Irish Distillers has announced the release of a new whisky in its experimental Method and Madness range.
The Method and Madness Garryana Oak Edition is a single pot still Irish whiskey that has been finished in casks made from garryana oak (Oregon white oak), a species native to America's Pacific Northwest that is noted for its durability and has previously been used by distilleries including Washington State-based Westland. The whiskey features a mash bill of malted and unmalted barley and was matured in ex-bourbon casks before finishing in the garryana oak casks for between four and 12 months.
The Method and Madness team say that the garryana oak finish has brought "unique richness, complexity, and spiciness" to the whiskey, along with a distinctive flavour profile and higher tannins.
Launched in 2017 and produced at an experimental microdistillery at Irish Distillers' Midleton Distillery, the Method and Madness range has seen releases playing with unusual cask finishes and mash bills. Recent releases including the Japanese Trilogy, featuring finishes with chestnut, cedar, and mizunara woods.
Finbarr Curran, maturation lead at Midleton Distillery, said: "Method and Madness Garryana Oak is an expression aligned with the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of Irish whiskey. The Micro Distillery has always been about experimentation and the use of garryana oak is just the latest example of our innovative spirit and dedication to producing unique and exceptional whiskeys."
Mairead Callanan, wood maturation technologist at Midleton, added: "The garryana oak barrels have added a unique dimension to the traditional single pot still whiskey, offering a distinct flavour profile and a taste of the Pacific Northwest's terroir."
Method and Madness Garryana Oak Edition will be available for purchase from 19 May in Ireland, UK, global travel retail, and online at midletondistillerycollection.com with a recommended price of €95 (£82.50). Its US debut is expected in late 2023.
The Method and Madness Garryana Oak Edition is a single pot still Irish whiskey that has been finished in casks made from garryana oak (Oregon white oak), a species native to America's Pacific Northwest that is noted for its durability and has previously been used by distilleries including Washington State-based Westland. The whiskey features a mash bill of malted and unmalted barley and was matured in ex-bourbon casks before finishing in the garryana oak casks for between four and 12 months.
The Method and Madness team say that the garryana oak finish has brought "unique richness, complexity, and spiciness" to the whiskey, along with a distinctive flavour profile and higher tannins.
Launched in 2017 and produced at an experimental microdistillery at Irish Distillers' Midleton Distillery, the Method and Madness range has seen releases playing with unusual cask finishes and mash bills. Recent releases including the Japanese Trilogy, featuring finishes with chestnut, cedar, and mizunara woods.
Finbarr Curran, maturation lead at Midleton Distillery, said: "Method and Madness Garryana Oak is an expression aligned with the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of Irish whiskey. The Micro Distillery has always been about experimentation and the use of garryana oak is just the latest example of our innovative spirit and dedication to producing unique and exceptional whiskeys."
Mairead Callanan, wood maturation technologist at Midleton, added: "The garryana oak barrels have added a unique dimension to the traditional single pot still whiskey, offering a distinct flavour profile and a taste of the Pacific Northwest's terroir."
Method and Madness Garryana Oak Edition will be available for purchase from 19 May in Ireland, UK, global travel retail, and online at midletondistillerycollection.com with a recommended price of €95 (£82.50). Its US debut is expected in late 2023.
