Welsh whisky

Wales has an old but interrupted whisky history, and today its big name is Penderyn, a distillery at the foot of the Brecon Beacons that relaunched Welsh whisky in the 21st century. Its hallmark is a still of its own, different from the Scottish ones, which gives a light, floral spirit. In recent years other small distilleries have appeared, such as Aber Falls and In the Welsh Wind, widening what the country offers.

In the catalogue
9 whiskies
Distilleries and brands
2
Most common type
Single malt
Peated
2 of 9

History, style and where to startIts distilleries on the world map

9 whiskies

Guide to Welsh whisky

History

Whisky was distilled in Wales in the 19th century, and the Frongoch distillery, in the north, made it until it closed at the beginning of the 20th century. For almost a hundred years there was no Welsh whisky. Penderyn was founded in 2000 and released its first whisky in 2004, on St David’s Day, the patron saint of Wales. Its success encouraged new distilleries, and Penderyn later opened new sites in Llandudno and Swansea. Today Welsh whisky is small in volume but has a clear, recognisable identity.

Style and flavour

Penderyn uses a Faraday still, designed for the distillery, which reaches a very high-strength spirit in a single run. The result is a light, clean and floral whisky, with fresh fruit and vanilla. Much of its range is first matured in bourbon casks and finished in wine casks, such as Madeira, sherry or port, which add sweetness and fruit. There are also peated, smokier versions and cask-strength releases for those who want more intensity.

Average flavour profile of Welsh whisky in the catalogue (9 whiskies)

Sweet
3.2
Fresh fruit
2.9
Ripe and dried fruit
1.3
Floral and herbal
1.3
Cereal and malt
1.6
Vanilla and creamy
2.4
Oak
1.4
Spicy
1.6
Toasted
1.1
Smoky
0.5
Maritime
0.1
Body and intensity
1.9

Where to start

Penderyn Legend is the friendliest way in: light, fruity and finished in a Madeira cask. Penderyn Madeira Finish, the house benchmark, has more body and sweetness. Both are good for discovering a style different from Scotch without leaving Britain, and for noticing how a wine cask influences a light spirit.

This text was generated and translated by AI and may contain errors.

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