Rare Co Down whiskey wins recognition from taste experts
Hinch Distillery’s signature Irish Single Malt, distilled on site near Ballynahinch in Co Down, has been awarded Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt at the influential World Whiskies Awards 2026 - Ireland which were held recently in Dublin.
The recognition, earned through sometimes unglamorous work, reflects the determination and steady craft of the Hinch Distillery team that’s led by founder Terry Cross, a successful local entrepreneur especially in packaging.
Founded in 2020-21, the distillery produces both single malt whiskeys and premium blends. In addition to whiskey, Hinch distils a premium Ninth Wave gin for export.
Terry continues: “It’s a relentless focus on improving process, fine precision and patience over passivity.
“We focus on doing what’s right, to the best of our ability, and trusting that results follow integrity. Hinch Distillery was created to celebrate the craft and heritage of Irish whiskey while welcoming visitors to experience the distilling process first-hand,” he adds.
In addition to producing a series of fine and innovative whiskeys including an award-winning spirit finished in stout casks from Whitewater Brewery in Castlewellan nearby, the distillery is investing in the tourism side of its business with the launch of a minibus to bring visitors from the Hilton Hotel in Belfast to Ballynahinch. The distillery has a state-of-the-art information centre for visitors.
The purpose-built distillery is becoming an increasingly popular destination for visitors eager to learn more about Irish whiskey production, maturation and the craft of distilling.
Hinch Distillery is also be part of Tourism NI’s Northern Ireland Spirits Trail, which encourages visitors to explore the region’s growing number of distilleries, now around 12, and discover the craft and heritage behind locally produced spirits.
Visitors are now becoming an important source of revenue for around 40 distilleries on the island or Ireland, attracting more than one million trips last year.
At Hinch Distillery, visitors can connect with the stories behind the business and discover the craft of distilling first-hand. Initiatives such as the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail.