 3.5 rating and purchasing a second bottle, I couldn't recommend buying it at the full $65 price. So, what would my rating have been if I had paid $65? I likely would have reduced it by half a point, settling for a 3.0. I didn't consider this at the time of my initial rating. I'm reflecting on it now because the Method & Madness Single Malt retails for $85, and frankly, it's not as good as the Single Grain. Even though I acquired this one for $42.50, I didn't rush to buy a second bottle at that price, even though I could have. The one that sold out the fastest, as expected, is also the one generally rated higher, the Single Pot Still, which falls between the other two in price at a suggested retail of $75 (for me, it was $37.50). Therefore, I find myself in a dilemma, at least regarding the star rating: at the price I paid, I might assign it a 3.0. At the suggested retail price, I really can't advise anyone to hurry out and buy this, not that it's bad. It's simply too expensive. It's the kind of spirit that, if a friend offered you a glass at their home, you'd happily drink it. Depending on your feelings about Irish spirits and your relationship with the friend, you might ask for another. Or, if your friend offers another, you might simply inquire, "What else do you have?" My first review of a distiller was for Writer's Tears Copper Pot. I gave it a 2.75. It would serve as an excellent introduction to Irish spirits, but after 20 years of tastings, it's not my preference, and honestly, I believe the Copper Pot might be superior to this M&M Single Malt. This is puzzling considering, from what I've read, there are some 14-year-old components in here. Is it entirely 14-year-old? How much younger spirit is blended in? I don't know. The issue is, the aroma here is very faint. I poured the glass ten minutes ago and have decided to let it rest to see if I can detect anything, because on other occasions, I've started sipping and found the nose to be faint then as well. As it has sat, I'm detecting a stronger aroma of a mix of orange and shortbread, a sort of citrus cookie scent that is pleasant enough. There might be a slight hint of vanilla, but if a spirit doesn't smell like chocolate, doesn't it usually have a trace of vanilla, right? Is it worth $85? Not at all. I'm uncertain if it's worth $42.50. For $42.50, you can get Knappogue Castle, which also had a faint nose and is comparable to this. I would likely rate them similarly (though I haven't had Knappogue in a year or two). I've also seen Tullamore 12 on sale locally for around $43, and if I recall correctly, I preferred that, though again, this is based on memories from a year or two ago. But that's just the nose. The palate is better and might actually justify the clearance price. The citrus is prominent, with the orange note from the nose persisting but developing into marmalade and then pineapple towards the finish. The cookie quality is present with a slight hint of butteriness. And of course, there's a little vanilla, but you know, refer to my note about vanilla above. There's also a touch of apple, which is unusual because apple and orange are said to clash, but they don't register simultaneously. It has a longer finish than many Irish spirits I've tried, and with its strong citrus and creamy character, it reminds me of Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton, but the Green Spot has a richer, fuller mouthfeel that I would prefer if you can find it for $65, which is its price in my area. Speaking of wood, that's actually what I appreciated about the M&M Single Grain, the pencil shavings combined with the sweetness. It's what prompted me to buy a second bottle. This Single Malt is certainly not a bad spirit, but when you consider it retails for $84 a bottle, the same price as Talisker Distiller's Edition or Laphroaig Cask Strength or the Templeton 10 Year Single Barrel Rye I just reviewed, it's hard to imagine this being your choice unless you prefer Irish over scotch or rye, and perhaps that's your preference. It's not mine, and I did not buy a second bottle of this. Still, I will stand by a 3.0 rating for this one. In terms of quality, it's slightly better than that Writer's Tears from my first distiller review (and of course, I must mention I also favor their Double Oak over this, though at $60 that is now excessively expensive). I don't know, I suppose I'm reaching a point where price is important and everything seems too costly. It's possible we're just arriving at a point where I feel like Danny Glover: "I'm getting too old for this shit." The current prices are starting to make me irritable. Provide me with the best value category so I know where I'm getting the most for my money, people. That's all I ask.

Tasting Irish whiskey at The Oak Barrel in Sydney on February 7, 2019. This was whisky number 4. Smell: Dried fruit, toasted cereal, roasted almonds, a bit of vanilla, leather, and a deep sweet floral scent like apricot liqueur. Taste: Arrives full and rich with abundant malt flavors – dark honey, slightly bitter syrup, apple, walnut. The oak imparts a strong tannic quality, but vanilla and a dark treacle flavor balance it out. The feel is medium-bodied and very pleasant. Aftertaste: Medium. A pleasing fruity and grainy character with a nutty finish. The aroma is less overtly floral than some Irish whiskeys, with the malted grain adding an earthy depth. It's a complex yet easy-to-drink whiskey, showing a subtle balance between sweet grains and dry oak. Its character is firm and assertive, similar to Balblair. Excellent neat, and a splash of water can reveal more sweetness, if desired, without upsetting the balance. The spirit was sourced from Midleton and aged in former bourbon barrels before a finish in Limousin oak casks. A delightful and intriguing whiskey that justifies its cost. "Very Good": 85/100 (4 stars)

When I saw this bottle on sale for 35 €, I couldn't resist. A 14-year-old Irish malt with a craft presentation? It was an obvious choice. Appealing notes of orchard fruits, ginger, and Belgian waffles rise from the glass, with hints of lemon zest, physalis, and honey. On the palate, creamy toffee, fresh apples, and oak spices move towards mango, walnuts, and a touch of juniper. The slightly resinous finish accentuates caffè latte, salted caramel, and guava. Again, I couldn't help myself and bought three backup bottles, take from that what you will. RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

A restrained, elevated, and slightly heather-like nose. Consistent with expectations for an Irish spirit, featuring some citrus, abundant sweet malt, rich caramel, toffee, cocoa, brioche, and even a hint of saltiness. No surprises, which is positive. An exceptionally delicious and well-crafted spirit. I'd bring a case of this to a deserted island.

Smell: quite sweet, buttery cookies and some fruit, possibly peaches and a hint of orange? Taste: very fruity and sweet. Orange and more buttery cookies. It finishes with a pleasant bitterness. The higher alcohol content is also noticeable. It's very good.

A pleasant sweet aroma on this, with light caramel and some gentle spice emerging. Perhaps vanilla? It has a nice, fairly full body, initially sweet, then rounds out, though not entirely seamlessly. Abundant pleasant spice is present and lingers nicely on the palate. Highly sippable!