Northern Ireland

Co Down distillery sponsored UK-US Donald Trump inauguration celebration event in Washington

Hinch Distillery was among sponsors of reception event attended by Nigel Farage and organised by Brexit backer Aaron Banks

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Brexit backers Aaron Banks and Andy Wigmore, with other guests of the recent Washington DC reception to celebrate the inauguration of President Donald Trump. PICTURE: BSS GLOBAL/X
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Brexit backers Aaron Banks and Andy Wigmore, with other guests of the recent Washington DC reception to celebrate the inauguration of President Donald Trump. PICTURE: BSS GLOBAL/X
By Paul Ainsworth

A Co Down whiskey distillery was among sponsors of an event in Washington D.C to celebrate the inauguration of US President Donald Trump and which had Nigel Farage as a guest of honour.

The Reform Party leader spoke at the ‘Stars and Stripes & The Union Jack’ reception, which was hosted on Friday at the Hay-Adams Hotel in the US capital, with sponsors including Hinch Distillery which is owned by west Belfast enterpreneur Terry Cross.

The Hinch Distillery officially opened in 2021 following a £15m investment, led by Dr Terry Cross (inset).
The Hinch Distillery officially opened in 2021 following a £15m investment, led by Dr Terry Cross (inset).

The Irish whiskey and gin firm, which opened in 2021, sponsored the event alongside British political donor and prominent Brexit backer Aaron Banks, and lobbying firm Gunster Strategies, founded by political strategist Gerry Gunster, who introduced Mr Farage as the UK’s “next prime minister”.

Also on the sponsors list was lobbying group The New Federal State of China, founded by Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui and far-right US strategist Steve Bannon.

The group was created to oppose the Chinese Communist Party, with the aim of creating a new Chinese state.

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Last year, the self-exiled Guo Wengui was convicted in a US court on nine charges including fraud and money laundering, relating to a multi-year scheme targeting his online followers that earned over $1bn.

The reception event was attended by MAGA republicans and British right wing conservative figures including former Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Hinch Distillery is based outside Ballynahinch and is one of a new wave of Irish whiskey distilleries that have opened in recent years to satisfy growing global demand for the popular spirit.

Actor James Nesbitt (right) with radio personality Pete Snodden, launching Hinch Distillery’s 15-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish Irish Whiskey at a recent event in Belfast.
Actor James Nesbitt (right) with radio personality Pete Snodden at a Belfast event held last year to celebrate the launch of a new whiskey from Hinch Distillery. (Kelvin Boyes)

Since its launch, Hinch has been promoted by faces including actor James Nesbitt and Cool FM DJ Pete Snodden.

A spokesperson for the company told the Irish News the Washington event was an “important opportunity” to “challenge and discuss” proposed new tariffs by the Trump administration, which it is feared could impact the whisky industries in Ireland, Scotland and further afield.

A spokesperson from Hinch Distillery said the issue is “of significant concern for our business and those in the sector”.

They added: “Attending this event allowed us to engage with key stakeholders at an early stage, reinforcing our commitment to protecting the interests of the industry and advocating for fair trade practices. As a global brand, we are very proud of the success Irish whiskey has had in international markets in recent years, with the US being the largest market for its continued growth and success.”