What was once an illicit brew now has its own bar in Dublin’s trendiest district

Ireland has long been associated with whiskey and Guinness but another Irish spirit is having a moment thanks to the craft beer and spirits movement. Poitín (pronounced puh-cheen) was banned for centuries but the once-illicit drink now has its own dedicated cocktail bar in Dublin.

First introduced in the sixth century as a high-proof precursor to whiskey, poitín is considered the Irish moonshine and was outlawed for centuries before being legalised in 1997. It has come a long way since, with a new generation of producers showcasing the spirit’s versatility. It was even granted Geographical Indicative Status by the EU, meaning that only real poitín can come from Ireland (much like Champagne can only come from Champagne).

Since its genesis, it has acquired a fashionable reputation. A number of small-batch distilleries have popped up across the country, including Bán Poitín, whose founder Dave Mulligan opened a dedicated poitín bar in Dublin last month. Bar 1661 is located in the northside neighbourhood of Smithfield (home to some of the trendiest restaurants and cafes in the city) and is tempting guests with a diverse range of cocktails and homegrown artisan brews for all palates.

“Being a bartender for over 20 years I was inspired to stick to routes I knew best and a cocktail bar is just that,” Dave told Lonely Planet. “At Bar 1661 our aim is to be at the forefront of Ireland’s cocktail scene while presenting a platform for the promotion of all Irish poitín.”

Poitín’s flavour depends on its sugar source and as a result it’s a pretty versatile spirit, ideal for cocktails. The traceability from grain to glass with the new generation of distillers is right on trend too. “I would say it’s an exciting spirit to work with,” said Dave. “With a broad array of new brands coming from multiple distilleries we are seeing and tasting flavours we’ve never worked with before.”

Guests to Bar 1661 can also sample a number of homegrown wines (surprisingly Ireland is classified under the EU’s official wine-growing regions), including apple ice wine from Killahora Orchards in Cork, Móinéir strawberry wine from Wicklow and Llewellyn’s red wine from Dublin.

The house speciality is the Belfast Coffee, a poitín twist on the classic Irish Coffee. “Using locally roasted beans and homemade cold brew we have a drink that could rival not just the original but also the legendary Espresso Martini,” said Dave. “For those who like a longer drink our Mad March Mule with Mad March Hare Poitín, Irish ginger beer, Irish bitters and citrus is your perfect summer tipple.”

You can find out more about Bar 1661 here.

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