Penderyn Gift Set Myth Legend Celt Single Malt Welsh Whisky 3x20 cl 40%

A red box printed like dragon scales, and behind the window three small bottles standing shoulder to shoulder. Myth, Legend, Celt. None of them takes up much room, but together they show how many faces a Welsh single malt can have when it comes from a still built for exactly this distillery.

Expert description

Penderyn Gift Set Myth Legend Celt is a gift set of three Single Malt Welsh Whiskies, 20 cl each, matured in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 40%.

The set brings together three expressions from Penderyn's Dragon range, first launched in 2015. All three start out as the same light, fruity spirit and spend their first years in ex-bourbon casks. After that each one goes its own way. Myth is finished in rejuvenated oak, the so-called STR casks, where the wood has been shaved, toasted and re-charred so it can give flavour again. Legend is finished in casks that once held Madeira. Celt is finished in quarter casks that previously held peated whisky, and that is where its smoke comes from.

The spirit is distilled in a Faraday still, designed by Dr David Faraday, a relative of the Victorian scientist Michael Faraday. In a single run it reaches around 92%, which gives a clean, light spirit that is then married with water from the Brecon Beacons. That is why Penderyn tends to be brighter and fruitier than many other single malts, and why you can taste the smoke in Celt without being flattened by it.

The distillery sits at the foot of the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales and was the first whisky distillery in Wales in more than a hundred years. Today Penderyn runs three distilleries, in Penderyn, Llandudno and Swansea. The box is made to stand out on a shelf, and each bottle is just big enough to work out which one is your favourite.

Tasting notes

Nose

Myth smells of apple, pear drops and a hint of tropical fruit. Legend brings fresh apples, citrus, cream fudge and raisins. Celt opens with peat smoke and warm marmalade on toast.

Palate

Myth is bittersweet with mixed fruit. Legend gives rich dried fruit with a little bitterness at the edge. Celt starts sweet before the smoke rolls in with a faint medicinal note.

Finish

Myth fades out light and lively. Legend ends on Madeira cake and sultanas. Celt closes with slight bitterness and a lingering freshness.

Specifications

Name: Penderyn Gift Set Myth Legend Celt Single Malt Welsh Whisky 3x20 cl
Distillery: Penderyn
Region/Country: Wales
Type: Single Malt Welsh Whisky
ABV: 40%
Size: 3 x 20 CL
Cask type: Myth: ex-bourbon casks, finished in rejuvenated oak casks. Legend: ex-bourbon casks, finished in Madeira casks. Celt: ex-bourbon casks, finished in quarter casks from peated whisky
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Faraday still
Edition: Dragon range
EAN no.: 5011594003150

Flavour profile

Fruity · Floral · Lightly peated · Citrus · Madeira-influenced

Did you know?

Penderyn's first whisky was launched on St David's Day, 1 March 2004, the national day of Wales, with Prince Charles in attendance. Only a few years earlier the distillery had been nothing more than an idea between friends in a pub.

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Frequently asked questions about Penderyn Gift Set Myth Legend Celt

What is the difference between Myth, Legend and Celt?

The difference is in the final cask finish. All three start in ex-bourbon casks with the same light Penderyn spirit. Myth is finished in rejuvenated oak and is the fresh, fruity one with apple and pear. Legend is finished in Madeira casks and brings dried fruit and Madeira cake. Celt is finished in quarter casks from peated whisky and is the one with smoke and marmalade.

Is Penderyn Celt very smoky?

No, the smoke is gentle. Celt is sweet first, then the peat smoke arrives with a light medicinal edge. The smoke comes from the casks rather than from peated malt, so it suits anyone who wants to try smoky whisky without starting with an Islay.

Is the set a good gift for someone new to whisky?

Yes, because it shows three very different styles in one box. One is fruity, one is Madeira-influenced and one is lightly smoky, so the person can work out what they like without opening three full bottles. At 20 cl each, it can also be spread over several evenings.

How should you serve Myth, Legend and Celt?

Neat and at room temperature, ideally in a tulip-shaped whisky glass. Start with Myth, move on to Legend and save Celt for last, so the smoke does not drown the lighter fruit. At 40% they do not need water, but a few drops can bring out more fruit.

What is a Faraday still, and why does Penderyn taste light?

A Faraday still is a copper still with columns inside that distils the spirit up to around 92% in a single run. That high strength gives a clean, light spirit, which is why Penderyn often tastes of fresh fruit and light vanilla rather than heavy malt. The still was designed by Dr David Faraday specifically for the distillery.

Where does Penderyn come from, and what makes it special?

Penderyn comes from Wales and was the country's first whisky distillery in more than a hundred years. It sits at the foot of the Brecon Beacons National Park and uses water from the area. A group of friends set it up to revive a forgotten Welsh tradition, and today it runs three distilleries in Wales.