Poitin dates back to at least the 6th century, an ancient farm-based spirit that's made in a single pot still, and takes its name for the Irish word for 'little pot', pota. Poitin was later made completely illegal in 1661, as the government wanted the ability to tax all alcohol, and couldn't easily tax farm liquor.2 Jan 2018
Is it illegal to make potcheen?
By definition, poteen is illegal and can't be sold." Poitín was also produced in the growing Irish diaspora in the 19th century, particularly in any of the New York City neighborhoods dubbed "Irishtown".
Can potcheen make you blind?
He said it could cause blindness. Poitín was sometimes contaminated by substances such as battery acid, he said, and unscrupulous people would take short cuts in its production. A spokesman in the Garda Press Office said apart from small pockets in the west of Ireland and Kerry, poitín finds were now rare.
Is Irish poitín illegal?
During this time many were involved in the production of Poitin. Poitin remained illegal in Ireland from 1661 until the 7th March 1997 but it still remains illegal in Northern Ireland. The legal Poitin that can be found in Ireland today is much smoother and more palatable to drink at approx 40% 45%.
What does poitín taste like?
Poitín has been anglicised to also be spelt poteen. Basically a type of vodka, poteen's taste (both legal and illicit) tends to have a grainy flavour with hints of toffee and is often oily. Poorly made poteen can taste disgusting with high levels of volatile alcohols such as methanol making it toxic to drink.
Is home distilling legal in Ireland?
I learnt that home brewing in Ireland is legal as long as one does not sell or otherwise gain material benefits from it. Learnt that home distillery is illegal.28 Jul 2019
Is poitín made from potatoes?
Its most commonly made from barley or potatoes, but can be made from just about anything, including milk or even tree bark. Poitín today is brewed all over Ireland, some of the most notable brands being Bán, Micil, Killowen, Knockeen Hills and Mad March Hare.19 Jul 2021
Is poitín a vodka or a whiskey?
Pronounced “potcheen,” the ancient Irish spirit poitín is Irish whiskey's long-lost cousin. Like whiskey, poitín's main raw material is malted barley, though sometimes producers will add other ingredients such as potatoes or sugar beet. The distillation process is also almost identical.