Friday Night Flights & Bites 10/10 & 10/17, Starting at 2pm

Unique Oak Casks: Method and Madness.

Tucked into the grounds of the historic Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Method and Madness is Ireland’s most innovative whiskey project. Unlike the main production at Midleton, which is known for legacy brands like Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers, this microdistillery was built for experimentation. It exists to challenge tradition, explore unusual techniques, and test ideas that might never make it into mainstream releases. It’s a space where seasoned Master Distillers and Blenders mentor up-and-coming apprentices through hands-on learning and creative freedom.

The name captures the spirit of the distillery. "Method" refers to the generations of knowledge and precision that guide Irish whiskey making. "Madness" represents the willingness to question, reimagine, and disrupt. Together, they form a distilling philosophy that honors the past while pushing toward the future.

At Method and Madness, production is small and purpose-driven. Every release begins as a question: what happens if we ferment with a wild yeast strain? What if we age pot still whiskey in chestnut wood? What if we use Japanese, French, or Spanish oak? Some expressions use familiar distillates like single grain or single pot still, while others are completely unique mash bills. Every detail, from fermentation to maturation, is chosen to explore flavor in new ways.

Past releases have included cask finishes in French Limousin oak, Hungarian oak, cherry wood, acacia, chestnut, and even Garry oak, a rare species native to the Pacific Northwest. These casks are selected not for novelty alone, but for their ability to transform the whiskey inside. The result is a portfolio of limited releases that are both technically impressive and surprisingly drinkable.

This week’s flight focuses on their work with oak species from around the world. You’ll taste how different wood types shape the character of the whiskey through texture, spice, tannin, and finish. The core lineup features Spanish oak, French Limousin oak, and Garyanna oak, with an optional pour finished in chestnut casks.

If you’re curious about where Irish whiskey is headed, this flight offers a front-row seat.

Flight Lineup: Method and Madness – Oak Influence

This week's flight features three distinctive cask finishes, each highlighting how different oak species transform the whiskey in flavor, texture, and tone.

1. Single Grain – Spanish Oak

Style: Single Grain
Cask: Ex-bourbon followed by Virgin Spanish Oak
ABV: 46%
Nose: Pencil shavings, rose petal, rain on pine
Palate: Warm toasted oak, grapefruit, wood spice
Finish: Cereal sweetness, clove, fresh mint
Why it matters:
This is one of the few Irish whiskeys finished in virgin Spanish oak. The wood imparts rich tannins and layered spice to the soft, sweet grain whiskey, creating a dynamic contrast between smoothness and structure. This is a core Method and Madness expression.

2. Single Malt – French Limousin Oak

Style: Single Malt
Cask: Ex-bourbon followed by French Limousin Oak
ABV: 46%
Nose: Freshly shelled peanut, cereal malt
Palate: Cracked cinnamon stick, ice cream cone wafer
Finish: Fragrant bon bons, hint of toasted barley
Why it matters:
French oak has a tighter grain and contributes delicate spice, floral notes, and a refined finish . It is widely used in cognac aging. In this expression, it elevates the malt without overpowering it, creating a more fragrant and textural experience.

3. Single Pot– Virgin Garryana Oak (Experimental Release)

Style: Single Pot Still
Cask: Ex-Bourbon followed by Virgin Garryana Oak (Quercus garryana)
ABV: 46%
Nose: Smoked applewood, treacle, golden raisins
Palate: Crushed black pepper, coffee cake, toasted wood
Finish: Clove spice, malted barley, coffee grounds

Why it matters:
This is one of the first known Irish whiskeys aged in Garry oak native to the Pacific Northwest. It shows Method and Madness’ willingness to push boundaries and work with rare, unconventional woods.

➕ Optional Add-On Pour: Single Pot Still – Chestnut Cask

Style: Single Pot Still
Cask: Ex-Bourbon & Sherry followed by Chestnut
ABV: 46%
Nose: Red licorice, rosemary, mint, ginger
Palate: Sweet fruit and spice, cinnamon toast, banana
Finish: Green tea, subtle fruit & spice, rich wood
Why it matters:
Chestnut is not oak and is almost never used in whiskey maturation. It brings nutty, herbal, and dry wood tones that make this expression stand out from traditional pot still finishes. This bottle is part of the core Method and Madness range.

Flights + Bites: $16 (a killer deal!)
Chestnut Add-on: $6