Blackwater Distillery in County Waterford and Killowen Distillery in County Down have come together in a cross-border collaboration to create a very limited edition Irish Poitín titled ‘a Dó’, meaning ‘two’, as a nod to the initiative of these two renowned distillers coming together to create a very unique spirit!
The project began with an exchange of poitín’s most essential elements, with Killowen sending local Knockshee oats south, and Blackwater sending their heritage barley north. Having mixed the grains to the agreed proportions, each distillery began the process of creating their version of Ireland’s oldest spirit. Once distilled, the two batches were blended to create a single profile poitín with an ABV of 48%, before being decanted into just 500 x 50cl bottles featuring contrasting but complementary label designs, split between the distilleries.
Peter Mulryan of Blackwater Distillery describes a Dó Poitín as having a curiously briny nose with woodsmoke and a hint of peat. On the mouth it is soft and silky, due to the oats and copper contact. There’s tones of candied peel and pineapple drops, leading to honey on porridge, and a final tickle of turf.
“In these difficult times, it’s important to remember we all share a small island and that our heritage is precious. This project with Killowen brings together two of Ireland’s most innovative distilleries, one north, one south, but with a shared vision.”
Peter Mulryan – Blackwater Distillery
“As excited as we are about our own whiskey, we also have a target to revolutionise the poitín category and people’s attitudes towards it. This collaboration is an exciting release that showcases this unique spirit, as well as celebrating a drink that crosses boundaries and borders.”
Brendan Carty – Killowen Distillery
A Dó Irish Poitín is available now from Irish Malts and select retailers, north and south, and on-line direct from Blackwater and Killowen Distilleries.
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