Poitín was generally produced in remote rural areas, away from the interference of the law. A mash was created and fermented before the distillation began. Stills were often set up on land boundaries so the issue of ownership could be disputed. Before the introduction of bottled gas, the fire to heat the wash was provided by turf. Smoke was a giveaway for the police, so windy, broken weather was chosen to disperse the smoke. The still was heated and attended to for several days to allow the runs to go through.

At the parliament at Drogheda in 1556, a requirement for a licence to distill spirits was introduced. [6] [7] Poteen must to distilled at a strength not exceeding 94.7%’ Right there and overnight, just about every commercial poteen was madeillegal. Because dirty secret: most commercial poteen is actually flavoured vodka re-distilled from96% ethanol. So this was a good call. After all distilling to 96% in a bog isn’t very traditional, but then I guess neither is 94.7%.Poitín ( Irish pronunciation: [ˈpˠɛtʲiːnʲ]), anglicized as poteen ( / p ə ˈ t( ʃ) iː n, p ɒ ˈ t iː n/) or potcheen, is a traditional Irish distilled beverage (40–90% ABV). [2] Former common names for Poitín were "Irish moonshine" and "mountain dew". [3] It was traditionally distilled in a small pot still and the term is a diminutive of the Irish word pota, meaning "pot". The Irish word for a hangover is póit. [4] In accordance with the Irish Poteen/Irish Poitín technical file, it can only be made from cereals, grain, whey, sugar beet, molasses and potatoes. [5] Legal status [ edit ] Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Sinead Sturgeon. "The Politics of Poitín: Maria Edgeworth, William Carleton, and the Battle for the Spirit of Ireland". Irish Studies Review. 15 (1).Boyle, Judith (20 June 2023). "A short history of Irish Poitín". RTÉ Brainstorm . Retrieved 20 June 2023. Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together. Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council". Eur-lex.europa.eu . Retrieved 30 September 2017. However, the notion of "legal poitín" has been viewed as an oxymoron by some, one writer observing, "If you see a product labelled 'poteen' in an airport or a bar, it's simply a white duty-paid Irish schnapps. By definition, poteen is illegal and can't be sold." [9] MacLean, Charles, ed. (1 May 2008). Whisky. Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 9781405336246– via Google Books.

Next up is filtering, which gives vodka its clean mouthfeel. Although some craft distillers choose to skip this step altogether to impart a more unique flavour.

They were on the lookout for clean, crisp vodkas, with a smooth mouthfeel and well-integrated alcohol. Vodka can be made from almost anything. We’ve tested those made from potatoes, grains, grapes and even sugarcane. This is then fermented, before being distilled (often multiple times) to remove impurities — look out for this on the label. Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special. Our panel – made up of 10-accredited spirits experts and vodka-loving consumers – put 20 vodkas to the test. Each was tried neat and blind, to avoid brand bias, then followed by some water to dilute and soften the alcohol and bring out the core flavours.