Proof Return of the Ancient Brews
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May 22, 2025 Avery Thompson and Julie Carli, producers at America's Test Kitchen, dive into the fascinating worlds of poitin and chicha. They explore poitin's revival in Ireland's cocktail culture and its rich history, alongside chicha's significance in Peru. The podcast also highlights Uganda's malwa, a traditional millet drink, and its role in fostering community, especially among women brewers. The discussion reflects on how these ancient beverages adapt to modern times while retaining their cultural importance.
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Illicit Production and Reputation
- Poitin was illicitly made in mountains by night and bad weather to avoid detection.
- It gained a fierce reputation for potential harm and high potency among Irish drinkers.
Poitin’s Long Road Back
- Poitin stayed illegal in Ireland until 1997 despite independence.
- Its commercial return was slow due to cultural shifts and stigma around a once-illicit spirit.
Modern Ireland’s Changing Drink Culture
- Ireland’s Celtic Tiger boom in the late 90s shifted drinking culture toward cocktails and foreign spirits.
- This cultural change delayed poitin's resurgence despite its legalization.
