World Whisky Day is fast approaching on Saturday the 19th May 2018.
As part of the build up I’m featuring a series of blogs – both old and new – over the next month focusing on a country from each letter of the alphabet – if possible – that makes whisky.
Today is W for Wales.
For a lot of folks Wales would be better known for Tom Jones, Daffodils, coal and towns with long names like Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch!
It also happens to do some lovely whisky.
And there’s enough to ‘Burn Down The House’! Cue Tom Jones.
Penderyn Whisky was launched in 2004. It has grown to produce a wide variety of single malts which have gathered much acclaim.
My entry into Penderyn was via their initial Icons Of Wales offering – Red Flag.
Naming a bottle remembering the first time a red flag was raised in social protest – which happened to be in Wales – I found a rather brave move. Many whiskies celebrate royalty – so Penderyn Red Flag was a break from the normal and attracted my attention.
Bottled at 41%, non chill-filtered with no added caramel is a bonus to begin with.
Matured in ex-bourbon casks & finished in madeira barrels this single malt was a very easy & pleasant drinker. Some sweetness from the madeira mixed well with the slight spice & vanilla from the charred bourbon casks.
I was keen to try more from Penderyn.
A chance encounter with Penderyn Rich Oak Limited Edition at a whisky show didn’t stand out for me at the event. Perhaps being swamped with great tasting whiskies means only the strongest flavours stand out & maybe a more muted beauty gets lost in the mix.
Who knows.
What I do know is I’ll be looking forward to trying out more expressions from this expanding Welsh distillery.
Sláinte.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 