Part 1 of a 2 part Bulcan poitin release from Killowen Distillery. This Poitin is older than whiskey, older than moonshine and was the ancient drop of choice at Irish funerals and wakes. Due to the huge oat content, this spirit is extremely viscous,with liquorice flavours in abundance, custard cream, white dessert wine and leathery texture thanks to the oat’s oily goodness.

Killowen Barántúil 3 Year Old #KD032   59.3%

• Nose: This is very fresh and clean with a lovely waxiness to it. White grapes, kiwi, icing sugar and fresh cereal notes. Sourdough bread. A hint of wood polish, lemon curd, vanilla and fresh linen. In the background is an earthy, oily note. Finally, we get freshly churned butter. Water brings out crème brûlée and amplifies the fresh fruit and breadiness.

  Palate: Such and unctuous mouthfeel – creamy, oily and syrupy. It’s pot still spice that hits first and foremost crackling with pepper, ginger and dried chilli flakes. Then a big burst of sweetness – icing sugar, vanilla, ripe apples, lychee and grapes. Now we get earthiness with mild smoke and dry fried chestnut mushrooms. Toasted sourdough and loads of barley. Water makes things a little spicier and the peat more noticeable.

  Finish: A little on the short side but stays sweet, fruity, malty with just a wisp of smoke.