Mad March Hare, the award-winning Irish Poitín brand from Intrepid Spirits, has upgraded its bottle. The new imagery, inspired by Celtic art and mythology, creates a strong link to the ancient and legendary spirit, made in Ireland since the 6th century. This new design will be available beginning the end of May at the e-commerce site, shopmadmarchheare.com, as well as selected retailers.
The iconic boxing hares have been part of the brand’s essence since the beginning, but the new label conveys a more authentic connection to Celtic symbolism and the rich tradition of poitín making in Ireland. The now endangered hare, which has inhabited the Irish countryside since the last ice age, will be the focus of the brand’s new design. In an effort to best represent the storied history behind the spirit, Mad March Hare’s new look also incorporates Celtic lettering, as well as a more classic representation of Irish art.
Poitín is Ireland’s original spirit, dating back to at least the 6th century when records show it was distilled by monks on the island. Long before Irish whiskey as we know it today came into existence, poitín was being made in nearly every town and village across the country.
In 1661, the British Crown outlawed poitín in an effort to control, and therefore tax, all distilled alcohol production in Ireland. For 300 years, fervent drinkers continued to produce their own poitíns, keeping them under the counter and out of sight. Though a beloved part of Irish culture, it wasn’t until 1997 that the Irish government re-legalized the production and sale of poitín. SRP: $29.99.