Method and Madness 2002 Single Malt 14 yo

 

 

 

46° 

Distillery :Old Bushmills - Ireland

2nd Fill Bourbon Barrels and Virgin Oak Limousin Hogsheads 

Original Bottling

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Totally Unpeated

This Single Malt, produced at the Method and Madness micro-distillery in Midleton, is a surprising experiment. First of all, the juice was distilled in Bushmills and not in Midleton itself! This dates back to the time when Bushmills belonged to Irish Distillers, the current owners of Midleton. Secondly, it is a blend of 2nd fill bourbon casks and Limousin virgin oak.

Let's Taste It : 

Although rather pleasant, the nose is nothing exceptional: slightly spicy malt, freshly cut young wood, ethereal vanilla. On the palate, a touch of caramel and molasses, lemon and almond, chestnuts, then a peppery, spicy, somewhat fruity finish. Quinces, orange peel, bananas. It's not bad, but despite some distinctive features, it struggles to stand out and assert itself. The typical Irish whiskey character is lost in an experimentation that yields few results.

 

In Short,

What's the point of copying Scotch whiskies? While I was thrilled by the Single Grain in the same range, this bottling doesn't seem very conclusive to me. When you experiment, there are bound to be failures.

Score : 83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           The Corrs - Breathless