Irish whiskey Act, whiskey produced by registered distillers was known as "Parliament whiskey", while that produced by illicit producers was, and still is referred to as "Poitín", a Gaelic term meaning "small pot" (often anglicised as poteen) in reference to the small pot stills used by the illicit distillers. However, although traditionally the product of illicit production, many legal varieties of "Poitín" have come to market in recent years. In the 18th century, demand for whiskey in Ireland grew significantly, driven both by strong population growth, and by displacing the demand for imported spirits. Growth in the latter is very much visible
The Juice of the Barley The Juice of the Barley "The Juice of the Barley" is a traditional Irish drinking song from around the mid-19th century. The Clancy Brothers, as well as several other bands have made recordings, and popular dance renditions of the song. The phrase "bainne na mbó ar na gamhna" in the chorus is Irish, and means "Cows' milk for the calves". Because most of the people who sing this song don't know a single word of Irish, and they usually learn it by hearing it (as is normal in the oral tradition) rather than seeing it in writing, the first line