Hinch debuts County Down single malts
Independent distillery Hinch has unveiled its first single malts made entirely in County Down, Northern Ireland.
Hinch Distillery, established in 2020 and located between Belfast and Ballynahinch, has released peated and unpeated Irish single malt expressions.
The releases mark the first whiskeys from the ‘state-of-the-art’ distillery that have been distilled, matured, and bottled in County Down.
The Hinch Single Malt has been aged in Bourbon and oloroso Sherry casks, resulting in notes of citrus on the nose, followed by toffee apple, peach syrup, and biscuit on the palate.
The second expression, Hinch Peated Single Malt, was matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon American oak, Madeira wine, and oloroso Sherry casks.
On the nose, the single malt presents aromas of ashy smoke, heathery coal dust, and charred pineapple, followed by notes of honey, black pepper, smoked rock salt, and dark chocolate on the palate.
William Stafford, distillery manager and head distiller at Hinch Distillery, said: “This is a landmark moment for us. For the first time, we are releasing whiskey that’s not just matured and bottled on-site, but distilled here too. It means every drop is Hinch through and through.
“It’s been a long journey from cask to bottle, but these whiskeys were never going to be rushed. They were crafted to reflect both the innovation and heritage of Irish whiskey.”
Officially unveiled to the public at the agricultural Balmoral Show this week (14-17 May), the new Hinch single malt whiskies will also be available at Dublin Whiskey Live this weekend (16-17 May).
The releases are now available at the distillery shop and select retailers, followed by international markets.
Dr Terry Cross OBE, chairman of Hinch Distillery, added: “This is what we have been working towards since we laid the foundation stones at Hinch. Releasing our own spirit, crafted here on-site, is not only a statement of capability but of our intent to be at the forefront of Irish whiskey.
“We are proud of these two new products and excited to share them with whiskey lovers across the globe.”
At The Irish Whiskey Masters 2024, Hinch Distillery’s new make spirits were awarded two Master medals. The distillery also took home five Gold medals for its Irish whiskeys.
Early last year, the distillery partnered with The Hobbit star James Nesbitt to help promote its whiskeys.
Related news
McConnell's finishes whiskey in Cognac casks
