Drinks Ireland|Spirits has placed an Irish spirit in the spotlight to mark International Poitín Day.
Poitín which was only legalised in 1997 is 'shrouded in a long history of mystery, and is poised to make a splash in the coming years', the group said.
“The craft distillery surge in recent years has seen a number of producers enter the market with innovative Poitín brands," Vincent McGovern, head of Drinks Ireland|Spirits said.
"However, there is huge room to grow the category with the right support."
Emerging From Shadows
Mirroring the growth of craft distillers in recent years, has been an emergence of an Irish drinks consumer that is increasingly inquisitive about what they try, meaning the product is gaining new followers every day, the drinks group highlighted.
“Poitín is emerging from the shadows, with a brighter future in which it will be further recognised as one of Ireland’s iconic drinks, with quality brands and made by forward looking distilleries, added McGovern.
“Perfect as the ideal white spirit for use as a base in cocktails, the product is steeped in history with a unique story which we think will grow in appeal to the increasingly curious drinks consumer.”
Farm-Based Spirit
Poitín is an ancient farm-based spirit first made by monks in the 6th century and was banned in 1661 by the British Crown, driving it underground.
Despite this, Poitín lived on, remaining in the shadows of Irish culture, but known and consumed in every townland in Ireland.
In 2008 Poitín was granted ‘Geographic Indication’ (GI) status by the EU, which means it must be made in Ireland and abide by a set production process to be labelled and sold as 'Poitín'.
Bar Swap
International Poitín Day 2019 will be marked this evening by an simultaneous bar swap between Ireland’s first Poitín focused cocktail bar, Bar 1661 on Green Street, and the Sun Tavern in London, home of the UK’s largest collection of Poitín.
The event is sponsored by market leaders Mad March Hare Irish Poitín, winner of best Irish Poitín at the Irish Whiskey Awards 2019 and Bán Poitín, winner of the 2016, 2017 and 2018 accolade.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
