Irish Poteen

Irish Poteen

Poteen was produced in Ireland according to legend, from the time when the first potato was harvested. The term 'Irish moonshine whiskey' commenced from around 1660.

A levy was then introduced on the legal distillation of spirits carried out privately and unless the operator was licenced by the State, it would be deemed an illegal act and therefore a criminal offence.

Not surprisingly, it then appeared that a substantial element of the Irish population was elevated to the 'criminal classes', overnight!

Traditionally the spirit is produced from potato, malt or grain.

Irish Poteen was previously not sold in Ireland due to opposition by the Irish Revenue Commissioners to the term “Poteen”. The opposition was withdrawn on the 7th of March 1997. Irish Government Statement.

Knockeen Hills Irish Poteen 90% Size: 50cl Gold Extra-Strength:Quadruple-Distilled.

Tasting Notes by Doug McIver.

Taste: - "With plenty of water this poteen makes a refreshing long drink.

Nose: - Densely fruity, immediately attractive and intriguing, citrus zest mingles with rich summer fruit aromas, at various times melon, pear drops, grapefruit, raspberry and boiled sweets emerge.

Finish: - Long, lingering and warming with a dry and spicy tail

DESCRIPTION

Knockeen Hills is the only producer of triple and quadruple-distilled Irish Poteens. The Irish Poteen SILVER MEDAL (Best in Class) winner at the 2006 International Wine & Spirit Competition was this 90% Volume 'Gold Extra-Strength'.

It is the highest strength spirit to win an award in the competition's history and is also the strongest version of Irish Poteen available world-wide. It will be appreciated by drinkers of ultra, high-strength smooth spirits and has all the characteristics of old fashioned Irish Poteen which would be welcomed by purists.

Additionally an ideal contemporary cocktail base as a replacement for most major spirits, including gin, tequila, vodka and whisky.'

Under proposed new EU regulations 15902/5 expected to be implemented imminently, it will be illegal to produce any spirit drink above 80% vol. in the EU. Please note that once the producer's existing stocks of the above 90% Vol. When the Quadruple-Distilled Gold Extra-Strength are exhausted, no further production of this strength will be made.

Knockeen Hills Irish Poteen 60% vol. Size: 50cl

Triple-Distilled. 

GOLD MEDAL 2003 International Wine & Spirit Competition

Tasting Notes by Dave Broom.

Colour: - Clear/

Nose: - of a sugared almond and vanilla, and with water a tangerine apple lift.

Taste:"With plenty of water this poteen makes a refreshing long drink.

Palate: - Sweet as a nut. Lemon cake flavours, with a menthol tingle.

Finish: - Dry and touch of butter.

Conclusion: Miles away from the past illegal hooch, this is sophisticated spirit. Careful though.

RATING: ***(*)*

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