The Irish version of moonshine is called poitín, or sometimes poteen. Poitín is an illegally-made, unaged, high-proof distilled spirit which originated in Ireland in the late 16th or early 17th centuries.
It is made using a variety of recipes using malted barley, potatoes, oats, sugar and yeast; popular infusions often include herbs, spices, and other flavourings. Poitín was made in many areas of rural Ireland, particularly in the west and south, as a supplemental income by farmers.
Despite its illegal status, it remains a popular presence in Irish culture. In recent years, poitín can be bought legally and is becoming increasingly popular. It has a much smoother taste than commercial spirits, such as whiskey, and typically has an ABV ranging from 37.5–90%.
What drink did the Irish invent?
Although it is widely believed that the Irish invented whiskey, the actual drink that is attributed to the Irish people is Irish Coffee. This concoction of freshly brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with thick cream, is believed to have been created in the 1940’s at Foyne’s Airport in Ireland, by a chef and bartender named Joe Sheridan.
According to legend, on a particularly cold and stormy evening, a group of American passengers disembarked at the airport, so Sheridan decided to create something warm to cheer them up. The result was a mixture of strong coffee, whiskey and sugar, topped with a layer of cream.
Through word of mouth, the drink quickly gained popularity and soon, people all over the world were requesting “Irish Coffee”. In the early 1950’s, a travel writer and food columnist named Stanton Del(a)amater discovered the drink at Shannon Airport.
He worked with the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco to perfect the recipe, and Sheridan gave the bar exclusive rights to serve and advertise the new drink. Today, Irish Coffee can be found in nearly every Irish pub and is globally recognized as an iconic Irish beverage.
What alcohol was invented in Ireland?
Ireland has a long history of producing alcoholic beverages, with some of the world’s best-known drinks having originated in the Emerald Isle. Among the most popular and iconic are whiskey, cider, and Irish cream liqueur.
Whiskey, or uisce beatha in Irish Gaelic, translates as “water of life. ” The spirit has been distilled in Ireland since the 16th century, primarily from malted and unmalted grains, such as barley, wheat, oats, and rye.
Its flavor profile ranges from dry, smokey to sweet, depending on the distillery involved and the blend. Popular Irish whiskeys include Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore D. E. W. , named for the town of Tullamore in County Offaly.
Irish cider has also been around for hundreds of years, with popular brands including Bulmers (now called Magners Ireland), Murphy’s and O’Hara’s. While Magners is the most widely available around the world, Murphy’s and O’Hara’s are often seen in Irish pubs.
Finally, Irish Cream Liqueur was first made in the early 1970s. Baileys—one of the most popular brands—boasts a combination of neutral spirits, whiskey, cream, and other flavors. This slightly sweet liqueur is used in a range of drinks (such as White Russians and Irish Coffee) as well as for baking, desserts, and other recipes.
Similarly, there are a number of lower-alcohol-content cream liqueurs, such as Dublin Iced Cream.
Is poteen the same as moonshine?
No, poteen and moonshine are not the same. Poteen is the traditional spirit of Ireland, while moonshine is an illegally produced spirit that is made without local government approval. Poteen is a double distilled pure grain spirit made from malted and unmalted barley, potatoes and other grains.
It is then mixed with herbs, spices and other natural flavourings or made from pure unmalted potatoes or whey. Poteen is usually bottled at a high strength, usually in excess of 90% ABV. Moonshine, on the other hand, is usually distilled from corn, sugar or other fruits.
It is typically bottled at a lower strength than poteen, usually around 40 to 50%. Moonshine is often referred to as ‘white lightning’ due to its high alcoholic content and lack of aging in oak barrels or other liquor containers.
Is moonshine legal in Ireland?
No, moonshine is not legal in Ireland. While there are laws that allow for distillation of alcohol for personal use, any manufacturer or distributer must obtain approval from the country’s excise department and is bound by the normal regulations that would apply to any other commercial activity.
There are also specific laws in place prohibiting the sale of moonshine. In addition, possessing stills and unlicensed distillation is illegal and may be punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. The legal implications for making and selling moonshine in Ireland are serious, and any potential violator should understand the potential consequences.
What is a moonshine still called?
A moonshine still is a type of distillery that is used to create a form of liquor known as moonshine. Originally, the apparatus was simply referred to as a “still,” however, over time, the term “moonshine still” has become more commonly used.
The still is traditionally a simple apparatus composed of a heated copper container, a condenser (a cooling chamber for the vapors to condense in) and copper piping, which helps to direct the condensation away from the container and into the storage receptacle.
Moonshine is usually produced by fermenting crushed grain, often corn, barley, or rye. The mash is cooked in the still until it boils and the vapors that are produced are condensed and collected. The resultant liquor is then filtered through charcoal to remove any unwanted flavors or impurities before it is ready to drink.
The term “moonshine still” is now used to refer to any form of still used either to produce moonshine legally or illegally.
Why do moonshiners put a string in the end of the worm?
Moonshiners put a string in the end of the worm, also known as a “worm on a string,” for two primary reasons. First, it helps the moonshiner to easily take the worm out of the still without burning themselves or risking an explosion.
Second, the strings help the moonshiner monitor the process and keep track of the difference in temperature that occurs as the liquor is produced. The worm absorbs the heat from the vaporized liquor and rises in temperature.
A rope is typically used to suspend the worm in the neck of the still. As the temperature increases the rope will expand, pulling the worm out of the still when it reaches a pre-selected temperature.
This allows the moonshiner to precisely control the distillation process and results in a higher-quality product.
Why do you throw out the first batch of moonshine?
Throwing out the first batch of moonshine is a common practice among moonshiners, as it is believed that the first few batches may contain contaminants that could cause health issues. This is because during the distilling process, impurities may rise to the surface along with the alcohol vapor.
In order to purify the moonshine, some of the compounds must be discarded. Furthermore, the first few batches may contain odor and flavor compounds that affect the taste of the moonshine, so discarding them is necessary in order achieve a good tasting final product.
Therefore, discarding the first batch of moonshine is a necessary step in making a quality drink.
Is moonshine the same as poitín?
No, moonshine and poitín are not the same thing. Moonshine is an illegal alcoholic beverage that is usually made from corn mash and produced in an unlicensed distillery, also known as a “moonshine still”.
Poitín is a form of distilled alcoholic beverage originating in Ireland that is made from malted barley, grain, or potatoes. Poitín is traditionally triple-distilled in copper pots and aged in oak barrels, making it a unique and complex spirit.
Although both drinks are similar in that they are both distilled alcoholic beverages, they vary in their production and their flavor profile. Moonshine usually has a more harsh flavor due to the quick production process, while poitín often has more subtle flavors and aromas.
The legal status of both liquors varies from country to country, with some countries allowing the sale of both moonshine and poitín, and others outlawing them both.
Is it legal to distill alcohol in Ireland?
Yes, it is legal in Ireland to distill alcohol for personal use. The law in Ireland is quite strict regarding distillation of alcohol. In order to distill alcohol, it is necessary to obtain a licence from the Revenue Commissioners.
This licence grants permission to possess spirit distilling apparatus, as well as to produce alcohol on a non-commercial basis. In addition to having a licence, it is also necessary to adhere to a number of safety regulations which are designed to protect public health.
In terms of purchasing the necessary materials and equipment for distillation, it is important to note that some online stores may not accept orders from Ireland for this purpose due to the licensing requirements.
Therefore, in order to buy the necessary supplies for distilling alcohol in Ireland, it is necessary to check before making any purchases. It is also necessary to research and familiarise oneself with the legal requirements for distilling alcohol in Ireland, such as those set out by the Revenue Commissioners.
Whilst it is legal to distill alcohol in Ireland, it is important to remember that this should only be done in a safe and responsible manner.
Can you distill at home Ireland?
Unfortunately, it is illegal to distill spirits like whiskey at home in Ireland. In order to legally distill alcohol in Ireland, you must be licensed by the Revenue Commissioners, which requires a lengthy and expensive licensing process.
It is also a criminal offense to make, sell or possess any spirit in Ireland without a license. Therefore, any attempt to distill spirits at home in Ireland would be a criminal offense.
Is Homemade alcohol legal?
No, homemade alcohol is not legal in most countries. In order to legally produce and consume alcohol, you must be licensed by the appropriate governmental agency in charge of alcoholic beverage production.
This includes following all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, obtaining the appropriate permits, and paying taxes on any product produced. Additionally, homemade alcohol production can be dangerous and can cause serious health problems if done incorrectly.
For these reasons, it is best to purchase alcohol from licensed retailers, restaurants, and bars, who adhere to all relevant laws and regulations in order to ensure safety and quality.
Does Irish whiskey have to be triple distilled?
No, not all Irish whiskey must be triple distilled. Although triple-distilling is an element of Irish whiskey production and has become a tradition, there is no requirement that Irish whiskey must be triple-distilled in order for it to be classified as such.
In Ireland, whiskey is generally distilled twice, just as other styles of whiskey, like single malt Scotch, are distilled twice. However, Irish whiskey makers may choose to triple distill a small portion or all of their whiskey for the desired flavor profile.
This triple-distillation process is thought to help remove any impurities from the whiskey, resulting in a smoother tasting spirit. This extra step of distillation does add time and cost to the production process, but for many Irish distillers, the result is worth it.
The decision to triple-distill a whiskey is also a matter of personal preference, so it is not a requirement by law.
