Distilling in Wales was a lost art, as forgotten as ancient myths of dragons and giants. For over a century, whisky-making in this corner of the world had become a relic, like a dusty old tome on the top shelf of history. But in the late 1990s, in the quiet rumble of a Hirwaun pub, something magical began to brew—no, not ale, but an idea. It was as wild and fantastical as the thought of a dragon catching waves off the Welsh coast. A group of friends decided it was time to resurrect the long-lost craft of Welsh whisky-making.
And so, from the misty valleys, Penderyn was born—a whisky brand that would become Wales’s answer to Excalibur. They set up shop in the tiny village of Penderyn, nestled at the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, a place where water springs from the earth as naturally as legend springs from Welsh lore. But water wasn’t the only magic ingredient in this tale.
Enter Dr. David Faraday, a descendant of the Michael Faraday, the man who unlocked the mysteries of electromagnetism. Dr. Faraday brought his own alchemy to Penderyn with a unique copper single-pot still that produced whisky at an astonishing 92% purity. This was no ordinary still—it was a gleaming modern-day cauldron, distilling dreams into golden, fruity, and light whisky.
Still, the world was skeptical. Welsh whisky? It sounded like an oxymoron. But then a knight in whisky armour rode in—Dr. Jim Swan, the Master Distiller whose very name inspired awe. Impressed by the purity of the spirit, he recommended finishing it in Madeira casks, which became the foundation of Penderyn’s signature style.
From there, it was a cascade of sherry, peated, and port casks, like a symphony of flavors that would transform Welsh whisky into a global contender.
When Penderyn launched on St. David’s Day in 2004, it wasn’t just a bottle of whisky that was opened; it was the door to a new era. HRH Prince Charles himself stood witness as Penderyn redefined what it meant to be Welsh whisky. From the rolling hills of Wales, this distillery has soared to international acclaim, a golden thread woven into the global whisky tapestry.
Tasting the Legend
Penderyn’s Sherrywood Finish is the kind of whisky that greets you like an old friend at a cozy Welsh tavern, inviting you in from the cold with a warm embrace and stories that span centuries. It’s a dram that feels like autumn incarnate—imagine strolling through an orchard, where the air hums with the sweet perfume of ripe apples and dripping honey.
On the nose, it’s as if these scents are spun into a rich tapestry, luring you in with their heady promise of something deeper, something nostalgic, like a secret hidden in plain sight.
As the whisky dances on your palate, the flavors unfold like an ancient choir, each note harmonizing with the next. Sherry comes in first, rich and resonant, followed closely by festive spices that evoke memories of hearthside gatherings. Underneath, the oak hums a steady bassline, grounding the sweetness with its earthy, time-worn depth.
And the finish?
Picture lingering beneath a mistletoe on a wintry night, the soft kiss of cotton candy and wood lingering long after the moment has passed. It's the kind of finish that makes you want to close your eyes and hold onto the warmth just a little longer.
But if Sherrywood is the fireside tale, Penderyn Rich Oak is a journey through an enchanted forest, where every step reveals something new. Aged in bourbon casks and finished in re-charred European ex-wine casks, this whisky is a layered symphony of flavor.
Vanilla and honey open the experience like a sunrise through the trees, bright and comforting.
Then comes a procession of flavors—soft toffee, crisp apples, and a delicate floral sweetness that flits in and out like woodland creatures just beyond sight.
The finish is creamy and unashamedly rich, a tapestry of toffee and candied fruit woven with delicate oak. It’s a whisky that doesn’t just invite you into its world; it draws you deeper with every sip, urging you to explore its many twists and turns.
And then, there’s Penderyn Peated, the wild card in this magical cast. While the Islay titans roar with smoke and peat, Penderyn Peated prefers to whisper. It’s like a gentle summer bonfire, the kind that invites you to sit closer, its smoke curling delicately into the night air.
This whisky walks a tightrope between fruit and smoke, never letting one overpower the other. Vanilla and green fruit dance alongside just the faintest hint of chili heat, all resting on a savory backbone that keeps the flavors grounded. It’s the kind of whisky that doesn’t need to shout to make an impression—it seduces with quiet complexity, like a secret told under the stars, leaving you pondering its layers long after the last sip.
The Return of the Welsh Whisky King
Once upon a time, distilling in Wales was nothing more than a distant memory, buried in the mists of legend like ancient tales of dragons slumbering beneath the hills. The art of whisky-making had vanished, forgotten in the shadows of history, leaving only whispers of what once was. But from these forgotten embers, a new flame was ignited, and out of that fire rose Penderyn—a whisky that didn’t just revive an art but redefined it, blazing a trail across the world.
Penderyn has evolved to more than a mere distillery—it’s a beacon of Welsh pride, a shining symbol that bridges the past with the present. Like the mythical dragons of old, Penderyn soars high above, carrying the legacy of a nation in every drop. With over 100 Gold and Masters awards gracing its name and bottles found in more than 50 countries, Penderyn isn’t just a success story—it’s a legend in the making, a tale of revival and triumph that spans continents and time.
Just as dragons once lit up the skies with their fiery breath, Penderyn whisky lights up the world with its unmistakable spirit. There’s no need for fire-breathing beasts anymore; this liquid gold carries enough heat to rekindle Welsh history. Each pour is like the flicker of ancient flames, full of warmth and depth, reminding the world that Wales has returned to the whisky map with a vengeance.
What Penderyn has done isn’t just to bottle a spirit; they’ve bottled a piece of Wales—a nation’s pride, a people’s heart, and the echoes of legends long past.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Penderyn Distillery.
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