A NEW - and legal - version of poitin is to be introduced on international markets by United Distillers, the spirits arm of Guinness.

Hackler, claimed by United Distillers to be better tasting than the illegal variety, will have a controlled alcohol level of 40 per cent. Production has been approved by the Revenue Commissioners.

The product will be distilled under licence at the Cooley Distillery in Co Louth and has been developed by United Distillers with an eye for the "global young adult market for mixable white spirits."

The distribution of Hackler in Ireland will be followed by marketing drives in Britain, the US and Australia by the middle of this year with follow up promotion in markets where Irish pubs have been successful. United Distillers will work with Guinness to distribute Hackler in the 1,200 Guinness Irish pubs around the world. In Ireland, the product will be distributed by Edward Dillon & Company.