Story of Poitin - Mad March Hare

As the world’s oldest distilled spirit, Poitín (pronounced po’cheen) is steeped in the rich tapestry of Irish folklore and traditions. Tracing its roots back to at least the 6th Century, Poitín was first distilled by Irish monks seeking to harness the power of fermentation for medicinal and spiritual purposes. We believe they were very, very happy with their new creation!

Over the centuries, Poitín became intertwined with Irish culture, earning a reputation as the “water of life” among locals who savored its potent charms.

Then, in 1661, the British Crown imposed a ban on the production and sale of Poitín in an attempt to quash its popularity and assert control over Irish society. Despite the ban, Poitín persisted, clandestinely distilled in remote corners of the countryside.

The spirit became a symbol of defiance and resilience, embodying the rebellious spirit of the Irish people and their fight to maintain their culture, their history and their identity in the face of oppression.

For more than 300 years poitín remained in enforced prohibition, only emerging from the shadows to reclaim its place in Irish culture in 1997 when its legal status was restored. With the formal recognition of Irish Poitín as a Geographical Indication (GI ) product, the spirit has once again taken center stage, celebrated for its authenticity, versatility and rich history.

Today, Poitín stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Ireland, a symbol of tradition, innovation, and the indomitable will of its people.

Mad March Hare stands at the forefront of this revival, proudly crafting Poitín with the same dedication and spirit as those early monks, ensuring that the legacy of this iconic Irish spirit lives on for generations to come.