In the experimental Method and Madness series from the “micro” distillery within Midleton (Irish Distillers) there is a new single pot still Irish whiskey finished in Mulberry casks, after an initial maturation in first- and second-fill bourbon barrels.
It is the first time that Mulberry wood was used to finish Irish whiskey. This durable wood type has an unusual wood structure (low density but a high porosity) so they wanted to limit the risk of leakage by acting fast and using 50-litre quarter casks. The whiskey spent between 3 and 8 months in the Mulberry casks.
Midleton Method & Madness – Mulberry casks (46%, OB 2021)
Nose: really sweet. There’s some orange candy and truckloads of toffee apples, even a subtle touch of strawberry and poached pear. Hints of candied ginger and vanilla cookies. Toasted oak shavings as well, with a slightly fragrant touch. Caramel too. No grainy or alcoholic edge – really nice, provided you have a sweet tooth.
Mouth: slightly more grainy now, with a serious amount of spice. Drying pepper, aniseed and ginger. Some oaky bitterness and green, aromatic wood to it. The sweet fruit is now less opulent, more towards green apple now, with light citrus candy. Quite a firm woody footprint.
Finish: medium, with more woody notes and spice. Citrusy notes and aniseed.
After a really promising aromatic nose, it is clear that the quarter casks leave a big impression on the palate. It is available for € 95 from the Method & Madness website or select retailers.