• Poitín (traditional, unaged Irish whiskey qualified with a Geographical Indicative Status by the EU Council), distilled at Killowen Distillery in County Down, Northern Ireland.
• Distilled from a mash of 69.2% malted barley, 23% unmalted barley, 3.8% Maris Otter Malt (heritage barley), 2% oat, 2% wheat
• The malted barley is smoked in Killowen’s handmade kiln with turf from the local Mourne mountains
• Outdoor, open-top fermentation with ambient yeast takes place for 48 hours before any further inoculation
• Distilled in flame-fed copper pot stills that employ worm-tub condensers; close contact to the fire creates complex flavors and aromas and condensation in the worm tubs results in an oily, robust spirit
• Gentle grassy notes complement a palate of porridge with cream, earthy vanilla, and a hint of pine. The finish lingers with smoke and spice.
• Non-chill filtered; 48% ABV
An unflinching expression of Irish terroir and cultural heritage, poitín’s character emerges directly from mash bill and distilling technique. Killowen’s distinctive mash bill is derived from a local recipe, and the resulting voice sings clearly that this should be regarded not as whiskey in a nascent stage of development, but a spirit unto itself.
Killowen have selected two handmade artisan stills named Christoir (1000 litre) and Broc (800 litre). Both pot stills are flame fed and our condensers are worm tub. We believe the ancient still shape, size, flame heat and worm tub condensation help create a traditional spirit with a contemporary twist. It is our understanding that Killowen are the only Distillery to focus on purely worm tub condensers in Ireland.
“Kilfeaghan Dolmen” our local megalithic tomb stood long before us and will stand long after us. Its age and timelessness inspires our technique and patience when creating both aged and un aged craft spirits. This dolmen is part of the place that is Kilfeaghan, Killowen and so too are our spirits. Killowen Distillery’s philosophy is best imagined through the philosophy of ‘dinnseanchas’
These historical time-consuming processes allow Killowen’s unique flavour profiles echo the international whiskey of choice that where distinctively ‘Irish’. This will mean that the highly sought-after Irish product can be rightfully be held in high esteem once again.