Poitín or Poteen (IPA [ˈpˠocʲiːn], also potcheen) is a traditional Irish distilled, highly alcoholic beverage (60%-95% ABV)[1]. Poitín was traditionally distilled in a small pot still and the term is a diminutive[2] of the Irish word pota, meaning "pot". Traditionally distilled from malted barley grain or potatoes, it is among the strongest alcoholic beverages in the world, and for centuries was classified as illegal or moonshine in Ireland.[3]
Irish moonshine, along with all other private distillation not specifically licensed by the state, was outlawed in 1661[1]. On 7 March 1997, the Irish Revenue Commissioners withdrew their opposition to poitín being sold in the Republic of Ireland, though legal production for export has been allowed since 1989. In 2008, Irish Poitín was accorded (GI) Geographical Indicative Status by the EU Council and Parliament, under EU Regulation 110/2008 ANNEX 111 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical designations for spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89.
Today, two Irish brands are officially licensed to produce poitín, Knockeen Hills, and Bunratty [3].