The Teeling Whiskey Company Poitin

Poitin is a traditional Irish clear spirit that, when outlawed in 1661, meant that it was henceforth distilled illegally (and dangerously) by farmers, much like Kentucky moonshine. Although it was normally distilled from potatoes (this is Ireland, after all), the folks at The Teeling Whiskey Company are telling us that this commercially available product (ie. not illegal) is actually poitin. It is a combination of maize (triple-distilled in a column still) and malt (double-distilled in a copper pot still). The ABV of 61.5% is probably not what it came off the still at. Many thanks to @Nozinan for this sample.

The colour is, of course, clear. Very new-makey on the nose, with kumquats, linseed oil, rubbing alcohol, raspberries, sweet raisins and cookie dough. A bit of an alcohol burn. A touch of mint. Rather floral as well. Fruitier with water. Reminds me a bit of scotch single malt new make, and also of Buffalo Trace white dog (which this is basically a combination of). Interesting...

On the palate there is quite the burn - hard to discern the flavours. Extremely mouth-drying. Fruity and malty, with a hint of light corn syrup. It's hard to get much more than that right now...but with water things calm down and we get grassy, heathery notes. Again....interesting.

The finish is chalky with freshly-baked bread, raw sugar and barley. This is a curiosity more than anything - I don't imagine anyone will be buying bottles of this to sip by the fireside, or quaff during a weekend BBQ. I'd say this is meant for 90-year-old Irish grandmothers who still remember the good old days, but I bet they'd still be making their own poitin - out of potatoes, the proper way.