Penderyn distillery

Introduction to Penderyn

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Penderyn is a Welsh distillery that stands as a proud symbol of the revival of Welsh whisky tradition, combining age-old craftsmanship with innovative techniques. Located in the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park, this distillery has established itself as a producer of world-class single malt whiskies that capture the spirit and character of Wales.

The distillery’s unique location provides not only stunning scenery but also access to the pure water from the Brecon Beacons, a crucial ingredient in their exceptional spirits.

Why we have a soft spot for Penderyn

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that create something truly distinctive in both flavor and identity. Penderyn stands out with its unique Faraday still design, which produces a spirit of exceptional purity and character.

Their commitment to Welsh heritage, combined with their willingness to innovate and experiment with different cask finishes, makes their whisky collection both varied and consistently excellent.

The History Behind Penderyn

Origin and development

Penderyn Distillery was founded in 2000 and began distilling in September 2000, becoming the first whisky distillery in Wales in over a century. The first bottle of Penderyn whisky was launched on St David’s Day (March 1st) 2004, in the presence of HRH Prince Charles, marking a historic moment for Welsh whisky production.

The vision was to create a premium single malt whisky with a truly Welsh character and to revive the lost art of Welsh whisky making. From these humble beginnings, Penderyn has grown into an internationally recognized brand, collecting numerous awards and expanding its operations to meet growing global demand.

The people behind

Penderyn is led by a dedicated team of master distillers and blenders who share a passion for creating exceptional whisky. The distillery’s Master Distiller, Dr. Jim Swan (now deceased), was instrumental in developing their unique distillation process, while their current team of skilled craftspeople continues his legacy.

The distillery has also maintained strong connections with the local community, employing local talent and contributing to the revival of Welsh spirits on the global stage.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Penderyn’s production begins with the finest malted barley, which undergoes a traditional mashing process. What truly sets Penderyn apart is their unique distillation process, using a specially designed Faraday still – a single copper pot still with a unique design that incorporates elements of a pot still and column still.

This innovative still produces a spirit at an industry-high 92% ABV, creating an exceptionally pure spirit with delicate, fruity notes that form the backbone of Penderyn’s distinctive character.

Maturation and aging

The newly made spirit is matured in a variety of casks including ex-bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace, Madeira wine casks, port casks, and sherry butts. This diverse aging approach allows Penderyn to create a range of expressions with different flavor profiles.

The Welsh climate, with its mild, humid conditions, creates an ideal environment for whisky maturation, allowing for a steady and balanced aging process that contributes to the smooth character of Penderyn whisky.

Selected Products from Penderyn

Penderyn Madeira Finish – An introduction to the house style

This flagship expression is the perfect introduction to Penderyn’s style. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Madeira wine casks, it offers notes of cream toffee, rich fruit, and vanilla, with a silky smooth texture. The subtle complexity makes it appealing to both newcomers and seasoned whisky enthusiasts alike.

Penderyn Celt – A distinctive experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking something with more character, Penderyn Celt offers a peated expression that stands apart from typical Islay malts. Finished in ex-peated quarter casks, it provides a delicate smokiness balanced with Penderyn’s signature fruitiness, along with notes of vanilla, green apple, and citrus. The result is a unique take on peated whisky that offers complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Penderyn offers comprehensive guided tours that take visitors through the entire whisky-making process. From the mashing and fermentation to the unique distillation and maturation processes, you’ll gain insight into what makes Penderyn special.

The tasting experience typically includes 3-5 expressions from their range, giving visitors a thorough understanding of their diverse portfolio and distinctive house style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Penderyn?

Penderyn is a Welsh whisky distillery that produces award-winning single malt whisky with a focus on quality, Welsh heritage, and innovative distillation techniques. Their approach combines their unique Faraday still with careful cask selection to create distinctive flavor profiles that have earned international recognition.

Where is Penderyn located?

The original Penderyn Distillery is located in the village of Penderyn in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. They have also expanded with additional distillery locations in Llandudno and Swansea, further cementing their place in Welsh whisky production.

What characterizes Penderyn?

Penderyn is especially known for its unique Faraday still design, which produces a remarkably pure and delicate spirit. Their whiskies are characterized by notes of vanilla, tropical fruits, and honey, with various expressions showcasing different cask influences. The distillery’s commitment to Welsh heritage and innovative approach to traditional whisky making creates a distinctive and refined product.

Where can I buy whisky from Penderyn?

You can find selected bottles from Penderyn at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best offerings from their range, including their core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to the finest Welsh whisky available.