Whisky Investment Podcast Episode 3 – Irish Whiskey: Insights from Hinch Distillery

In this episode of the VCL Vintners podcast, we are taken to Northern Ireland’s Hinch Distillery, where whiskey journalist Alwynne Gwilt sits down with Will Stafford, the distillery’s Head Distiller. Located in County Down, Hinch is part of a new wave of Irish distilleries that are reinvigorating the industry with innovation and a passion for authenticity.

Hinch Distillery: From Grain to Glass

Founded by serial entrepreneur Dr. Terry Cross, Hinch Distillery stands on a historic estate that is over 165 years old. Will Stafford explains that the distillery was designed to be fully self-sufficient, with control over every aspect of production. From growing barley on the estate to distillation, maturation, and bottling, Hinch Distillery’s “grain to glass” philosophy ensures the highest quality of production. Their commitment to using 100% Irish barley, much of it sourced from local farms, sets them apart in a competitive market.

A New Era for Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, and Hinch is positioned at the forefront of this movement. With around 50 distilleries now in operation across the island, the competition is heating up, but Will believes that there is room for all. “It’s an incredibly collaborative industry,” he says, emphasizing how distilleries help each other out by sharing resources and expertise.

Hinch Distillery’s approach to innovation includes both double and triple distillation, catering to a diverse whiskey audience. Their peated whiskey, an uncommon product in the Irish whiskey scene, aims to bring back a tradition that once defined the island’s whiskey production.

Whiskey Innovation: Peated Irish Whiskey

One of Hinch Distillery’s standout offerings is its peated whiskey, which Will notes is heavily influenced by his own upbringing, where peat fires were a common part of life. While peated whiskey is more traditionally associated with Scotch, Hinch is breaking new ground by creating both double and triple distilled peated varieties. Their aim is to make this smoky, rich style more approachable to a wider audience. The double-distilled peated whiskey is geared towards seasoned whiskey drinkers, while the triple-distilled version offers a smoother, rounder profile for those new to the category.

Awards and Recognition

Despite being a relatively young distillery, Hinch has already gained significant recognition. In 2022, they won the prestigious title of “World’s Best Irish Blended Whiskey” at the World Whiskey Awards. Their success is built on meticulous attention to sourcing and blending, with Will explaining how the distillery has worked with other Irish distilleries to blend sourced whiskey while their own spirit matures. As Hinch transitions from sourced to in-house whiskey, the team is excited for what the future holds, including the upcoming release of their first non-age statement single malt.

Wood and Maturation: Crafting Unique Flavors

Wood plays a crucial role in Hinch’s whiskey-making process, with the distillery placing great emphasis on cask selection and maturation techniques. Around 60% of their whiskey is aged in bourbon barrels, with a mix of first-fill and refill casks. Sustainability is key, and refill casks are favoured not only for their eco-friendliness but also because they allow the distillery’s spirit to take center stage. Will is particularly passionate about ensuring the quality of their distillate shines through, rather than being overshadowed by heavy wood influence.

In addition to bourbon casks, Hinch also uses a variety of other barrels, including sherry, Madeira, and French oak, the latter sourced from a vineyard owned by Dr. Cross in Bordeaux. This diversity of cask types allows the distillery to create complex and varied flavour profiles, a hallmark of Hinch’s approach to whiskey making.

Innovative Tools: Proofworks and Cask Management

As Hinch continues to grow, managing the expanding inventory of casks has become increasingly important. Will introduces Proofworks, a state-of-the-art cask management system that has revolutionized how the distillery tracks its barrels. Proofworks allows for full traceability of every cask, from where it was sourced to how long it has been aging, providing valuable insights for both the distillery team and cask investors.

The Future of Hinch Distillery

As the Irish whiskey industry continues its upward trajectory, Hinch Distillery is poised for even greater success. With the release of their first in-house whiskeys on the horizon, Will and his team are confident that their meticulous approach to distillation and maturation will set them apart in the crowded market. Looking ahead, Hinch plans to continue experimenting with innovative techniques while staying true to the traditions that have made Irish whiskey so beloved around the world.

In a final toast to the future, Alwynne and Will raise a glass to the continued rise of Irish whiskey and the exciting journey ahead for Hinch Distillery.