As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of exploring the world of whisky and delving into the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas it has to offer. Wales, a country known for its stunning landscapes and captivating history, is also home to a burgeoning whisky scene. Currently, there are seven whisky distilleries in Wales, each with its own unique character and style.
1. Penderyn Distillery: Located in the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park, Penderyn is perhaps the most well-known Welsh distillery. They produce a range of award-winning single malt whiskies, including their flagship expression, Penderyn Madeira, which is finished in Madeira wine casks.
2. The Lakes Distillery: Situated in the stunning Lake District of Wales, this distillery produces a variety of spirits, including whisky. While not exclusively focused on Welsh whisky, they do produce a “One Welsh Whisky” expression, which showcases the influence of the region's terroir on the final product.
3. Aber Falls Distillery: Nestled at the foot of the Aber Falls waterfall in North Wales, this distillery is known for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. Their whisky production is still relatively young, with their first single malt expected to be released in the near future.
4. Dà Mhìle Distillery: Located in Ceredigion, this distillery takes pride in its organic and sustainable approach to whisky production. They produce a range of Welsh whisky expressions, often experimenting with different cask finishes and techniques to create unique flavors.
5. The Pembrokeshire Distillery: Situated in the scenic county of Pembrokeshire, this distillery is known for its small-batch production and attention to detail. While their whisky is still maturing, they offer a range of other spirits, such as gin and vodka, which showcase their expertise in the craft.
6. Dyfi Distillery: This distillery, nestled in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Dyfi Valley, focuses on creating spirits that reflect the local landscape and biodiversity. While they primarily produce gin, they have also ventured into the realm of whisky production, with their first release planned for the future.
7. The Welsh Whisky Company: Located in the village of Penderyn, this distillery is closely associated with the Penderyn Distillery. They produce a range of Welsh whiskies, including their popular Red Flag expression, which pays homage to the coal mining heritage of the region.
It is worth noting that the whisky industry in Wales is still relatively young compared to other whisky-producing regions, such as Scotland or Ireland. However, the distilleries mentioned above are paving the way for Welsh whisky to gain recognition on the global stage.
In addition to these existing distilleries, there are exciting developments on the horizon. Penderyn is set to open its third distillery in Swansea, housed in an old copperworks, in the first half of 2023. This expansion showcases the growing interest in Welsh whisky and the commitment of distillers to push boundaries and create exceptional spirits.
There are currently seven whisky distilleries in Wales, each offering their own unique take on Welsh whisky. From the well-established Penderyn Distillery to the up-and-coming producers like Aber Falls and Dyfi, the Welsh whisky scene is thriving. With the addition of Penderyn's forthcoming distillery in Swansea, the future looks bright for Welsh whisky lovers and enthusiasts around the world.