THE LIMITED-EDITION, SECOND RELEASE FROM IRISH DISTILLERS’ MICRO DISTILLERY
Irish Distillers, has announced the highest oat percentage mashbill Irish whiskey to be released and the second highest percentage to be known to have been distilled in Ireland, in at least living memory.
Oats and Malt was triple distilled at the Midleton Micro Distillery by Katherine Condon and her team. According to Irish Distillers, “Method and Madness Oat and Malt pays tribute to the traditional malt flavours of sweet cereal, green apple and notes of lemon zest, while the inclusion of oats brings new tastes and aromas with notes of marshmallow and fudge along with a sumptuously creamy finish.“
Distiller Katherine Condon began experimenting with a variety of grains and decided on the unique inclusion of oats alongside the traditional malted barley.
Through experimentation, trial and error the team handcrafted different ratios until they found what they considered the perfect mash bill of 60% oats and 40% malt.
Which, in this author’s opinion, reflects an unpeated version of the historic Irish spirit “Buile Ceann” also known as “Bulcán“, which I am sure will be very interesting to experience.
Recent TU Dublin graduate, Eva O’Doherty joined the Micro Distillery in 2019, where she oversaw the maturation of the distillate in ex-bourbon casks, finally settling on a 46% ABV liquid which she described the distillate having “a soft texture yet crisp taste.”
Distiller, Katherine Condon comments: “Nearly a year on from the release of Method and Madness Rye and Malt, we are extremely proud to introduce the world to the second release from our Micro Distillery in Midleton. The innovations within Irish whiskey continue to play a key role in growing the industry and it is a joy to be a part of that with the work we do at the Micro Distillery.
The Oats and Malt release represents something exciting. By working with traditional malted barley in copper pot stills and combining this with Irish sourced oats, we are honouring our past while pushing forward with innovation. This is an extraordinary Irish whiskey offering that is a first for Method and Madness.”
Eva O’Doherty continues: “Being able to challenge normality and push the boundaries of modern Irish whiskey is extremely exciting, but not without its challenges. We had lots of trial and error to ensure we could brew the oats without ending up with too viscous a texture. It has been a privilege to work on something utterly innovative and to craft a final liquid that is truly exceptional.”
With this release, the team at Method and Madness promises to continue its mission to “further support the resurgence of Irish whiskey, drawing on new techniques, historic yet innovative mash bills and the restless curiosity of its crafts people.” Bottled at 46% ABV, the limited-edition Method and Madness, Oats and Malt Irish Whiskey will be available from September 30th in Ireland, the UK, Dublin Airport and online at the RRP of €95.
Irish Distillers’ Official Tasting Notes:
Nose: Toasted Marshmallow, Pink Peppercorns, Orange Zest
Taste: Fudge, Citrus Oils, Green Chilli
Finish: Creamy Texture, Mild Tannins, Soft Oats
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