{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/65fdb820b5218f001713c89b/66e8480b60697857dbd8d9ef?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"016: Reviving Poitín: Dave Mulligan’s Mission to Modernise Ireland’s Native Spirit","description":"<p>In this episode of the <strong>Cocktail Academy Podcast</strong>, Damian Cole chats with <strong>Dave Mulligan</strong>, the visionary behind <strong>Bar 1661</strong> and an advocate for the revival of <strong>Poitín</strong>, Ireland's native spirit. Dave shares his journey in the hospitality industry, from his early days in <strong>Dublin</strong> to becoming a key player in modernising Irish cocktail culture. He discusses his passion for <strong>Poitín</strong>, 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 <strong>Irish spirits</strong> and the global perception of Poitín through his innovative cocktails and bar concepts.</p><p><strong>Key Topics Discussed:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Dave’s Journey into Bartending:</strong></li></ol><ul><li>Dave's background in <strong>hospitality</strong> and early experiences that led him to pursue a career in <strong>bartending</strong> and bar ownership.</li><li>His travels across <strong>London</strong> and various countries, where he developed his love for <strong>spirits</strong> and <strong>cocktails</strong>.</li></ul><ol><li><strong>Reviving Poitín – Ireland’s Native Spirit:</strong></li></ol><ul><li>The story of how Dave was inspired to promote <strong>Poitín</strong>, an Irish spirit with a 900-year history, and its misunderstood role in <strong>Irish culture</strong>.</li><li>The importance of changing the narrative around Poitín, from its illicit past to its place in modern <strong>cocktail menus</strong>.</li></ul><ol><li><strong>Bar 1661 and Community-Focused Cocktails:</strong></li></ol><ul><li>The concept and inspiration behind <strong>Bar 1661</strong>, a bar dedicated to showcasing Poitín and other <strong>Irish spirits</strong> through innovative cocktails.</li><li>The role of community, collaboration, and authentic storytelling in the success of Bar 1661.</li></ul><ol><li><strong>Navigating the Pandemic and the Launch of Craft Cocktails:</strong></li></ol><ul><li>How Dave and his team adapted to the challenges of the pandemic, launching <strong>Little &amp; Green</strong>, a range of <strong>ready-to-drink cocktails</strong>, and evolving their business model to thrive in a difficult time.</li><li>The expansion of Bar 1661’s offerings, from high-end cocktails to accessible, fun experiences for customers.</li></ul><ol><li><strong>The Future of Poitín and Irish Spirits:</strong></li></ol><ul><li>Dave’s mission to see <strong>Poitín</strong> on back bars worldwide and to educate consumers about its versatility and history.</li><li>The global interest in <strong>craft spirits</strong> and the opportunity for Irish <strong>Poitín</strong> to carve its niche in the modern cocktail landscape.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>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</em></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Guest Contact Information:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Dave's Instagram:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/davemulligan\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Davemulligan</a></li><li><strong>Bar 1661 Instagram:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/1661bar/?hl=en\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@Bar1661</a></li><li><strong>Website:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.bar1661.ie\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Bar 1661</a></li></ul><p>If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the <strong>Cocktail Academy Podcast</strong> for more stories from the world of <strong>cocktails</strong> and <strong>spirits</strong>. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with anyone interested in <strong>Irish cocktail culture</strong> and the growing revival of <strong>Poitín</strong>.</p>","author_name":"Damian Cole"}