Malt in the air as master distiller unleashes secrets of the spirit

THERE’S a definite whiff of malt in the air, white spirit is trickling from pot stills, and students eager to learn are gathered round a Scottish whiskey legend.

Samples of what looks like crystal clear water are offered. The taste and smell are remarkably similar to outlawed poitín but this product will be hitting the legitimate international spirits market in three years.

Wooden casks are already stacked high in Dingle Whiskey Distillery, claimed by its owners to be the first purpose-built distillery for new whiskey in Ireland in 200 years and the only Irish-owned Irish whiskey distillery in the world.