Before our ancestors were swirling whiskey, they were knocking back poitín, the fierce, fiery and famously outlawed spud based spirit.
Banned in 1661 and driven underground for centuries, more recent times have seen Ireland’s original spirit undergoing a radical transformation from rebel juice to EU-protected treasure.
And yet, mention it in polite company and someone will still wonder, “Isn’t that illegal?” Turns out it’s not – and hasn’t been since the year of enlightenment in 1997.
For those who fancy a deeper dive, enter The Poitín Parlour, a new online video series from spirited fans Oisín Davis and Dee Laffan, who’ve decided it’s time we all got properly acquainted with the hard stuff.
Rolling out monthly on Great Irish Beverages’ Insta channel, the series will drop four videos at a time featuring historical nuggets, production deep-dives and face time with the distillers keeping the tradition alive.
Expect to listen in on chats with the makers of the likes of Bán Poitín, Micil Heritage Poitín and Killowen Irish Poitín, to name but a few, in addition to plenty of practical intel on how to mix it at home without setting anything, including yourself, alight.
Consider this your cue to stop side-eyeing poitín and start giving it a proper go, while raising a glass or two to the ancients. Sláinte!
