Penderyn Distillery: The Story of Welsh Whisky and the Faraday Still
Updated: 19 hours ago
Penderyn is the distillery that put Wales back on the whisky map. Its single malt was the first commercially available whisky made in Wales since the 19th century. Today it runs three distilleries across the country.
In this guide
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Penderyn at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery | Penderyn |
Country / region | Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales |
Owner / producer | Penderyn Distillery |
History | See the detailed researched history in this article. |
Whisky identity | Welsh single malt with Faraday distilling equipment |
Visiting | Check the current official visiting arrangements before travelling. |
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A dream in a Hirwaun pub
Penderyn says that in the late 1990s a group of friends in a pub in Hirwaun decided to build the first whisky distillery in Wales in over a century. They chose the village of Penderyn for its natural spring water. Wikipedia notes that whisky had been distilled in Wales for hundreds of years but stopped in 1894. The company is privately owned, with over 60 shareholders according to the distillery.
The Faraday still
Dr David Faraday, a relative of the 19th century scientist Michael Faraday, designed Penderyn's single copper pot still. Unlike traditional Scottish pot stills, it produces spirit in a single distillation, with a draw of 92% ABV, according to the distillery. The late Dr Jim Swan became the first Master Distiller and suggested finishing in Madeira casks, which remains the house style.
Casks and water
Initial maturation uses hand selected bourbon barrels, many from Buffalo Trace, plus barrels from Evan Williams. The spirit is then finished in Portuguese barriques that previously held Madeira. Port and Oloroso sherry casks are also used, along with peated Scottish casks for the Peated expression. The distilling and blending team is led by Aista Phillips and Bethan Morgan.
Key dates
14 September 2000: the first spirit runs from the still.
1 March 2004: Penderyn Single Malt launches on St David's Day.
June 2008: visitor centre opens, according to Wikipedia.
17 May 2021: Llandudno distillery opens, with water drawn from beneath the Great Orme lighthouse.
June 2023: Swansea Copperworks distillery opens at the Hafod Copperworks, per Wikipedia.
Three distilleries
Brecon Beacons (the original, in Penderyn village, open Monday to Sunday).
Llandudno, North Wales (open Wednesday to Sunday).
Swansea Copperworks, Heritage Quarter (open Wednesday to Saturday).
The range
The official site lists a Gold Range, a Dragon Range, Icons of Wales, age statement releases, limited editions and spirits. It also has a page on PGI status for Welsh whisky. The distillery says it has over 140 international awards and sells to around 50 countries. Guided tours start from 15 pounds per person, according to the site.
Wales' first whisky in over a century
Wikipedia says Penderyn launched in 2000 as the Welsh Whisky Company. Whisky had been distilled in Wales for hundreds of years but stopped in 1894, and Penderyn became the first whisky made in Wales for over a century when sales started in 2004.
Location: the village of Penderyn in the Cynon Valley, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Visitors: the visitor centre opened in June 2008 with Prince Charles, and sees over 35,000 visitors a year
Range: Madeira Finish, Peated, Sherrywood and Portwood, plus the Dragon range of Legend, Myth and Celt
Other spirits: Merlyn Cream Liqueur, Five Vodka and Brecon Gin
More distilleries: Penderyn Llandudno opened on 17 May 2021, and Swansea Copperworks opened in June 2023
Sources and gaps
Sources: penderyn.wales (home and Our Story pages, read 20 October 2026) and Wikipedia (Penderyn distillery). Wikipedia says the company launched in 2000 as the Welsh Whisky Company. Not verified: ABVs for the range, still capacity, tour hours and prices, details of the PGI page. Cover image to be added by Filip. Planned slug: penderyn-distillery.
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Wikipedia Penderyn distillery article.
What makes Penderyn distinctive?
Welsh single malt with Faraday distilling equipment.
Penderyn whisky bottles and releases
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Penderyn Madeira Finish | NAS / release varies | Check bottle | Welsh single malt with Faraday distilling equipment |
Penderyn Legend | NAS / release varies | Check bottle | Welsh single malt with Faraday distilling equipment |
Penderyn Celt | NAS / release varies | Check bottle | Welsh single malt with Faraday distilling equipment |
The table records named expressions, not live stock. Bottle strength and cask treatment can vary by market and release. Always consult the producer.
More distilleries to explore
Frequently asked questions about Penderyn
Where is Penderyn based?
Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales.
Who owns Penderyn?
Penderyn Distillery.
What is notable about Penderyn?
Welsh single malt with Faraday distilling equipment.
Which bottles does Penderyn have?
Penderyn Madeira Finish, Penderyn Legend, Penderyn Celt. Releases and availability change.
Can you visit Penderyn?
Check the distillery's official visitor or tour information before making travel plans.
Sources and editorial checks
The original history, references and research remain in this guide. Whisky range and visitor information may change.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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