Also try their Poitin variants: Out of respect for a great Poitin maker, a hero named McIlhatton, Glendalough ages their Premium Poitin in Spanish sherry casks. This gives more depth of flavor with a distinct wood finish, and adds hints of honey and raisin. The extra time in Sherry oak gives the already smooth Glendalough a velvety texture and a crystal clear light amber color. The bouquet has blueberry sweetness, vanilla and a hint of orange peel. It is noticeably fruitier and you realize that there is something special about this drink. The flavor is richer and lingers in the middle of the tongue with hints of dried apricots. Notes of freshly ground pepper, vanilla oils from the extra time in oak and of course hints of sweet sherry join the flavor palette. A very rich and nuanced Poitin. The finish is long, with sweetness, a hint of salt and warming with berry fruit that lingers. How to drink it? "Sipping" & "Shooting"Glendalough Poitíns can be enjoyed on ice or as a shot. Treat Poitín as a whisky, which is the closest thing to Poitín. It has a sweet but complex flavour that resonates well with anyone who appreciates good spirits. Mixing Poitín adds a complexity to any mixed drink. The full-bodied flavour has its own characteristics and adds an extra layer of complexity. Cocktails Poitín is perfect for cocktails, so don't be afraid to shake things up. For example, apple, ginger, cinnamon and even caramel bring out the flavor of Poitín. Experiment Weird and wonderful things have been done with Glendalough Poitín. Glendalough people love when a bartender isn't afraid to really mix things up and experiment. They support any idea with their product... as long as it tastes good.Glendalough Distillery is a small distillery located south of Dublin, in the mountains on the way to Glendalough. The distillery is run by a small group of local people from Wicklow and Dublin with a deep passion for reviving the heritage of the old Irish craft. In the 18th and 19th centuries, there were 2000 licensed distilleries in Ireland (and countless unlicensed ones) producing various styles of Poitín, Whisky, Gin, and even Absinthe. Recently, that number dropped to a small handful, headed by 3 large multinationals, none of them Irish. The people behind Glendalough felt that the soul had slipped out of the proud distilling tradition in Ireland and this could not be allowed in the birthplace of distilled drinks. All had worked in and around the drinks industry but wanted to create their own style and establish something meaningful. Something that meant they could make innovative spirits while staying true to the tradition and heritage of their ancestors. Where the Glendalough Distillery story starts is exactly where it should start - with the world's first alcohol, the original Irish spirit, Poitín. Carefully crafted using recipes and methods handed down through generations, the Glendalough Poitín range is just the first step on an exciting journey starting from a small distillery in the Wicklow mountains.Glendalough labeledGlendalough the "Glen of Two Lakes" is a glacial valley south of Dublin, in scenic County Wicklow, the "Garden of Ireland". It is one of the most visited places in Ireland, with over one million visitors each year (Ireland has a population of 4 million). It is known for its natural beauty and its monastery, founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, a legendary monk. St. Kevin Through the story of St. Kevin, Glendalough personifies the brand's attitude and personality. St. Kevin had the courage of his convictions, which attracted people. Although he was born into Irish nobility, it didn't stop him from breaking out on his own and fiercely following his own path. He was a true leader, with an unwavering strength of character that built a civilization in an isolated valley. The story of Kevin and the blackbird, in particular, is at the heart of the brand's meaning. Kevin the blackbird was so at one with nature that one day a blackbird landed on his hand while he was standing in his beautiful valley praying with his arms in the air - it was harder that way and he liked to do things the hard way. The blackbird felt safe and laid 3 small, blue-green eggs. Kevin stood day and night, without moving, until the eggs hatched and the chicks were ready to fly. What it means for GlendaloughThis strength is reflected in Glendalough. An independent Irish spirits brand. Doing things the right way, even if it's the hard way, doing whatever it takes to bring Ireland's proud distilling heritage back to its rightful place in the world. Like St. Kevin, they dare to stand out, to go their own way. Not through blind stubbornness, or to get attention, but purely to create their own style. To be that unique, independent spirit with an unwavering strength of character that people gravitate towards, just like St. Kevin Poitín Poitín {potcheen} is the world's first distilled beverage. The earliest records date back to 584. Irish whiskey is a direct descendant. In fact, all whiskey and all distilled beverages can be traced back to Poitín production in Ireland 14 centuries ago. It was first made with expertise and reverence in monasteries, such as Glendalough, by Irish monks who were the master distillers of their time. Poitín production flourished throughout Ireland for the next thousand years. Kings sent envoys to fetch the famous 'Uisce beatha' (water of life). As distilling later became a skill outside of the monasteries, Poitín distilling gave the poor, oppressed Irish underclass some independence from wealthy landowners and the British throne. Poitín distilling was banned on Christmas Day in 1661 by King Charles II. Rebellious Irish distillers went underground and continued to hone their craft undeterred. The quality of their work meant that Poitín outsold Irish whiskey until well into the 1800s. It was now an illegal craft, hidden in remote valleys. Poitín had seeped into all areas of Irish culture, from legends and folklore, to music and songs. Every self-respecting Irishman has a bottle somewhere to cure ills, celebrate occasions and grease wheels. Poitín production was banned until 1997, when it was once again legalized. Glendalough heralds a renaissance of the ancient art of Poitín making, and aims to return it to its rightful place as a masterfully crafted spirit with a long and unique history.
