Clarkebar
Method and Madness Single Pot Still Finished in Chestnut Casks
Single Pot Still — Ireland
Reviewed
September 28, 2021 (edited November 10, 2022)
It appears I am always to be drawn to the multi-barrel, special casking whiskies of the world. They call to me like a Siren's song and I am lost at Sea.
Initial Sherry sweetness on the nose and a promise of fruity something with a dull wood scent in the background. On the tongue drunk neat there is a vapor mist and proof burn commensurate with the ABV. But this only lasts for the first 2-3 sips and then it seemingly disappears. There is but sweetness and quality wood at first.
But over time the dram then becomes a very corn-like bourbon sweetness parade without the vanilla and then stony fruits tend to join in. A few ice chips and the taste mellows a good deal with the sweet still most prominent but a range of subtle tastes emerge from herbal to fruity. After swallow the oily finish goes through a long series of stages and after a few minutes a not unpleasant aftertaste coats the tongue, as if you've been mouthing a hard candy. It occurs to me this is the telltale product of the Chestnut casking. There is a slight Menthol quality to it but it is more subtle Minty.
I like this whiskey very much and will likely raise the rating after I've spent some decent time with it. There are three versions here in PA so doubtless they will each come to rest in the collection, which is now approaching 60 bottles. Retirement has revealed many things to me and Whisk(e)y appreciation is among the the finer points. It helps me to count my many Blessings.
Edit 10/4/21: Raised the rating from 3.75 to 4.25 stars after serious tasting with a few Bourbon/Whisky lovers in the family and getting their impressions as well.
$75 at the PLCB
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
@Soba45 I hear from the folks at the local post office that they see a lot of essential oils being shipped these days 😂 almost makes me want to create a label for my packages
@cascode @PBMichiganWolverine Ah brings back memories..the old 'Essential oil' runs....haha. I have a ton of samples and couple of bottles in Aus with the inlaws (been stocking up via SM whiskey) and was thinking i should get them to do that trick. And yes M&M stuff is great. Their gin and Roots are my std go tos
@cascode thanks for the background. I like the unique thought of finish with chestnut barrels
@Scott_E Method & Madness is a micro distillery run by Midleton. They turn out some interesting left-of-centre stuff and also provide a training facility where talented apprentices can be mentored by master craftsmen in setting that encourages experimentation. Their gin is excellent - one of my favourites - and this pot still whiskey and their single malt whiskey that is matured in French oak are both great. There was also a single grain matured in Spanish virgin oak which was good but confronting, and there have been other expressins since that have not made it out here. Ireland has more relaxed laws than Scotland or the US so whiskey can be matured in a range of wooks like chestnut, cherry and apple. Their stuff is always worth a shot, but this one in particular was a highlight.
@PBMichiganWolverine @cascode you both are stoked about this distiller. I will be on watch for a pour.
@cascode i was sent this by our good buddy @Soba45 as well. I love the experimental approach from these guys.
Love this whisky. @Soba45 sent me a tasting sample a while back but there was none to be had here at the time. However not long ago some bottles turned up through a local dealer and I nabbed one. It's in the long-term "retirement" stash.