Hinch Distillery, Co Down, N. Ireland, Good Food Ireland

Good Food Ireland^® Approved Since 2024

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Overview

Hinch Distillery, nestled in Northern Ireland between Belfast and Ballynahinch, is a young and ambitious whiskey producer with a focus on quality and innovation. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Terry Cross OBE, the distillery draws its name from its location and reflects a commitment to using locally sourced materials and craftsmanship. The distillery boasts a 30,000 sq. ft. space constructed using local materials, and has since expanded to include event spaces. Despite its young age, Hinch Distillery has already carved a niche for itself in the competitive world of whiskey. Their core mission is to produce high-qu Read More

Meet The Maker

Hinch Distillery is the brainchild of Dr Terry Cross OBE. Founded in 2019, the distillery embodies Dr Cross’s vision for creating high-quality, innovative Irish whiskey. With a deep respect for tradition, Hinch employs time-tested methods like triple-distillation in copper pot stills. This meticulous approach ensures a pure spirit that retains the delicate flavours of the malted barley.

However, Hinch Distillery isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Dr Cross’s commitment to exploration is evident in their use of unique cask finishes, such as sherry casks and Madeira wine casks. This experimentation allows Hinch to create a diverse range of whiskeys, catering to a wide audience while staying true to their Irish roots. Under Dr. Cross’s leadership, Hinch Distillery has carved a niche for itself in the competitive whiskey world, garnering acclaim for its quality and innovation.

Hinch Distillery crafts its award-winning spirits with a focus on Irish ingredients and time-honoured traditions. Their barley, a key ingredient in whiskey production, is sourced from local farms, ensuring the freshest and finest grain goes into every bottle. The water used in the distilling process comes from nearby Ballynahinch spring, renowned for its purity and softness. This pure Irish water plays a crucial role in shaping the character of Hinch’s whiskeys, contributing to their smooth and clean taste.

Hinch Distillery’s commitment to Irish provenance extends beyond just the barley and water. They also use traditional methods wherever possible, such as triple-distillation in copper pot stills. This meticulous process allows for a purer spirit to emerge, one that retains the delicate flavours of the malted barley. The use of copper pot stills, a hallmark of Irish whiskey production for centuries, adds a touch of history and authenticity to each bottle of Hinch whiskey.

But Hinch Distillery isn’t afraid of innovation either. They experiment with different cask finishes, such as sherry casks and Madeira wine casks, to impart unique flavour profiles to their whiskeys. This allows them to cater to a wider range of palates, while still staying true to their Irish roots.

So, when you raise a glass of Hinch whiskey, you’re not just savouring a delicious spirit; you’re also experiencing a taste of Ireland, its rich heritage, and its commitment to quality.

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Visitor Experiences

Unveil the secrets behind their award-winning whiskey on a distillery tour. This informative adventure takes you through the heart of the whiskey-making process. Explore the ingredients room, mash house, still house, and spectrum room, witnessing first-hand how each step transforms grain into Ireland’s finest. Conclude your tour with a delicious tasting of Hinch Distillery’s whiskeys, guided by their knowledgeable experts who can answer any questions you have about the magic of whiskey making.

For a more hands-on experience, delve into the world of gin creation with the Hinch Distillery Gin School. This unique workshop offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn the secrets behind crafting your own personalised gin recipe. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge about the gin production process, you’ll also have the chance to savour Hinch Distillery’s renowned Ninth Wave Irish Gin. Let your creativity flow as you experiment with various botanicals to create a gin that reflects your unique taste.

Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or a curious gin enthusiast, Hinch Distillery’s experiences offer an unforgettable journey into the world of spirits. So raise a glass and embark on an adventure you won’t soon forget!

Sustainability

Hinch Distillery: Where Sustainability Meets Spirit

Hinch Distillery isn’t just passionate about crafting exceptional whisky and gin; they’re equally committed to crafting a sustainable future. Nestled in the heart of County Down, Ireland, their commitment to environmental responsibility is woven into the very fabric of their operation.

From Grain to Glass: A Sustainable Journey

Hinch sources its barley, the cornerstone of their whisky, from local Irish farms. This not only reduces their carbon footprint by minimising transport distances, but also supports the local agricultural community. The water used in the distilling process comes from the nearby Ballynahinch spring, renowned for its purity. This eliminates the need for complex water treatment processes, further minimising their environmental impact.

Energy Efficiency: Powering Progress Responsibly

Hinch Distillery partnered with Calor to utilise BioLPG, a renewable gas for powering their facilities. This innovative approach significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional fuels, demonstrating their commitment to a cleaner future. Additionally, the distillery boasts high-specification insulation and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, minimising their overall energy consumption.

A Greener Legacy: Planting for the Future

Hinch Distillery recognises the importance of giving back to the environment. They’ve collaborated with the Woodland Trust to plant over 12,500 trees on the distillery grounds. This initiative not only promotes biodiversity and enhances the local ecosystem but also serves as a powerful symbol of their commitment to sustainable practices.

Beyond Sustainability: A Holistic Approach

Hinch Distillery’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns. They actively work with local businesses to source materials and create a positive impact on the surrounding community. By embracing sustainable practices, Hinch Distillery ensures a brighter future for the environment, the local economy, and of course, the quality of their spirits.

So, the next time you raise a glass of Hinch whisky or Ninth Wave gin, you can appreciate not only the taste but also the dedication to a sustainable future that goes into every bottle. Here’s to responsible production and spirits you can feel good about enjoying.

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