Penderyn Distillery has announced the release of two new whiskies exclusively for the U.S. market: Penderyn Six Year Old Moscatel de Setúbal Wine Cask and Penderyn Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask. The new cask strength whiskies land stateside in anticipation of St. David’s Day, the March 1st National Day of Wales. It was on this day in 2004 that Penderyn Distillery launched its first whisky in the presence of HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and ever since has used this time of year to release some of its most-anticipated products.
Penderyn Six Year Old Moscatel de Setubal Wine Cask (Cask No. W19 – 60.8% ABV) is matured in Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks and then finished in Moscatel de Setúbal casks, which formerly served to age the renowned Portuguese fortified wine. The result is a nose that is fruity with floral aromas like orange blossom, peach, apples, white grape, and gooseberry. The palette features sweet citrus flavors, orange peel, apricot, raisin, figs, and a nutty oak spice. The finish is sweet and fades to oaky dryness with a hint of cacao. Just 268 bottles have been made and are priced at $120 each.
Penderyn Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask (Cask No. PT318 – 59.59% ABV) has been matured in Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks and then finished in Tawny Port casks. Rich, creamy notes of vanilla, caramel, plums, and black grapes on the nose give way to a palate of red berries with gentle tannin and pepper spice. The finish is warm and creamy with black fruit and a hint of dry oak. Only 300 bottles have been made and are priced at $120 each.
Periodically, Penderyn selects its best casks to offer discerning followers new examples of its outstanding world-class Single Malt whisky. Historically, those chosen for release in the U.S. are met with rave reviews and top ratings and are the first age statement Penderyn Single Casks to be released in the world. These special releases are handpicked in partnership with Sam Filmus, president of ImpEx Beverages, who assists Penderyn’s distilling team in making the final selections.
In the last year, Penderyn Distillery has continued to build on its legacy as a world-class producer of whiskies by securing top industry accolades, including receiving a Double Gold Medal for its Peated whisky, and Gold Medals for the Portwood and Rich Oak whiskies in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Penderyn Distillery garnered an impressive five Gold Medals at The Spirits Business’ annual World Whisky Masters event for its Madeira, Peated, Myth, Celt, and Rhiannon whiskies. Additionally, Penderyn Sherrywood and Rich Oak brought home a Double Gold Medal from the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, with Myth bringing home a Gold.
For more information, head over Penderyn’s official website.
Last year, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Penderyn announced the opening of a new flagship in the historic town of Llandudno in Northern Wales.
We spoke with Master Blender Aista Phillips about the 2021 Penderyn Single Cask Whiskies and learned what we should be looking for in the releases, and why the offerings are so unique.