The unique An Chead Dún cask release from Hinch Distilleryin Northern Ireland contains their first ever distillation of Irish Single Malt spirit, using traditional Irish distilling methods combined with Hinch’s bespoke distilling techniques.

Through maturation in the finest American Bourbon Oak Casks, this spirit will develop into an Irish whiskey over a number of years and will be sought after by some of the world’s most ardent whiskey collectors and connoisseurs.

An Chead Dún, which translates from Gaelic as ‘The First Down’, is the first single malt spirit and ultimately whiskey, released by Hinch Distillery. It represents the marriage of traditional Irish distilling skills with ageing in American Oak casks from the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Kentucky USA, whose origins date back from 250 years ago when the Samuel’s family emigrated from the north of Ireland and started distilling. It seemed totally appropriate, with this shared ancestry, to use Maker’s Mark casks in the Hinch cask programme.

The team at Hinch believes that the An Chead Dún release will perfectly represent the brand’s core values and align perfectly with the distillery motto: “Distilled by the bold. Character is everything.”

Only 161 casks will be made available in recognition of the origins of the 161-year-old Killaney Estate on which the distillery sits.  Each cask can be secured for a price tag that reflects the very limited number of casks being filled and the exclusivity of becoming a member of a club with a maximum of 161 members.

Each cask owner will receive a rare, limited-edition gift presentation box containing a bottle of Hinch 18-Year Old Single Malt and Château de la Ligne Grande Reserve wine, in addition to a small ‘memento bottle’ of the original spirit before it enters the cask. The An Chead Dún package is also inclusive of all bottling costs and labels which will allow an element of personal messaging.

Distilling has just commenced at Hinch Distillery, a £15 million project by local businessman, Dr Terry Cross, who says: “What makes each whiskey unique is its individual interaction with the oak cask. Traditionally, Irish whiskeys are often matured in oak casks that previously held other wines or spirits, in order to add new layers of flavour to the maturing spirit. Those casks may be reused many times but An Chead Dún whiskey will only be placed in ‘First Fill’ casks. This means the wood will ultimately have a much greater influence on the final Irish whiskey in terms of both flavour and colour.

“An Chead Dún Cask presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to be a part of the very start of Hinch’s whiskey journey, one that is shaped by the past but building for the future, here in the heart of County Down.”

Denis Lynn, chairman of Northern Ireland’s Finnebrogue Artisan, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 in the influential Grocer Gold Awards.

Mr Lynn is the driving force in market leading innovations such as Finnebrogue’s revolutionary nitrite-free bacon, ham and pork sausages and the development of plant based foods.

For 16 years, The Grocer Gold Awards have been a symbol of quality and excellence in the FMCG sector. There are 20 categories, focusing on key business areas such as innovation and customer satisfaction. The awards provide a platform for recognition for all – whether a large multiple supplier or independent operator.

Two other Food NI companies – Mash Direct from Comber and food wholesaler Henderson Group in Newtownabbey – were shortlisted in the prestigious awards.

Finnebrogue Artisan, which is based in a state-of-the-art production complex near Downpatrick in county Down, is part of Lynn’s Country Foods which was formed by Mr Lynn in 1985. The company also recently announced plans to develop a £25 million factory for plant-based foods.

The business, which employs around 500 people, has become a UK leader in sausages especially pork for supermarkets especially Marks and Spencer. It is also a leader in flexitarian foods.

Finnebrogue Artisan, under his leadership, is a customer-focused business that’s geared to respond quickly and effectively to the requirements of retailers and the wider marketplace. It also works closely with leading retailers on the creation of innovative foods for customers in the UK and Ireland.

The innovation-led business has won a series of major national awards for its products.

Finnebrogue Artisan in Northern Ireland has won a UK Quality Award for its quality bacon.

The company, which is based at Downpatrick in county Down, won the prestigious award in the annual competition, the most important event in the UK food and drink industry, in the Bacon category for its unique Naked Smoked Streaky Bacon.

The Quality Food Awards recognise and celebrate the best in retail food products available across the UK.

Each category in the annual awards has been specifically tailored to represent the key drivers in today’s ever-changingfood and drink marketplace.

Finnebrogue Artisan is part of Lynn’s Country Foods, a business founded by food entrepreneur Denis Lynn in 1985, also the chairman of Finnebrogue Artisan, now among Northern Ireland’s leading food processors and supplier to major retailers such as Marks and Spencer and Waitrose.

The innovation-led business developed the revolutionary Naked Bacon, the world’s first bacon free from nitrites and other chemicals. It subsequently added nitrite free ham to the range. The company was also the first to market ‘flexitarian’ brand of deliciously different foods, Funky Flexitarian, in the UK.

The company is investing in a major £25 million state-of-the-art processing complex that also features the latest robotic technology. As a result, Finnebrogue is now among the most technology advanced food processors in Europe.

 

Long Meadow Cider, a leading Northern Ireland producer of award winning ciders, cider vinegar and apple juice, has launched a new Spiced Apple Juice in time for Christmas.

The new product, according to the family owned company, is made from its successful apple juice infused with seasonal spices, orange, lemon, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

Long Meadow’s Catherine McKeever, who founded the small business with husband Pat and son Peter, described the new product as “delicious either hot or cold”. “It’s a very warming drink, in particular, for the cold winter months ahead and is also ideal for the Christmas season due the traditional spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg,” she says.

The new juice is being rolled out to the company’s network of retailers which includes major supermarkets such as Sainsbury.

Long Meadow, was founded by the McKeevers in 2012 on the back of a family heritage of growing applies over more than 50 years.

The progressive business grows and harvests apples from a total of 120 acres, 30 of which are on the home farm. It has an outstanding track record in developing original ciders including the first vintage matured here in whiskey casks

In addition to a hugely successful business producing and exporting award-winning ciders, apple juices and apple cider vinegar – currently in-trend with health conscious shoppers – the company has created an imaginative programme of Apple Blossom Tours, food events, workshops and even art classes in the orchards. The orchards have become a food destination for tourists and other visitors.

The company’s products, especially its Blossom Burst, have, in addition, awon a string of UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards.

While  the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland has flourished over recent decades, the Covid lockdown and resulting social distancing restrictions have forced many restaurateurs and hospitality owners to rethink the future.

Many hundreds of restaurants and eateries across the north are already improvising to adapt to the new reality.

They have been innovative in creating solutions to ensure the public can still enjoy gastronomic experiences despite the ongoing restrictions.

And today the Irish News is asking the public to nominate their Food Champions in a special readers’ poll being held in partnership with Food NI and Henderson Foodservice, BD Foods & Foodco.

We are inviting you to tell us how your favourite food outlets have gone out of their way during these unprecedented times to ensure you have still been able to avail of a culinary experience.

Normally in this vital period in the run-up to Christmas, pubs, restaurants and coffee shops, which are the lifeblood of our cities, towns and villages, would be buzzing with customers enjoying local hospitality at its finest.

Find out why ‘foodies’ from all over the world love Northern Ireland

Our fantastic food and drink products have played a central role in elevating Northern Ireland to become a ‘bucket-list’ destination for international food enthusiasts.

In 2018/19, Northern Ireland was named the World’s Best Food Destination and it is easy to see why. Our chefs and producers have been busy bringing our vibrant food story to life, both on our plates and in our glasses. From Michelin rated restaurants to some of the most exciting artisanal food and drink products, great quality is always on the menu.

At a time when it is more important than ever to support local businesses, Discover Northern Ireland has compiled a list of food and drink products to tempt your taste buds. If you are planning a meal using local produce, then use #MyGiantAdventure to share pictures of your dishes and show your support for the local artisans.

County Down

County Armagh

County Antrim

County Londonderry

County Fermanagh

County Tyrone

For further inspiration on Northern Ireland’s fantastic ‘foodie’ offerings, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.