Poitín is Ireland’s original spirit and the precursor to modern-day whiskey. Prior to cask aging, poitín and whiskey were essentially the same spirit, separated only by the buying of a license. Banned for over 200 years by a foreign parliament, poitín was traditionally distilled from malted grains such as barley, oats, wheat and rye, using whatever was available locally or in season at the time. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
The word poitín means ‘small pot’ in Irish and refers to the small pot-still commonly used by illicit distillers. Prior to cask aging, poitín and whiskey were essentially the same spirit, separated only by the buying of a license. Banned for over 200 years by a foreign parliament, poitín was traditionally distilled from malted grains such as barley, oats, wheat and rye, using whatever was available locally or in season at the time. The word poitín means ‘small pot’ in Irish and refers to the small pot-still commonly used by illicit distillers.
— Micil Irish Poitín —
A spicy, full-flavoured poitín made to an original family recipe, distilled using 100% Irish malted barley and a local Connemara botanical known as bogbean. Distilled in a hybrid copper pot still, the spirit cuts are made through sensory analysis alone, giving an incredibly refined spirit.
Tasting Notes: Warm honey spice with vibrant fruits, distinct malt character, balancing floral notes and an elegant velvety texture
Also let’s have a spotlight too on Micil Irish Cream Liqueur —
There’s a long tradition in Ireland’s Connemara of drinks made with cream, honey and a drop of poitín, using all of the best that the land has to offer. A West of Ireland take on an Irish classic, Micil Irish Cream is made using the finest Connemara Poitín and the highest quality ingredients sourced as close to home as possible, and is produced to the original family recipe.
A luxurious blend of sweet Irish whiskey, rich Irish cream, and smooth Connemara poitín from Micil Distillery. Awarded Best Irish Cream at the 2022 World Liqueur Awards, Micil Connemara Irish Cream is made using Micil Irish Poitín, distilled with 100% malted Irish barley and spicy Connemara bogbean.
Tasting notes: A superb creamy texture, sweet chocolate notes and a sprinkling of coffee and honey, all balanced by the soft, fruity spice of Irish poitín.
About Micil Distillery
Micil (pronounced Mik-il) Distillery was founded in honour of Micil Mac Chearra, who began distilling poitín in 1848 on a Connemara hillside. His family have been crafting exceptional Irish spirits on the shores of Galway Bay ever since, representing Ireland’s longest unbroken family distilling tradition. For over 170 years the family have preserved these traditions, skills and recipes and passed them down from generation to generation.
Production at Micil Distillery is headed up by Pádraic and Jimin Ó Griallais, sixth generation Connemara distillers and direct descendants of Micil. The distillery produces a range of multi- award-winning Irish spirits, made using 100% Irish grains, local Connemara botanicals and unique family recipes. In January 2021, Micil Distillery produced Galway’s first whiskey in over 100 years.
Family and community are at the heart of everything at Micil, along with an unwavering belief in the pursuit of excellence, and a passion for crafting extraordinary Irish spirits.