What is the main ingredient in poteen?
Historically, poitin is distilled in a small pot still and made from a malted barley base. Variations in the mash bill range from crabapples to wheat, sugar and beets. When introduced to Ireland in the 16th century, potatoes were used as well.
How long does it take to make poteen?
The base ingredients are fermented, traditionally in wooden barrels for about three weeks, to produce a ‘beer’. This beer is then distilled, often in a homemade still, to produce a clear spirit.
Is it illegal to make poitin?
By definition, poteen is illegal and can’t be sold.” Poitín was also produced in the growing Irish diaspora in the 19th century, particularly in any of the New York City neighborhoods dubbed “Irishtown”.
Is Moonshine the same as poitin?
While American moonshine is typically made from corn meal, poitín is yielded from an eclectic crop of cereals, sugar beet, molasses, and, geography a given, potatoes.
What percentage is poteen?
Only the Irish could be proud to have one of the strongest alcoholic beverages in the world made here on this island. Poitin (pronounced Poteen) traditionally has an alcohol content of 60% – 90%, ouch that would dull the taste buds!
What is poteen used for?
It has medicinal benefits, he suggested – “it is a brilliant antiseptic.” In common with any spirit, poteen is also excellent as a solvent to extract useful medicinal substances from plants, such as echinaecia. “They use alcohol to extract the active ingredient.”
How strong is poteen?
Is poitín aged?
To distinguish poitín from whiskey, it can only be aged for a maximum of ten weeks whereas whiskies will be matured for several years. Like all spirits when they first come off a still, poitín is white in colour. The brown hues familiar in whiskies come from chemicals removed from the wood barrels during ageing.
What percent alcohol is poteen?
Is vodka a poteen?
Because dirty secret: most commercial poteen is actually flavoured vodka re-distilled from 96% ethanol. Because poteen in production since 1997 and distilled at a strength above 94.7% is still permitted.
