016: Reviving Poitín: Dave Mulligan’s Mission to Modernise Ireland’s Native Spirit

In this episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian Cole chats with Dave Mulligan, the visionary behind Bar 1661 and an advocate for the revival of Poitín, Ireland's native spirit. Dave shares his journey in the hospitality industry, from his early days in Dublin to becoming a key player in modernising Irish cocktail culture. He discusses his passion for Poitín, the challenges of running a bar during the pandemic, and the unique community-focused approach at Bar 1661. Listeners will gain insight into how Dave is reshaping Irish spirits and the global perception of Poitín through his innovative cocktails and bar concepts.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Dave’s Journey into Bartending:

• Dave's background in hospitality and early experiences that led him to pursue a career in bartending and bar ownership.
• His travels across London and various countries, where he developed his love for spirits and cocktails.

1. Reviving Poitín – Ireland’s Native Spirit:

• The story of how Dave was inspired to promote Poitín, an Irish spirit with a 900-year history, and its misunderstood role in Irish culture.
• The importance of changing the narrative around Poitín, from its illicit past to its place in modern cocktail menus.

1. Bar 1661 and Community-Focused Cocktails:

• The concept and inspiration behind Bar 1661, a bar dedicated to showcasing Poitín and other Irish spirits through innovative cocktails.
• The role of community, collaboration, and authentic storytelling in the success of Bar 1661.

1. Navigating the Pandemic and the Launch of Craft Cocktails:

• How Dave and his team adapted to the challenges of the pandemic, launching Little & Green, a range of ready-to-drink cocktails, and evolving their business model to thrive in a difficult time.
• The expansion of Bar 1661’s offerings, from high-end cocktails to accessible, fun experiences for customers.

1. The Future of Poitín and Irish Spirits:

• Dave’s mission to see Poitín on back bars worldwide and to educate consumers about its versatility and history.
• The global interest in craft spirits and the opportunity for Irish Poitín to carve its niche in the modern cocktail landscape.

Poitín has been around for 900 years, and it's still here—surviving prohibition. Now is the time to reintroduce it to the world in a modern, exciting way. We’re creating real-life experiences with authentic Irish ingredients, and Poitín is at the heart of that." – Dave Mulligan

Guest Contact Information:

• Dave's Instagram: Davemulligan
• Bar 1661 Instagram: @Bar1661
• Website: Bar 1661

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Cocktail Academy Podcast for more stories from the world of cocktails and spirits. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with anyone interested in Irish cocktail culture and the growing revival of Poitín.

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