Something is Brewing in Ireland
Irish whiskey is reclaiming its place among the world’s finest spirits. Once the dominant force in global whiskey production, Ireland’s industry faced decline in the 20th century. But today, a revival is well underway, and at the forefront of this resurgence is Hinch Distillery—a bold new player with a deep respect for both tradition and innovation.
A Distillery Built to Last
Nestled in Ballynahinch, County Down, Hinch Distillery was founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Dr. Terry Cross OBE. More than just a production facility, the distillery was built using local materials to blend seamlessly with the historic estate it calls home. Every aspect of Hinch has been carefully considered to create a distillery that not only honors the past but will stand strong for generations to come.
A Unique Northern Irish Approach
Hinch stands apart as a Northern Irish distillery, embracing the best of both Irish and Scottish whiskey-making traditions. Given Northern Ireland’s climate and its historical ties to Scotland, Hinch takes inspiration from its neighbors across the water while staying true to the core principles of Irish whiskey. As they put it, their goal is to craft outstanding, bold flavors that capture the essence of the “uisce beatha” – the water of life.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Hinch is not afraid to push boundaries. Their Single Pot Still whiskey stays true to Irish heritage, while their Peated Single Malt is a rare find in the world of Irish whiskey. The latter is particularly noteworthy—most Irish distilleries steer clear of peat, leaving that territory to Islay’s smoky giants. But Hinch proves that Ireland can compete on that front, delivering a peated whiskey that can hold its own against the best from Scotland.
Beyond the choice of grains and barrels, Hinch pays careful attention to every stage of production. Bottled at 43% ABV—above the legal minimum in the UK—their whiskey ensures a richer, fuller spirit that balances smooth drinkability with a bit more character. They mash and ferment using only naturally occurring enzymes from their malted barley, ensuring purity of flavor. Their Mash House features not one but two mashing vessels, allowing the Master Distiller to optimize extraction and obtain a richer wort. The real secret, however, lies in their specially designed Pot Stills, engineered with reflux in mind—this extra vapor and copper interaction helps refine the spirit, developing a complexity that sets Hinch apart.
Hinch Distillery embodies the spirit of Irish whiskey’s renaissance—rooted in tradition but unafraid to break new ground. As Ireland reclaims its place among the whiskey greats, Hinch is a name to watch.
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