A tradition of illicit whiskey isn’t unique to the States.
THE TERM “MOONSHINE” usually evokes images of outlaws, Appalachia and Mason jars. But Americans certainly don’t have a monopoly on the concept, as most booze-making cultures throughout the world have some romanticized history of illicit production.
The Irish call this liquid “poitin” (sounds like “puhtcheen”), a Gaelic term that loosely translates to “little pot,” as in pot still. Its origins have been traced to the Middle Ages, predating just about every distilled beverage across Europe.
And, for much of its existence, it was illegal. When Ireland was under British rule, the crown tried to collect as much tax revenue from Irish distilling as possible, but couldn’t control all of the small pot stills in rural areas. So the Brits outlawed poitin production and chased it underground.
Three-hundred-plus years later, in 1997, poitin came out of hiding and was legal once again. But it took nearly two decades and a full-blown Irish whiskey renaissance for poitin to resurface in a meaningful way.
This story is from the September - October 2016; 10 Year Anniversiary Issue edition of DRAFT Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September - October 2016; 10 Year Anniversiary Issue edition of DRAFT Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Hip Hops
Having ridden freight trains and managed a record label, Brooklyn’s spirited Jesse Ferguson faces his newest adventure: running NYC’s next great brewery and distillery.
The Incredible Edible IPA
From tacos to milkshakes, food flavors are being cooked into an unlikely beer style: the India pale ale.
Alaska Beer In The Last Frontier
It’s known as the land of the midnight sun, the 49th state and even Seward’s Folly. But one thing we know for sure—Alaska is not only filled with incredible natural beauty, the last frontier has a taste for beer.
Irish Moonshine
A tradition of illicit whiskey isn’t unique to the States.
Ditching The Regular Grind
Why coffee beers are about to get weird—and delicious.
3 Sons Brewing Co
A lauded South Florida gypsy brewery finally gets its brick-and-mortar.
Genever: Where Gin Meets Whiskey (Sort Of)
Although not widely known in the U.S., this botanical, malt-based spirit is making a comeback.
Montreal's Hop Project
The city celebrates its 375th anniversary this year with some new beers—made by local brewers with hops grown by montreal residents.
Spanish Cider from American Soil
With the release of first-of-their-kind Spanish cider apple varieties into the U.S., American cider makers have an entirely new set of tools at their fingertips.That’s good news for small cider houses looking to make their mark with funky,tart interpretations of Spanish cider—grown here.
The Next Round
Much has been made of the creative, bold and entrepreneurial spirit that’s energized the beer industry, but the most seismic shifts in beer may come down to good, old-fashioned science. These technological innovations will undoubtedly shape what—and how—we drink in the future.
