Poitín

I always thought that poitín, "po-chin," Irish moonshine, was made from fermented potatoes, but according to this documentary, poitín is made from malted barley and oats, just like whiskey. 

(The original video I posted isn't available anymore.
This is a clip from a dvd that you can purchase on ebay, which I just might.)

If you watch this most excellent film you will learn so many wonderful things. 

You will learn the word "whiskey" comes from the Irish for "water of life," uisce beatha "ish ka ba ha." 

You will be told stories about making poitín and avoiding The Revenue. 

You will see the parallels between 18th century prohibition of poitín and 21st-century prohibition of cannabis, and how Revenue from Taxes changes the econmics and criminal justice system. 

You will learn the one cool trick that poitín-makers used to keep  "the worm"—the copper helical tube—hidden from The Revenue.

The film is a beautiful blend of how-to video, folk tales, and the beauty of Connemara, all explained in the Irish language. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4TM8Mxyui0
men telling stories