Several years ago I attended the Irish launch of Bán Poitín, and immediately loved their modern, vibrant version of this much-maligned traditional Irish spirit. Now, the Bán Poitín Bar 1661 cocktail pop-up is asking you to forget the traditional image of the illicit bottle wrapped in brown paper hidden under the kitchen sink, and instead experience the quality and style of modern poitín.
For 6 weeks only, Bar 1661 will be located in a retro basement next to Berlin Cafe on Dame Lane where it will serve a changing cocktail menu based on just one spirit, poitín. In addition, drinks will incorporate under-used and under-valued native Irish ingredients, supported by over 25 producers, distillers, foragers and farmers.
We visited on opening night to say hello to Bán Poitín owner and all-round poitín nut Dave Mulligan, as well as taking the chance to try a few of the fabulous sounding drinks. As soon as our backsides landed on the seats, we were given two small glasses of clarified milk punch. In order to make this, lemon-infused poitín is added to scalded milk, which then curdles. The mixture is left for a few hours before being strained very finely, resulting in a clear, elegant drink. Due to a shortage of muslin, Dave found him improvising with several pairs of Dunnes Stores tights!
Milk punch in hand, I start to browse the cocktail selection and the very first thing I notice is that all cocktails, with the exception of the Leprechaun Zombie (more later), are priced at a very attractive €10. In addition to cocktails, there is a range of Irish stouts, available on their own at €5 a pint, or served boilermaker-style with a shot of poitín. Shots of high-end poitíns are available, in addition to Lusca Irish wine.
The cocktails are seriously on point in Bar 1661, mixed to precise perfection. Try the "Bán-ana Daiquiri" for a little sweetness or enjoy the spirit-forward style of the "Shine Another Spirit". A "Northern Irish Coffee" is a deliciously cold twist on the traditional Irish coffee, while the "Leprechaun Zombie" is an homage to the classic Tiki drink, but made here with a blend of 5 different poitíns, guava juice and absinthe. It's not for the faint of heart!
Bar 1661 will be open 5pm - late, every Thursday to Sunday, from October 19th for 6 weeks. To reserve a table email 1661@ban-poitin.com. Limited seating will be available for walkins also. To access the bar, look for the graffitied door on Dame Lane and head downstairs.