Our Story
Nestled in the heart of County Down, Hinch lies betweenthe vibrant city of Belfast and the quiet rolling hills of the Mourne Mountains. This sums up our duality - from the wild city nights to the peaceful Sunday strolls. Our county is steeped in history and heritage, the perfect setting to craft our spirit, in the distillation capital of the Island.This century represents a new chapter for Irish whiskey; inspired from our history yet driven by the future, every drop lovingly crafted, designed to be shared with family and friends.
We have taken our name 'Hinch', from our nearest town, Ballynahinch meaning ‘Town of the Island’ in Irish. We have steeped ourselves in the heritage of our County, and are proud to produce Irish Whiskey in this county, the Distillation capital of Ireland.
Our own corner of the island, County Down, has a unique beauty and heritage. It truly is an area of outstanding natural beauty and of pioneering excellence.
Our story officially began in 2016, but it’s rooted in generations of Irish distilling tradition, passion, and pioneering craftsmanship.
Our Story Makers
William Stafford
Head Distiller and Distillery Manager
Emma Millar
Distillery & Logistics Officer
Claire McLernon
Distillery Experience Manager
Terry McCartan
Brand Ambassador
Jake Walpole
Senior Distiller
Conor Boyd
Distillery Operative
Aidan McGrory
Business Development Executive
Becky Figueira
Tour Guide
Welcome to Hinch Distillery
Nestled in the historic Killaney Estate just outside Ballynahinch, County Down, Hinch Distillery is the proud home of Hinch Irish Whiskey and Ninth Wave Irish Gin.
From day one, our vision was clear: to craft exceptional spirits while offering visitors a unique, behind-the-scenes experience. Purpose-built from the ground up, the distillery allows guests to witness every step of our grain-to-glass process, from milling and mashing to distillation and bottling, all under one roof. This is more than a tour, it's a story distilled.
Our award-winning whiskey and gin are rigorously crafted and frequently sampled (for quality control, of course).
Ready to discover how it's all made? Book a tour and experience the spirit of Hinch for yourself.
Our Whiskey
Boldly Distilled. Proudly Our Own.
At Hinch, whiskey is more than a craft, it’s a calling. From our earliest days, we've been committed to creating spirits that reflect both tradition and innovation. Now, as a young distillery, we’re proud to introduce our very own signature single malts to the market for the first time.
Our whiskey range includes both expertly blended expressions and our own bold, golden single malts, distilled and aged right here on-site.
Hinch Single Malt
Smooth, rich, and well-balanced, this triple-distilled single malt offers layers of toffee apple, biscuit and peach syrup. Aged in carefully selected casks, it’s a true reflection of the care and precision that define our distilling process.
Hinch Peated Single Malt
Crafted with a touch of smokiness, our peated expression brings a bolder, earthier character. With notes of campfire smoke, dark chocolate, and dried fruit, it’s a distinctive and memorable dram for those who enjoy complexity and depth. Don't be put off by the peat though, this whiskey leaves a chocolatey finish and has already won over many tastebuds!
Finally we present a whiskey that’s proudly ours, and ready to be yours.
Ninth Wave Irish Gin
For the Curious. The Bold. The Adventurous.
Rooted in a profound appreciation for Irish Mythology, Ninth Wave Irish Gin draws inspiration from the deep connection between the sea and Ireland's rich history.
Legends tell of a mystical place beyond the Coast of Ireland, far out across the sea. This place is said to be the home of the Irish Sea God 'Mac Lir'. These mystical islands are known as the 'Otherworld' and are invisible to the naked eye.
In Irish mythology, it is said that every person possesses their own version of the 'Otherworld'-a unique sanctuary where they feel complete tranquillity and unbounded joy. Ninh Wave Irish Gin is an ode to personal paradise and a personification of what our individual ninth wave looks like.
Fresh. Fearless. Full of flavour. Discover the gin that goes beyond the ordinary.
Our Story
I cannot recommend the distillery tour and the staff enough. No words can describe the effort that everybody put in.
The information and ability to explain everything was phenomenal.
Excellent experience, great whisky! Top class service and extremely knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended a tour of Hinch Distillery.
