POITÍN
Long before whiskey became world-famous, Ireland was distilling poitín. For over 1,500 years, distilling has been part of Irish life.
Banned
Not because of quality, but because it couldn't be taxed.
Illicit stills and folklore
Passed down through generations in secret.
Legally recognised Irish spirit
Celebrated for its heritage and craft.
Small stills were difficult to monitor, unlike the larger whiskey stills and maturing casks that were easier for authorities to control. Poitín disappeared from the legal distilling world for centuries, surviving only through illicit production and folklore.
Only in recent years has poitín regained its rightful legal status as a recognised Irish spirit.
What Makes Great Poitín
Making great poitín is very different from making whiskey. New-make spirit intended for whiskey contains compounds essential for long maturation but those compounds are unpleasant when consumed neat.
By carefully controlling pressure and temperature, unwanted by-products of fermentation are left behind in the pot. What remains is a spirit of remarkable purity, light, elegant, and grain-forward, with a natural sweetness and an exceptionally smooth mouthfeel.
The Best Clear Spirit Made on the Island of Ireland. Fact.
Blás na hÉireann is Ireland's most prestigious food and drink awards, celebrating excellence in Irish produce. Winning a Gold Award represents the highest recognition of quality and craftsmanship in the industry.