Mad March Hare Irish Poitín
40% ABV
$30
Website
What the Bottler Says
Poitín (pronounced ‘put-cheen’) is as Irish as it gets. Distilled as early as the sixth century, it predates every spirit you’re likely to have ever tasted including whiskey. Irish Poitín is a truly unique spirit with an intriguing story, having been forced underground in 1661, and secretly distilled for over 300 years.
Mooney epitomized the rebellious irish man of old. Under the guise of a local fruit & vegetable trader, he distributed his famous Poitín across the land. Always one step ahead of The Law,
Mooney was affectionately known by locals to be as ‘mad as a march hare’.
Quietly distilled in traditional copper pot stills, from locally sourced malted barley. Mad March Hare is a classic Irish Poitín of unrivaled smoothness and flavour, making it just as good
over ice, with a simple mix or in a craft cocktail.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Heavy malt notes, with coconut & baked apple combine in a highly impressive aroma.
Taste: Silk and creamy texture, over-layered with dried fruits, vanilla and French toast, could leave one to believe it was aged.
Finish: Long and brimming with honey sweetness, with malt spice, toasted almonds and lingering hints of lemon desserts.
What Gary Says
Nose: Thick and grainy sweet, sugar cookies with a touch of molasses, honey, hint of boiled cabbage.
Palate: Sweet, malty, a tad vegetal with notes of honey, vanilla and a hint of pepper spice at the end.
Finish: Short and slightly drying.
Comments: Poitín is pretty similar in concept to what American distilleries bottle as “new make” or “white dog”; but completely different to drink. With corn being the primary grain in a bourbon mashbill white dog, it is a very different kind of sweet than a malted barley poitín. The use of copper pot stills, and triple distillation all play a role as well. The nose on this is quite thick and dense for only 40% ABV; much more so than the palate. I personally am not a big fan of white dog, “moonshine” (which technically anything you’re buying legally – isn’t), new make, or apparently poitín. If you are a fan of one or more of those, than I hope my tasting notes are helpful. I do find the history of the spirit, and how it was impacted by the colonization of Ireland, and the various class and religious struggles that the country has experienced. I’m always thankful for the opportunity to try new things, because the only way we know what we like or don’t is to experience them.
Rating: Average
We would like to thank The Gallavant Group for sending us a sample to review.