The History of Poitín: Ireland's Legendary Spirit
Few spirits carry as much history, myth, and cultural weight as poitín — Ireland's original distilled drink. Long before whiskey became Ireland's most famous export, poitín was being made in farmhouses, mountain bothies, and hidden glens across the country. At Mourne Dew Distillery, we're proud to carry that tradition forward — legally, and with a great deal of pride.
What Is Poitín?
Poitín (pronounced potch-een) is an Irish unaged spirit, traditionally distilled from malted barley, grain, whey, sugar beet, or potatoes. The name comes from the Irish word poitín, meaning "little pot" — a reference to the small pot stills used to make it. It's essentially Ireland's answer to moonshine, though that comparison doesn't do justice to the craft and complexity that the best examples achieve.
A History of Outlaws and Tradition
Poitín has been made in Ireland for centuries, but it became notorious in 1661 when the English Crown banned private distillation and imposed heavy taxes on spirits. Rather than comply, Irish distillers took their stills underground — literally. Remote mountain areas like the Mournes, Connemara, and Donegal became hotbeds of illicit distillation, with lookouts posted to watch for excise men (known as "gaugers") while the still ran.
The spirit became deeply embedded in Irish rural culture — used for everything from medicinal purposes to celebrations, and traded quietly between communities. It was a symbol of resistance, ingenuity, and community spirit.
Legalisation and the Craft Revival
Poitín was finally legalised in the Republic of Ireland in 1997, and in Northern Ireland shortly after. Since then, a new generation of craft distillers has embraced the spirit — bringing it out of the shadows and into the spotlight as a premium, artisan product.
At Mourne Dew Distillery, nestled in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains — a landscape with its own rich history of illicit distillation — we make our poitín with the same care and attention we bring to all our spirits. It's bold, characterful, and deeply rooted in the place it comes from.
How to Drink Poitín
Poitín is wonderfully versatile. Drink it neat to appreciate its full character, use it as a base in cocktails (it works brilliantly in a Mule or a sour), or mix it simply with ginger ale and a squeeze of lime. It's a spirit that rewards curiosity — and one that connects you to centuries of Irish tradition with every sip.
If you haven't tried poitín yet, there's never been a better time. And if you want to taste it where it belongs — in the mountains — come and visit us at Mourne Dew for a tasting and tour.