For its latest experimental Method and Madness release, Irish Distillers turned to oats and malt to create an uncommon mash bill. Oats and Malt has been triple distilled at the Midleton Micro Distillery by Katherine Condon, in copper pot stills.
Through experimentation, trial and error, the team handcrafted different ratios until they found the perfect combination of 60% oats and 40% malt. Especially brewing the oats without ending up with an overly viscous texture was challenging. Maturation took place in standard bourbon barrels.
Oats & Malt follows up from the Rye and Malt expression that was released in 2021.
Method And Madness Oats & Malt (46%, OB 2022)
Nose: fresh and lemony start. Hints of meringue, grapefruit peels and vanilla marshmallows. Then green orchard fruits and a very soft toffee note. Also gentle hints of white pepper and fresh oak shavings. Really fresh and inviting.
Mouth: very similar flavours, albeit a little flatter than expected. Plenty of citrus (lemons, oranges) and green apples with peppercorns and breakfast cereals. A subtle juniper note, as well as some light floral touches. Mid-palate the grainy side takes over, until the light caramel notes come back.
Finish: long, still on zesty citrus, mild tannins and pepper.
Nice and fresh, though maybe not as groundbreaking as they make it seem. If you told me this was a light 100% malt pot still, I would have believed you. Available in Ireland, the UK (see The Whisky Exchange) and online for around € 95.