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.

I really love this. Soft, but complex, with a subtle sweetness.

Very smooth sipping. Nice light woody taste. Made an excellent old fashioned. Excellent value at $35 at DUB duty free.

A freshness to it. Outdoor aroma. Pears, caramel, apples. Vanilla and oakiness. Spices and cinnamon undertones. Very smooth whiskey.

Nilla frosting, honey and heat. Delish