Hinch's Single Malt Crowned Best, A Triumph for New Head Distiller

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – March 04, 2026 – Hinch Distillery is celebrating a landmark achievement after its Single Malt Irish Whiskey was named 'Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt' at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards Ireland 2026. The victory is a significant early endorsement for newly promoted Head Distiller Emma Millar, whose expertise has been central to the spirit's development since the distillery's inception.

The award, announced at a gala ceremony at Dublin's InterContinental hotel on February 26, places the County Down producer at the pinnacle of a highly competitive category, signaling its arrival as a formidable force in the global Irish whiskey renaissance.

The Distiller's Touch: A Triumph of Craft and Vision

At the heart of this victory is Emma Millar, who stepped into the Head Distiller role shortly before the win. Having joined Hinch in 2020, Millar has been an integral part of the distillery's journey from the very beginning. Her promotion and this subsequent award highlight a career built on a foundation of scientific knowledge and a passion for the art of distillation.

Millar, who holds a Masters in Brewing & Distilling from the esteemed Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, has been the guiding hand behind the award-winning single malt. She has meticulously overseen its maturation journey over the past five years, a process that involves aging the spirit in a combination of ex-bourbon American oak and Oloroso sherry casks. This dual-cask maturation is key to creating the whiskey's finely balanced and complex character, noted for its distinct profile of orange, honey, and ginger.

"This award reflects the care and attention that goes into every stage of our whiskey making process," Millar stated. "Having worked closely with the Single Malt over the past five years, it is especially rewarding to see it recognised in this way so soon after stepping into the role of Head Distiller. It highlights the importance of understanding the influence of cask maturation and allowing each whiskey to develop its own character over time."

Millar’s success serves as a powerful narrative in an industry that is actively encouraging new talent. Her journey from a university student inspired by a trip to Australia to a leader at an award-winning distillery underscores the opportunities within Ireland's burgeoning spirits sector.

A Rising Power in a Spirited Renaissance

While Millar’s personal achievement is a key part of the story, the award also cements Hinch Distillery’s status as a rapidly ascending star. Established with a £15 million investment, the distillery has wasted no time in making its mark. To meet soaring demand, the facility has transitioned from a standard five-day week to a 24/7 operation. This intensive schedule has more than doubled its output, now producing one million litres of pure alcohol annually—enough for 3.5 million bottles and a clear indicator of its ambitious growth strategy.

The distillery's focus extends far beyond Irish shores, with distribution deals secured in over 30 countries. This aggressive global expansion is a core part of its mission to blend traditional Irish whiskey-making with a contemporary, character-driven approach.

Dr. Terry Cross OBE, Chairman of Hinch Distillery, views the award as validation of this strategy. "To see Hinch Irish Whiskey Single Malt recognised at this level is a fantastic achievement and reflects Emma's contribution over the past five years," he commented. "This award is a strong early endorsement of her leadership as Head Distiller and highlights Hinch's growing reputation on the international stage."

He added, "It reflects the expertise of our distilling team and our continued focus on combining traditional Irish whiskey making with a contemporary approach to maturation and character, as we further build Hinch's reputation both at home and in global markets."

Redefining Irish Single Malt

Hinch's victory comes at a time when the Irish whiskey category is experiencing unprecedented growth, largely driven by a consumer shift towards premium and super-premium products. Single malts, in particular, are at the forefront of this trend, currently commanding a 37% market share as drinkers seek out spirits with complexity, heritage, and a distinct sense of place.

The 'Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt' award is especially significant. The category, defined by production runs of no more than 100 casks, speaks directly to the craft and quality-focused segment of the market. Hinch's win demonstrates mastery not just of distillation, but of the nuanced art of cask selection and maturation.

The distillery's innovative spirit was further showcased at the awards. Alongside the top prize for its Single Malt, Hinch also secured 'Best Irish Blended Limited Release (13 to 20 Years)' for its 15 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish, and its 5 Year Old Double Wood Madeira Cask Finish was named a Category Winner. This trio of wins underscores a deep-seated expertise in using diverse cask types to create unique and compelling flavor profiles, a key trend shaping the future of the industry.

A Crowded Field of Excellence

The World Whiskies Awards are considered a global benchmark for quality, judged blind by an independent panel of industry experts, journalists, and retailers. Securing a top prize in the Irish leg of this competition is no small feat, given the high calibre of entries.

Hinch's Single Malt triumphed in a category filled with formidable contenders from both established giants and innovative craft producers. Other major winners on the night included Jameson 18 Years Old for Best Irish Blended and Spots Whiskey Red Spot for Best Irish Pot Still, illustrating the depth and quality of the competition. This context makes Hinch's achievement all the more impressive, positioning it among the elite of Irish whiskey production.

Having conquered the national stage, the Hinch team now looks to the global finals. The winners from the Ireland awards will go on to compete for the title of 'World's Best' in their respective categories, with the final results set to be announced at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 Global Dinner in London on March 25.