Penderyn Distillery

The activity began with the foundation of the Welsh Whisky Company in the late 1990s; the original plant and the still designed by David Faraday were installed in 2000 and the brand's first commercial whisky was launched in 2004. In subsequent years the project grew to include additional production units (including Llandudno and Swansea), a visitor centre and an expanded range of expressions and spirits.

To develop a distinctive whisky tied to the Welsh territory, focusing on spirit purity, experimentation with finishes in different casks (notably Madeira) and artisanal production supported by particular technical processes. The offering is complemented by a line of gin, vodka and other spirits bottled on site.

Village of Penderyn, Brecon Beacons range (National Park), South Wales, United Kingdom

Numerous international recognitions: documented examples include placements in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (e.g. European Whisky of the Year for some releases), many Gold/Double Gold medals and awards at the Spirits Business World Whisky Masters and IWSC; the gin (Brecon) has also been recognised at the Spirits Business Global Gin Masters (Gold/Master).

Based on an integrated process that includes a mash tun, fermentation in stainless steel vats and distillation with the special 'Faraday' single-pot with integrated column (capable of producing new spirit at about 92% ABV in a single distillation), alongside traditional pot stills and lantern stills installed later. New make is diluted and matured in selected casks before bottling at the facility.

Use of the 'Faraday' still (single-pot with integrated column) to obtain high-purity new-make (~92% ABV) in a single pass; use of traditional pot stills (70–73% ABV new-make) and lantern stills for stylistic variation.

Maturation predominantly in ex-bourbon casks for the main ageing phase and finishes in Madeira casks; sherry, port and other cask types are also used for specific expressions and single cask releases.