January’s Gin Box
Method and Madness was the first gin to be released from the trial micro distillery of the same name in Midleton Co Cork. It is nestled amongst the great copper pot stills that make the famed whiskeys from Midleton Very Rare to the Redbreast series too. The nature of this distillery is to push boundaries and try new things. They struck gold with their very first gin.
TheGinBox.ie was founded in January 2019 and in it’s first 24 months, we’ve featured 24 different gins. We have had many calls to repeat some favourites. So, here it is, the most requested repeat gin, from you, our members has been this very gin. With so many new members, the time is right to bring you a taste of Sicilian lemon from Apprentice distiller Henry Donnelly, the master behind the gin that’s shaken up the Irish Distillers portfolio.
Inspired by the Shakespearean quote ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in it’, the innovative Method and Madness distillery launched in 2017.
Inspired by the last Gin produced in Cork, Cork Crimson Gin in 2005, as well as the recipes recorded by William Caldwell in 1798, Master distiller Brian Nation and apprentice distiller Henry Donnelly worked tirelessly to combine 16 botanicals, including black lemon, gorse flower and lavender, to create the perfect flavour. Upon tasting the gin, you’ll note its silky-smooth citrus flavour, with a light hint of lavender and spice – delicious! Brian and Henry choose a botanical tonic water so that the gin will do the talking.
We have chosen Thomas Henry tonic water for its classic fine scent and perfect flavour balance – it’s one of the world’s great selling tonics in bars, yet seldom seen in the home. The delicate quinine flavours meet the black lemon flavours of Method and Madness Gin – sublime!
METHOD AND MADNESS MICRO GIN
Irish Distillers first release into the ultra-premium Gin market in Ireland, & the first release from their micro distillery at Middleton.
Distilled in the oldest Pot Still in Ireland, named ‘Mickey’s Belly’ at Middleton Distillery to 43% ABV
BOTANICALS
The signature botanicals are two within a 16-strong line-up of flavours, each chosen in a methodical fashion and for different reasons, wild Irish gorse and black lemon. Black lemon is, confusingly, actually a lime for the uninitiated. Dried in the sun to remove water content and intensify its power, the flavour is bold, pungent and powerful Gorse, for its colour and it’s Irishness, offers a fresh, sweet, floral note, whilst lavender in the background adds delicate floral depth. For it to be gin, the largest component needs to be juniper. “Juniper is to gin as cask is to whiskey, and as the grape is to wine,” bay leaf, basil and grassy, sharp lemon verbena; citrus from a trio of sweet orange, bitter orange and lemon peel; and spice ranging from coriander seed and green cardamom, to the more unusual caraway, nutmeg, cassia bark and ginger.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Lemon Balm & Shredded Ginger with a unique flavour from the wild Irish gorse flower
TASTE: Spice pine and notes of earthy woodland frost, balanced with a burst of citrus.
FINISH: Clean & long with a lingering rooted orange citrus & slowly roasted spice.
THE PERFECT G&T
Add ice to your favourite gin glass. Add 45ml of Method & Madness, top with 60ml of Thomas Henry tonic water and garnish with a Long sliver of Lemon Peel only
