Penderyn Distillery Tour, Brecon Beacons, Wales
In the scenic and spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales, there’s whisky to be tasted in the hills, and gin too. Take the Penderyn Distillery tour and learn the secrets of Welsh whisky.
Visit the Brecon Beacons and do the Penderyn Distillery Tour
It’s not just in Scotland and Ireland that you’ll find whisky being distilled. Drive out to the Brecon Beacons, a National Park in Wales centred around a series of sandstone peaks which are popular with walkers, and at its southern tip, you’ll find a small whisky distillery. When it opened in 2004, the Penderyn Distillery became the first whisky producer in Wales for a century. Stop here to rest your weary legs and enjoy a wee dram of Welsh wysgi. Attracting over 35,000 visitors a year, it’s a landmark in foodie Wales.
- Take the Penderyn distillery tour
- Taste Welsh whisky
- Try Welsh gin
- Great for foodie walkers
Discover Welsh Whisky
The story of Penderyn is a good one. Set up by a group of friends just over 10 years ago after a chat in their local pub, the distillery now exports to over 20 countries. Demand is so great that each of its export markets is only allowed a strict allocation. At 92% alcohol by volume, it’s the highest strength malt whisky with just one barrel being produced a day.
Tour Penderyn Distillery
Tours take place every day. In the Visitors’ Centre, you can start by finding out about the history of whisky production in Wales before doing a distillery tour to learn about whisky making and the distilling process.
See The Faraday Still
The success of Welsh whisky is all down to its special still which was invented by Dr David Faraday, a descendant of the eminent Victorian scientist, Michael Faraday. Most Scottish and Irish distilleries use a conventional two or three pot still system whereas Penderyn use just one. What makes the Faraday single copper pot still so unique, is the strength and flavour it imparts to the whisky.
Taste Single Malt Welsh Whisky
Taste their Madeira Single Malt Whisky. Following initial maturation in bourbon barrels, it’s transferred to Portugese barriques previously used to mature sweet Madeira wine. For the Penderyn Peated, they use Scotch whisky casks to bring out a peaty character and lighter colour.
Try Brecon Gin
It’s not just about whisky on the Penderyn distillery tour. If gin is more your tipple of choice, you’ll perk up when you taste Brecon Gin. It’s distilled using botanicals from around the world including spicy cinnamon. But they don’t just stop there. There’s Brecon Five Vodka (named because it’s five-column distilled) and Merlyn, a Welsh Cream Liqueur which stands rather proudly in a distinctive black bottle sealed with a red label.
Tips
- It’s advisable to pre-book your distillery tour. Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Twice a month, they host whisky masterclasses designed for whisky enthusiasts
- Visit the famous Scwd-yr-Eira waterfall which is nearby
Where to Stay in the Brecon Beacons
Llangoed Hall
Brecon Beacons, Wales
Set in 17 acres of beautiful gardens, Llangoed Hall offers luxurious accommodation in the Wye Valley.
Rooms from £150 a night.
Dogs
They tell me that only Guide Dogs are allowed in the Distillery. I’d love to go walking with you in the Brecon Beacons though.
How to Find The Penderyn Distillery Visitor Centre
Penderyn Distillery, Pontpren, Penderyn, Rhondda Cynon Taff CF44 0SX
Website: www.welsh-whisky.co.uk
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The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.