Penderyn Distillery

History of Penderyn Distillery

Penderyn Distillery was established in the year 2000 in the village of Penderyn, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. The distillery was founded by a group of friends who shared a passion for whisky and a desire to revive the Welsh whisky tradition. The official opening of Penderyn Distillery took place on March 1, 2004, marking St. David’s Day, with the first bottle being opened by HRH Prince Charles.

The Visionary Founder

The vision for Penderyn Distillery was spearheaded by Alun Evans, whose determination and dedication were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. Evans, along with his partners, sought to create a premium whisky that would stand out in the competitive world of spirits. Their efforts have paid off, with Penderyn now recognized as a symbol of Welsh craftsmanship and innovation in whisky production.

Unique Production Process

Penderyn Distillery is renowned for its unique production process, which involves a single copper pot still designed by Dr. David Faraday, a descendant of the famous scientist Michael Faraday. This still allows for a higher degree of purity and a distinctive flavor profile. The distillery uses locally sourced malted barley and water drawn from the Brecon Beacons to ensure the highest quality in its whisky production.

Types of Whisky Offered

Penderyn Distillery offers a diverse range of whiskies, each with its own unique character. The core range includes:

• Penderyn Madeira Finish: The flagship single malt, aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Madeira wine casks, known for its rich, smooth flavor.
• Penderyn Sherrywood: Aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in sherry casks, offering a balance of fruit and spice.
• Penderyn Peated: A single malt with a subtle smokiness, created by maturing the whisky in casks that previously held peated whisky.
• Penderyn Rich Oak: A robust single malt aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and new oak casks, providing a depth of flavor and complexity.

Awards Won by Penderyn Distillery

RICS Wales Heritage Award 2024

• Won by Penderyn’s Swansea Copperworks Distillery.
• Recognized for exceptional restoration and preservation of historic listed buildings.
• Acknowledged for its role in regenerating the Copperopolis site into a world-class visitor experience.

Visit Wales Gold Award 2023

• Awarded to Penderyn’s Brecon Beacons distillery.
• Recognized for excellence in customer service and tourism.
• Followed a successful VAQAS accreditation​.

Go North Wales Tourism Award 2021

• Won by Penderyn’s Lloyd Street Distillery in Llandudno.
• Recognized as a top tourist attraction even before its whisky was fully matured.
• Highlighted the distillery’s positive impact on local tourism​​.

San Francisco World Spirits Awards

• Penderyn Gold Madeira won a Gold Medal in 2022.
• Penderyn’s whiskies have received consecutive Gold Medals at the Spirits Business World Whiskies Masters since 2018.

Penderyn Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The Penderyn Distillery offers tours at all three of their locations: Penderyn (Brecon Beacons), Llandudno Lloyd St (North Wales Coast), and Swansea Copperworks Distillery. All tours are approximately one hour long and include:

• A guided walk through the distillery
• An explanation of the whisky making process from grain to glass
• A visit to the maturation warehouse where the whisky is aged in casks
• A tasting of Penderyn whiskies in the tasting bar (with miniatures provided for drivers to take away)

Penderyn Brecon Beacons Distillery Tour

• Adults: £13.50 online / £15 at the door
• Students and OAPs: £10.50 online / £11.50 at the door
• Groups of 10 or more: £12.15 online / £13.50 at the door
• Trade (Coaches/FIT/Travel Agents): £10.50 online
• Children aged 14-17: £5.50 online / £6.50 at the door
• Tours are available seven days a week, and at busy times run on the hour.
• The distillery is open from 9am to 5pm, and from 9.45am on a Sunday. Depending on availability, the last tour of the day will begin at 4pm.
• To book a tour, you can visit the Penderyn Distillery website.

Penderyn Llandudno Lloyd St Distillery Tour

• Tour prices are the same as the Brecon Beacons Distillery Tour
• Tours are available seven days a week.
• The distillery shop is open seven days a week.

Swansea Copperworks Distillery Tour

• Tour prices are the same as the Brecon Beacons Distillery Tour
• Tours are available seven days a week.
• The distillery shop is open seven days a week.

In addition to tours, the Penderyn Distillery also offers masterclasses, which are a more in-depth look at the whisky making process. Masterclasses last for approximately 2.5 hours and include:

• A welcome drink
• A guided tour of the distillery
• A tasting of a selection of Penderyn whiskies
• A nosing and tasting session
• The opportunity to create your own blend of Penderyn whisky (which you can then bottle and take home)

Masterclasses must be booked in advance and are available at the Brecon Beacons Distillery only.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your visit to the Penderyn Distillery:

• All tours and masterclasses must be booked in advance.
• The distillery is a working distillery, so there may be times when certain areas are not accessible to visitors.
• Penderyn Distillery tours are not recommended for children under 14 years of age.
• Photography is permitted on the tour, but flash photography is not allowed.

Flask & Barrel Review of Penderyn Distillery

I recently had the chance to visit Penderyn Distillery in Wales, and let me tell you, it was an amazing experience! As a whiskey collector who’s toured numerous distilleries, Penderyn definitely stands out. Here’s my take on it.

First off, the location is just beautiful. Nestled in the Brecon Beacons, the scenery alone is worth the trip. The distillery itself has a charming vibe with its mix of modern and traditional elements.

The tour kicked off with a warm welcome from our guide, who was super knowledgeable and passionate about Welsh whisky. We got a deep dive into the unique production process at Penderyn, including their use of the Faraday still – something I haven’t seen anywhere else. It really highlights their commitment to innovation while respecting traditional methods.

We moved on to the tasting room, which was the highlight for me. I got to try their flagship Penderyn Madeira Finish, and it was fantastic – smooth with hints of toffee and sultanas. They also offered samples of their other whiskies, including the Sherrywood and Peated expressions, each with distinct, rich flavors that showcase the distillery’s range.

What sets Penderyn apart is their attention to detail and quality. Every drop of their whisky seems crafted with care, and it shows. The staff’s friendliness and expertise added to the overall experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.

I’d rate Penderyn Distillery a solid 4.7 out of 5. The only reason it’s not a perfect score is because I wish the tour was a bit longer – I was so engrossed I didn’t want it to end!

If you’re a whisky lover like me, Penderyn is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship and passion that goes into every bottle.

What To Do Nearby Penderyn Distillery

For the Nature Lover:

• Brecon Beacons National Park (0 miles): Explore the vast National Park with hiking, biking, and opportunities to take in the scenery, waterfalls, and wildlife.
• Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall (4 miles): Enjoy this picturesque waterfall with a short walk to get there.
• Four Waterfalls Walk (6 miles): Take this moderately challenging hike past four waterfalls – Sgwd Henrhyd, Sgwd-y-Pannnau, Sgwd Einion Gam, and Sgwd Clun-gwyn.

For the History Buff:

• Penderyn Antiques (0 miles): Browse this antique shop right next to the distillery for a unique souvenir.
• Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centres (various locations): Learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and walking trails at the visitor centers scattered throughout the National Park.

For the Adventurer:

• Dulais Valley Quads (8 miles): Get an adrenaline rush with a quad bike experience through the Welsh countryside.
• Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer (10 miles): Enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, and gorge walking offered by this company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Penderyn Distillery?

The Red Lion Inn (Gastropub): This restaurant boasts a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps and is located right next to the distillery. It offers a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients with a focus on gastro-pub classics and seasonal dishes.

Hills (Restaurant): With a 4.5-star rating, Hills offers a relaxed setting and serves up delicious burgers, chicken, vegetarian options, fries, ribs, wings, and desserts. It’s located in Brecon, a short drive away from the distillery.

The New Inn (Pub): While not directly next to the distillery, The New Inn has a strong 4.7-star rating and offers a traditional pub experience in Aberdare). They serve pub fare and have a welcoming atmosphere.

What hotels are near Penderyn Distillery?

The Lodge Brecon B&B: It has a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Lodge, Brecon, LD3 9LP. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +44 1874 658894.

Camden Lodge B&B and Cottage Brecon: It has a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Camden Lodge, Camden Road, Brecon, LD3 7RS. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +44 1874 625050.

Ty Newydd B&B: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Ty Newydd, Llanfihangel Talyllyn, Brecon, LD3 7TL. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +44 1874 711510.