Irish Distillers, has today announced the launch of a new
expression from its innovative and experimental Method and Madness range.
Method and Madness Mulberry Wood Finish (46% ABV) is a
Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, which was matured in a combination of first
fill and re-fill American Oak barrels, before being finished in 50 litre Hungarian
Mulberry wood casks.
Method and Madness Mulberry Wood Finish |
The White Mulberry wood used to make the finishing casks, was felled in central Hungary, where the local climate creates the perfect growing conditions. The wood is then harvested and air-dried for two years at the Kádár sawmills in Tokaj before being transferred to a cooperage in Budapest.
The relatively high porosity and medium toasting of the
exceptional Mulberry Wood casks, is said to impart elevated flavours of wood
spices and enhanced toffee sweetness, along with a natural golden hue to the
whiskey.
The team at the Midleton distillery, experimented with
different whiskey styles and maturation times for the perfect marriage between
liquid and cask. Just 50 litres in size and conducive to accelerated
maturation, given the large surface-to-volume ratio.
The distillery team also kept a close eye on the whiskey
before finally settling on a finishing period of between three and eight months
for a perfectly balanced wood contribution.
Commenting on the launch, Finbarr Curran, Wood Planning
and Maturation Team Lead at Midleton, said: “We are delighted to launch our
limited-edition Mulberry wood finish, a world first for the category and the
third world first in the Method and Madness range. So far, our commitment to
wood experimentation and maturation has taken us all over the world and led to
the development of some of the most exquisite Irish whiskeys. It’s been a
joyous journey of discovery and we look forward to continuing this exploration
as we keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Irish whiskey.”
Method and Madness Mulberry Wood Finish, is now available
from the brands website, and from specialist retailers in Ireland and Finland,
for a RRP of €95.00.
Posted by Steve Rush