The Irish Spirits Association (ISA) has said that there is increasing evidence that Poitín is becoming more popular among mixologists as a cocktail component, in London and Paris for example, and there is scope for future positioning and growth in this area.
“There are many globally-universal white spirits such as vodka. However not many countries can boast their own indigenous, authentic white spirit. Poitín is ours. It forms an important part of Ireland’s rich heritage of sprit making," said Patricia Callan, Director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI).
"Poitín has a unique taste profile and is a prefect component for cocktail-making.”
International Poitín Day
Ahead of International Poitín Day takes place this Sunday (18 November, 2018) the ISA which is sponsoring this year’s International Poitín Day, said that while sales remain low, it is working with producers to grow sales in 2019.
However, according to the ISA, there has been an increased production of Poitín in recent years, but this has yet to be matched with a revival in consumption.
Geographical Indication
Like Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur, Poitín is protected by geographical indication (GI), which means it must be made on the island of Ireland in line with certain production standards the ISA highlighted.
“We are intent on preserving the category and growing it into the future," Callan added.
"Earlier this year, the Irish Spirits Association hosted the Poitín Roundtable which brought together producers, Government and state agencies to consider the future of this unique and protected spirits category.”
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
