Whisky: Penderyn Celt Single Malt Welsh Whisky
Producer: The Welsh Whisky Company
Distillery: Penderyn Distillery
Region: Wales, U.K.
Whisky Type: Welsh Single Malt (100% malted barley)
Age: NAS
ABV: 43%
Aged in Cask: ex-bourbon, ex-peated quarter casks (Islay)
Price Range: $$
The Penderyn distillery started production in September of 2008 and is one of the first distilleries in Wales in more than 100 years. The distillery is located in the beautiful Brecon Beacons mountain range, part of Forest Fawr National Park.
Penderyn sources its American barrels from Kentucky and Tennessee (Evan Williams and Jack Daniels) for the initial maturation, European barrels from Portugal (Madeira and Port), and Spain (Oloroso Sherry) for finishing.
The Welsh Dragon
The dragon was brought to England by the House of Tudor, a Welsh dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603. The dragon signified the direct descent from one of the noble families in Wales. The green and white stripes of the flag were additions of Henry VII, the first Tudor king, representing the colors of his standard. The red dragon symbolizes all things Welsh used by many public and private and government institutions.
From the website:
“The Red Dragon is the national flag of Wales and the Royal Welsh badge bears the motto, ‘Y ddraig goch ddyry cychwyn’, which translates as ‘The red dragon inspires action.”
“It features in ancient Welsh tales and was the battle standard of legendary Welsh princes. Welshman Henry Tudor took the flag to Bosworth, where, in 1485, he became the last king of England to be crowned on the battlefield.”
There are three single malts in the Welsh Dragon Range. The first single malt is Legend, aged primarily in Madeira casks, continuing with Myth, aged in hand-selected ex-bourbon and rejuvenated oak casks, ending with Celt, aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished in peated casks from Islay, Scotland.
Tasting Notes for Penderyn Celt Single Malt
Nose: Fruits and peat are the most dominant aromas.
Palate: A fruity arrival with smoke and peat lingering in the background. The phenols compounds are also present, providing a medicinal flavor to this single malt. Very nice!
Finish: Long and malty finish with peat, fruit, and honey.
Conclusion:
A young and balanced single malt with a phenolic profile makes this a must-try for those who enjoy classic Islay Scotch. The smoke and peat flavors are not overwhelming but balanced with fruit. This whisky is not a peat monster malt by any means. Cheers!
Awards
- 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge 95/100
- 2020 Spirits Business World Whisky Masters – Gold
- 2018 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial – Gold
- 2018 Spirits Business World Whisky Masters – Gold
- 2016 Spirits Business World Whisky Masters – Gold
Score: 3.75/5 ⭐
Legend
$50 or less $
$51-$100 $$
$101-$150 $$$
$151 or more $$$$
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See the history behind Penderyn Celt here…
