hinch distillery logo

Hinch Distillery

Region
  • United Kingdom
Awards
  • World Whiskies Awards 2023 World’s Best Blended Irish Whiskey: Hinch 5-Year-Old Double Wood,China Wine and Spirit Awards (CWSA) 2020 Double Gold: Ninth Wave Irish Gin
Website
  • https://www.hinchdistillery.com/
Phone Number
  • +442892791180
Address
  • 19 Carryduff Rd, Ballynahinch BT27 6TZ, United Kingdom

hinch distillery

History of Hinch Distillery


Hinch Distillery, located in County Down, Northern Ireland, was founded in 2019 by Dr. Terry Cross OBE. Dr. Cross, a successful entrepreneur with a passion for whiskey, sought to create a distillery that would blend traditional Irish whiskey-making techniques with innovative approaches to create unique and high-quality spirits.

The Vision and Mission

From its inception, Hinch Distillery aimed to produce a range of premium whiskeys that reflect the rich heritage of Irish whiskey while incorporating modern influences. The mission of the distillery is to offer consumers a diverse and exceptional whiskey experience, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication involved in every step of the production process.

Types of Whiskey Offered

Hinch Distillery offers a variety of whiskeys, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality. The core range includes:

  1. Hinch Small Batch Bourbon Cask – Aged in carefully selected bourbon barrels, this whiskey is known for its smooth and mellow flavor profile with hints of vanilla and caramel.
  2. Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood – This expression is matured in two types of wood, combining the rich flavors of bourbon casks with the complexity of virgin oak casks, resulting in a well-rounded and sophisticated whiskey.
  3. Hinch 10 Year Old Sherry Cask – Aged for a decade in sherry casks, this whiskey boasts deep, rich flavors with notes of dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of spice.
  4. Hinch Peated Single Malt – A tribute to the traditional peated whiskeys, this single malt offers a smoky character balanced with sweet and earthy undertones.

Distillation Process

The distillation process at Hinch Distillery is a blend of time-honored techniques and modern innovations. The use of high-quality raw materials, precise fermentation, and carefully controlled distillation ensures that each batch of whiskey meets the highest standards. The distillery also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility, employing practices that minimize waste and reduce their carbon footprint.

 

Awards Won by Hinch Distillery

China Wine and Spirit Awards (CWSA) 2020

  • Double Gold: Ninth Wave Irish Gin
  • Double Gold: Hinch 10 Year Old Sherry Finish Irish Whiskey
  • Gold: Hinch 5 Year Old Double Wood
  • Silver: Hinch Peated Single Malt These accolades marked a significant milestone for Hinch Distillery, particularly the Double Gold for Ninth Wave Irish Gin, which contributed to it being named the ‘World’s Most Awarded Gin 2020’​.

World Whiskies Awards 2023

  • World’s Best Blended Irish Whiskey: Hinch 5-Year-Old Double Wood
  • World’s Best Blended Irish Whiskey Limited Release: Hinch Craft & Casks Imperial Stout Finish These awards highlighted Hinch Distillery’s excellence in producing high-quality blended whiskeys, placing it among the top Irish whiskey producers globally​.

International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2020

  • Hinch Distillery received multiple gold and silver medals for its range of whiskeys and gins, further solidifying its reputation for quality and innovation in spirit production​.

Hinch Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Here’s a breakdown of the Hinch Distillery tour experience to help you plan your visit:

Tour Options:

  • Classic Whiskey Tour: This is the standard option, taking you through the entire distillery process from ingredients to bottling, and culminating in a whiskey tasting (around 1 hour).
  • Premium Whiskey Tour: This offers a more in-depth experience with a wider variety of whiskey tastings (around 1 hour).
  • Driver’s Dram: Perfect for designated drivers, this option allows you to experience the tour without the tasting. You’ll receive a sample of Hinch whiskey to enjoy later (around 1 hour).
  • Gin School Experience: For gin lovers, this option lets you learn about gin making, create your own personalized gin recipe, and bottle it (duration may vary).

Tour Highlights:

  • Ingredients Room: See the high-quality grains and pure spring water used in Hinch whiskey.
  • Mash House: Witness the science behind converting grains into fermentable sugars.
  • Still House: Explore the copper pot stills where the magic of distillation happens.
  • Spectrum Room: Experiment with different botanicals and aromas that influence the whiskey’s flavor profile.
  • Whiskey Tasting: Sample Hinch’s core expressions and potentially limited-edition releases.

Additional Notes:

  • Tours typically last around 1 hour.
  • Minimum age requirement is 21 years old.
  • It’s recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season.

Flask & Barrel Review of Hinch Distillery

Hinch Distillery in Northern Ireland is a hidden gem. It’s not the biggest name out there, but it packs a serious punch.

First off, the location is stunning. Nestled in the rolling hills of County Down, the distillery itself is this beautiful old building that feels steeped in history. The tour was fantastic – informative without being dry, and our guide clearly knew their stuff. You could tell they were passionate about the craft, which always makes the experience more enjoyable.

Now, onto the real star of the show: the whiskey. I did the full tour, which meant a tasting at the end, and let me tell you, the Hinch stuff is good. Really good. They focus on using local ingredients, and it shows in the final product. There was a clean, crisp quality to it that I really dug. It wasn’t mind-blowing, but it was definitely something special – the kind of whiskey you savor and appreciate.

Now, there is a bit of a caveat. Since they’re a relatively new distillery, they haven’t had a chance to age their own whiskey for a super long time yet. Most of what they use is sourced. That being said, the way they blend and finish it is top-notch. It doesn’t feel young or harsh at all.

Overall, Hinch Distillery is a fantastic experience. Great tour, beautiful location, and seriously delicious whiskey. If you’re ever in Northern Ireland, do yourself a favor and check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

What To Do Nearby Hinch Distillery

Seaforde Gardens & Tropical Butterfly House (3.8 miles): Immerse yourself in the beauty of exotic plants and fluttering butterflies at this delightful garden center. Take a stroll through the vibrant displays and marvel at the colorful butterflies flitting through the tropical house.

Tollymore Forest Park (8.8 miles): Adventure awaits in this sprawling forest park. Hike or bike along scenic trails, explore hidden waterfalls, or take a thrilling zip line ride through the canopy.

Montalto Estate (10.2 miles): This historic estate boasts stunning gardens, a charming farmyard, and a captivating adventure playground. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, learn about life on the farm, or let the kids loose in the fun-filled playground.

Exploris Aquarium (12.5 miles): Discover the wonders of the underwater world at Exploris Aquarium. Encounter a variety of marine life from local waters and around the globe, from playful otters to majestic sharks.

Game of Thrones Tours (Varying distances): For fans of the popular fantasy series, numerous Game of Thrones tours are available in the area. Explore filming locations, learn about the show’s production, and step into the world of Westeros. You can find tours departing from various locations, some closer to the distillery than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Hinch Distillery?

The Drumlins: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 60 Church Rd, Lisburn BT27 6UP, United Kingdom. 

Chutney Joe: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 26A Main Street, Saintfield. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 28 9751 9120.

Primrose: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 43 Main Street, Ballynahinch. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 28 9756 3157.

What hotels are near Hinch Distillery?

Millbrook Lodge Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 5 Drumaness Rd, Ballynahinch BT24 8LS, UK. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 28 9756 2828.

The Old Inn Crawfordsburn: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 15-25 Main St, Crawfordsburn, Bangor BT19 1JH, UK. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 28 9185 3255.

Clandeboye Lodge Hotel: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 10 Estate Rd, Bangor BT19 1UR, UK. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 28 9185 2500.