Method and Madness Single Grain Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak Casks

Enjoying wood? I've heard of the supposed mythical pencil shavings aroma/flavor in whiskey, but I've never personally experienced it until now. The wood character is intense in this one, and considering that, it might be a polarizing taste. I did read a review of this by a friend last night before opening the bottle, so my perception might have been influenced. However, the bottle itself also mentions Pencil Shavings, so one must assume that since it's so prominent, everyone is detecting it. I'm quite surprised by how much I like it. Method and Madness is a brand I've been interested in for some time. Whisky Advocate gave them good reviews, and while I don't always place complete faith in everything they recommend, the description of these sounded intriguing, especially the single pot still. The issue was that they seemed a bit pricey for what they were. Then the state-run liquor stores had a massive clearance sale, reducing a number of bottles by 50%. These were among them. So, to be completely honest, I would never have bought this single grain at its original price of $64.99, but at $32.49 (with the single pot still at $37.49 and the single malt at $42.49), I bought all of them (along with four bottles of Teeling Blackpitts for $37.49 and four bottles of Alberta Premium Cask Strength for $24.99 – they mistakenly marked that down by 60% before realizing their error, but tough luck for them, and yes, I'm trying to make you a little envious). In any event, I started with the single grain, expecting it to be the least impressive of the three. And wow! Just wow. Besides the pencil shavings, which is the most dominant scent, there's a very subtle and pleasant vanilla, honey, and citrus, making the aroma delightful, if you appreciate the pencil shavings (let's be realistic, I imagine it's like anchovies – you either love them or hate them). The flavor is light on the tongue, featuring the pencil shavings along with a bit of dry spice. They mention grapefruit on the bottle, and a nice citrus tang carries over from the aroma. The finish is moderately long, with the spices persisting. They also mention mint on the bottle, but I'm not detecting that, though its development over time is unknown. The bottle itself is also beautiful. My only complaint is that the plastic wrap on the top was pre-cut but difficult to get a fingernail under, making it take me two to three minutes to open the darn thing. Overall, I'd rate it a 3.75, but I'm increasing it by a quarter star due to my surprise at how much I enjoy it. People in my state seem to be overlooking this one while buying up the other two, but given how much I'm enjoying this first glass, I can see myself getting another bottle on sale. To me, this surpasses any other Irish whiskey in the under $40 category. Now, would I have paid full price for a bottle knowing how much I'd enjoy it? No. $65 is still too much for it. But if you can find it for less than $50, I'd recommend trying it.

Nose: Oak, vanilla, a crisp floral note (lemon peel perhaps?) and a resinous scent (pencil shavings). The barrels heavily influence the nose. Palate: A rather alcoholic arrival with some bitter oak and grapefruit, but there's a touch of sweetness too. Buttery notes are present alongside an acidity like sour citrus peel. The texture is silky yet tempered by sharp tannic qualities. Finish: Medium. A hot spiciness that eventually fades into a subtle, sweet minty aftertaste. This whiskey is unusual for a single grain. Typically, the better ones (especially Scottish single grain) are aged for a long time in first-fill bourbon barrels, resulting in a buttery, toasty vanilla profile. This is entirely different, featuring brisk, almost harsh, and spiky European oak tannin that gives it a woody and citrus character. It's like a barrel of bitter grapefruit. This makes it an interesting whiskey, but it's not one you easily fall in love with. The producer's Single Malt and Single Pot Still expressions I've tried have been very good and immediately accessible to any whiskey enthusiast, but this one is brittle and more challenging. The nose is relentlessly woody, and while some supporting aromas emerge over time, it remains steadfastly acerbic and oaky. It takes a long time to open up and requires time and patience. I'm curious to see if it mellows with some air in the bottle. The palate is similarly difficult, with a bitter/sour quality from highly active oak tannin. Well, yes, it IS aged in virgin Spanish oak, so what can you expect, but I can't help but wonder if this was a great experiment. A bit more softness from refill bourbon would have been welcome. As mentioned, an interesting whiskey, but definitely not one I'd suggest to a novice (note: the official tasting notes are from an experienced critic, and novices should be cautious – this is not as approachable as the description might suggest). You need time, patience, and experience to truly appreciate this. I'm not disappointed and I look forward to the journey of exploring it as it oxidizes, but if I had to choose between this and the chestnut-barrel finished single pot still expression, I'd pick the latter, even if it cost twice as much. As much as it is an "interesting" whiskey, there's no way I'd buy a second bottle. "Good (but not easy)": 83/100 (3.5 stars)

This review pertains to the M&M Single Pot Still bottling (matured in French Chestnut barrels). However, that specific bottle is not available on this platform, so this is the closest match. The French Chestnut aging is a remarkable highlight. It might be the finest and most unique Irish Whiskey I've encountered. I'm at a loss for words to describe the complexity of the finish. It proves that experimenting with various wood types for aging is highly worthwhile and suggests that truly exciting spirits are emerging from Ireland today!

The aroma is of rich oak with a sweet, malty fragrance. The mouthfeel is nice, with a warming, quite sweet, and full sensation. After a few moments, the oak emerges, creating a dry, tannic sensation that quickly transitions to a mild bitterness at the end of a medium-long finish. While it doesn't offer much in the way of unusual character, this is a very dependable Irish spirit, perfect for sipping or enhancing a traditional Irish Coffee.

The nose is heavy with vanilla and treacle. Upon tasting, there's a strong hit of liquorice and cooking apples. It's unashamedly sweet and dessert-like, with a subtle spice on the finish. This will be a treat for those who enjoy very sweet whiskeys. If you don't, you should steer clear!

Tasted blind for 13 consecutive weeks from 08/14/19 to 11/06/19. A light, grainy, sawdust-like luxury, possessing a wine-like texture, a lengthy finish, polish, chocolate, sun-dried tomatoes, lemons, sherry and rum notes, and dark fruit, nuts.