The village of Penderyn sits against the Brecon Beacons, where mist hangs in the valleys long after sunrise. The distillery is known for bringing Welsh whisky back to life, yet a side door stands open onto a spice cupboard that smells more of the Levant than of Wales. Here in 3 cl.
The expert's description
Sample 3 cl Penderyn Brecon Botanicals Special Edition Gin 43% is a Welsh gin distilled in small batches from pure grain spirit and selected botanicals, bottled at 43%.
Penderyn Distillery opened in 2000 in the village of the same name in south Wales, close to the Brecon Beacons national park. The house is best known for its single malt whisky, but the Brecon range of gins has run alongside it for years and has collected a long line of medals at international competitions.
Brecon Botanicals is the spiced expression in the range. The juniper is soft and earthy rather than sharp, and above it sit dried herbs, orange and lemon peel and a clear note of saffron. Further in come bergamot, clove oil and cinnamon, while the finish rides on cassia bark. This is a gin that leans towards the spice cupboard instead of the citrus press.
At 43% it has the strength to hold its shape in a drink without turning sharp, and the distillery suggests fresh mint and cucumber ice cubes to go with it. This 3 cl bottling covers one full run through the style before any decision about a whole bottle.
Tasting notes
Nose
Soft juniper and dried herbs, then orange and lemon peel. Saffron sits behind it with its faintly medicinal, floral scent.
Palate
Herbal and earthy, with juniper as the foundation. The spices arrive through the middle as clove oil and cinnamon, and a thread of bergamot gives a perfumed edge that leans towards Earl Grey.
Finish
Medium in length and spiced. Cassia bark and saffron hang on while the citrus peel dries the palate at the very end.
Specifications
Name: Sample 3 cl Penderyn Brecon Botanicals Special Edition Gin 43%
Distillery: Penderyn
Region/Country: Wales
Type: Welsh Gin
ABV: 43%
Size: 3 CL
Edition: Special Edition
Serving suggestion: With Tonic Water, fresh mint and cucumber ice cubes
Flavour profile
Herbal · Spiced · Saffron · Citrus · Soft
Did you know?
Penderyn released its first whisky on 1 March 2004, St David's Day, the Welsh national day. It was the first whisky distilled in Wales in more than a hundred years.
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