The Welsh Whisky Company, an independent firm established in 1998, made history on St David’s Day – 1st March – with the launch of the country’s first single malt for over 100 years.
Penderyn, produced in the Brecon Beacons village of the same name, is made from spring water from the distillery’s own source, matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Madeira barrels. Brains Brewery in Cardiff produces a specially formulated ‘wash’ for the process.
With 46 per cent abv, Penderyn will be obtainable from specialist stores and directly from the distillers via their web site, although only 6,000 bottles were initially available when it was first put on sale. Production of up to 75,000 bottles a year is planned, with special edition cask strength bottles also being made available.
In 2005 the company plans to open The Welsh Whisky Visitor Centre at the distillery – a purpose built, single still site, funded in part by the Welsh Development Agency – where up to 50,000 visitors a year will be able to view the distillation process. Whisky production in the Principality dates back more than 250 years, although the last distillery closed in 1894.
Other Welsh Whisky Company products include Brecon Special Reserve Dry Gin (40 per cent abv), Beacon Premium Vodka (also 40 per cent) and a Welsh cream liqueur called Merlin (17 per cent).
leisure-kit keyword: Penderyn
