What whisk(e)y are we drinking? (Part 2)

EagererBeaver

There's mega money behind Hinch though which I'm not sure is the same with the others. Even at a loss it could survive if they want it to.

They've the restaurant and (I think, not too sure) a Weddings business there as well?

Black Sheep

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123603355#Comment_123603355

Where I keep my whisky, it's pretty cool year-round.

If I'm drinking out, particularly in hot settings abroad, I tend to just opt for a mixed drink, a beer or a chilled red. I learned my lesson, one time, when I ordered a Glenmorangie one night in Seville, and it came not just tepid but outright warm.

I know there are plenty of people who enjoy ice in their whisky, I'm just not one of them, I just find it interferes with the nosing and tasting experience too much for me.

For me, if you're adding ice, might as well go all the way and lean into an Old Fasioned or similar. But each to their own.

Black Sheep

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123603375#Comment_123603375

The chap behind it definitely has deep pockets, I think he made his money in packaging for multinationals.

You'd assume that gave them a good start in their 'grain to glass' thing they're into, but at the same time, you'd also assume he's not going to let himself lose the shirt off his back just to keep the lights on in the distillery.

Lester_Burnham

I visited Hinch quite recently. I'd be surprised if they had financial issues. Firstly the owner actually lives next to the distillery and has very deep pockets. It's on the site where it is because they were refused planning permission in North Antrim. He also owns a vineyard in France. Excellent wine. It was tasted and bought.

When we visited the bar and restaurant was full and that's normal apparently. They also do gin "classes" which bring in revenue. There's quite a bit of disposable income in that part of the country.

They spent about £9 million on Bushmills liquid and are selling it at an unbelievable price IMO. I picked up a bottle of an Oloroso finish of a 2003 Bushmills for £90. Cask strength.

Of their own stuff I left with a Madeira finished peated single malt that was a little over 3 years old. Cask strength at 61.6%. It's a cracking whiskey for about £30.

The distillery tour is pretty good and the product is excellent.

the beer revolu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123603375#Comment_123603375

One would have thought that there was mega money behind Waterford, too 🤷

Black Sheep

Can I just clarify, I have no inkling of financial trouble at Hinch! I was purely joking, on the basis of recent troubles elsewhere…

Looking forward to getting my hands on these bottles now.

NI is really knocking it out of the park when it comes to whiskey these days.

EagererBeaver

Terry Cross. Sold up about 10 years ago I think. Used to make packaging globally for the likes of McDonald's. He's also pumping major money into other activities so for sure there's no shortage of capital. Have only ever driven past it, not into it. It looks pretty spectacular.

Am going to be home for a week in late August and was thinking of paying a visit and going for a meal. Looking it up and availability is pretty limited, so seems to be doing rightly. One of the chefs has a pretty successful spot in Belfast and has been on the Great British Menu and the like.