The Teeling Whiskey Company have set out to make a modern, high-quality Poitin to reinvigorate the original spirit of Ireland. First a bit of background reading!
Poitín (pronounced “put-cheen” or “potcheen”) is Ireland’s traditional unaged spirit and is often referred to as Irish moonshine. Historically it would have been distilled from locally available ingredients such as barley, grain, potatoes, or whey (a by-product of cheese production, see Minke Irish Vodka). Poitín typically has very high alcoholic strength, ranging from 60% to 90% ABV.
The name derives from the Irish Gaelic word pota, meaning “pot,” reflecting its origins in small, copper pot stills used by illicit distillers in rural Ireland. Known for its fiery character and cultural significance, Poitín has been a symbol of Irish resilience and ingenuity.
Traditionally, Poitín was made from a wash made with fresh spring water, potatoes, sugar, and yeast, fermented and distilled in small, often clandestine, pot stills. The use of potatoes or barley reflected Ireland’s agricultural landscape, while the high ABV ensured potency and preservation. Distillers would adapt recipes based on available resources, sometimes incorporating molasses, fruit, or whey for unique regional variations. The spirit’s raw, unrefined nature gave it a reputation for being both potent and versatile, consumed neat, diluted, or infused with herbs for medicinal purposes.
Poitín’s history is intertwined with Ireland’s social and political past. In 1661, the English Crown banned its production to impose control over taxation and curb unregulated distilling, which drove Poitín production underground. For centuries, it was illicitly produced in remote areas, often under the cover of night, earning its “moonshine” moniker. Despite the ban, Poitín remained a cultural staple, shared from unmarked containers at gatherings, wakes, and celebrations ( I once had some given to me in a tupperware container).
The Republic of Ireland legalised Poitín production in 1989, allowing licensed distillers to revive the craft legally. However, it still remains illegal in Northern Ireland. In 2008, the European Union granted Poitín Geographical Indicative (GI) Status, recognising it as a protected traditional Irish spirit. This designation ensures that only Poitín produced in Ireland, adhering to traditional methods, can bear the name.
The Teeling Whiskey Company, founded in Dublin 2012, is renowned for its innovative approach to Irish whiskey, with offerings like rum cask finished whiskey and an unusual Irish / Scottish malt hybrid. Their Poitín, which was launched as part of their experimental portfolio, reimagines the traditional spirit while honouring its heritage.
Teeling Poitín is an unaged Irish spirit bottled at a robust 61.5% ABV, striking a balance between tradition and innovation. Unlike traditional Poitín, which often relied on potatoes, Teeling’s version is a blend of grain spirits:
The triple-distilled grain spirit provides a lighter, more approachable base, while the malt spirit contributes subtle richness, making Teeling Poitín remarkably palatable neat despite its high strength. This modern blend diverges from the potato-based recipes of old, reflecting Teeling’s forward-thinking ethos while maintaining the spirit’s Irish character.
Nose: Aromas of candy floss, malted barley, half-baked bread and raisined fruits.
Taste: To taste, it is smooth, sweet and fruity flavours of malt, raisined fruits, barley sugars and sugared almonds.
Finish: Warm and soothing on the finish.
Teeling Poitín’s versatility makes it suitable for various serves:
Read more about my 2016 visit to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery.
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