Sir, - I read with interest the heading on Deasuan Breathnach's article (The Irish Times, January 13th) which asked: "Is it time for us to legalise poitin and market it abroad?"
May I point out to your readers that this is already happening. Hackler, Ireland's first legal poitin, was launched last March by United Distillers, the spirits company of Guinness.
It is distilled at Cooley Distillery and exported all over the world. Already Hackler has received independent recognition for its superb quality and taste, winning a prestigious gold medal at the International Wine & Spirits Awards in London last November. - Yours, etc.,
Brand Development Manager, Hackler Distillery Company, St James's Gate, Dublin 8.