Hinch Distillery's Emma Millar Celebrates Award-Winning Success for Single Malt Whiskey

Celebrating the Triumph of Hinch Distillery

Hinch Distillery, located in the picturesque Northern Ireland, has marked a significant milestone in the world of whiskey. Recently, their Single Malt was awarded the title of Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards Ireland 2026. This accolade is not only a testament to the distillery's craftsmanship but also to the leadership of Emma Millar, who has recently taken on the role of Head Distiller.

Since its inception in 2020, Hinch Distillery has been dedicated to crafting high-quality whiskey, and Emma's influence has undoubtedly shaped its character. Under her stewardship, the Single Malt has undergone meticulous maturation processes, utilizing ex-bourbon American oak and Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a finely balanced whiskey, rich in flavors of orange, honey, and ginger. This careful attention to detail speaks volumes of the distillery's approach to whiskey making.

At a ceremony held on February 26, 2026, at the InterContinental Dublin, whiskey connoisseurs gathered to celebrate the finest in Irish whiskey. Emma, reflecting on the recognition, shared, “This award reflects the care and attention that goes into every stage of our whiskey making process. Having closely worked with the Single Malt, it is particularly rewarding to see it recognised so soon after stepping into the role of Head Distiller.”

The evening also saw Hinch Distillery gain recognition for other expressions: their 15 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish was awarded the Best Irish Blended Limited Release (13 to 20 Years), while the 5 Year Old Double Wood Madeira Cask Finish emerged as a Category Winner in the 12 Years and Under section.

Dr. Terry Cross OBE, Chairman of Hinch Distillery, commended Millar's contributions and noted the significance of this award for both the distillery and its growing reputation on the global stage. He stated, “To see Hinch Irish Whiskey Single Malt recognised at this level is a fantastic achievement. This award is a strong early endorsement of Emma's leadership as Head Distiller.”

The journey for Hinch Distillery doesn’t stop here. Their recent successes position them to compete for the title of World's Best in their category at the upcoming World Whiskies Awards 2026 Global Dinner scheduled for March 25, 2026.

As the whiskey industry continues to evolve, Hinch remains focused on blending traditional Irish whiskey-making techniques with innovative maturation approaches. Their commitment to excellence not only aims to cater to the tastes of whiskey enthusiasts at home but also to create a lasting impact in international markets.

In conclusion, as Hinch Distillery celebrates its achievements, it highlights the importance of nurturing talent like Emma Millar, whose journey reflects the brand's ethos of quality, passion, and innovation in every sip of their whiskey. The world is watching, and Hinch Distillery is poised to make its mark both locally and globally.