Penderyn Peated Single Malt Welsh Whisky 46%

Most people assume a smoky whisky needs peated malt. Penderyn proves otherwise — here, the smoke comes entirely from the casks, in a limited annual release that still tastes more of Wales than of Islay.

Expert description

Penderyn Peated is a Single Malt Welsh Whisky matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in ex-peated Scotch whisky casks, bottled at 46%. It's a limited annual release of around 5,000 bottles, part of Penderyn's Gold range, and one of the clearest examples of how a cask alone can lend an unpeated new-make spirit a full smoky character.

Because Penderyn distils on a single Faraday still, the spirit comes off unusually clean and light — which gives the casks, here previously used for peated Scotch, more room to leave their mark than in many other whiskies. The result is a sweet, aromatic smoke layered over a fundamentally fruity, light-bodied spirit.

Tasting notes

Nose

The nose greets you with sweet, aromatic smoke, quickly followed by vanilla, green apple and a hint of citrus.

Palate

The palate is a gentle but persistent interplay of smoke and sweetness, with a range of soft flavours teasing through without ever overpowering each other.

Finish

The finish is medium in length, with smoke and vanilla lingering long after the glass is empty.

Specifications

Name: Penderyn Peated Single Malt Welsh Whisky 46%
Distillery: Penderyn
Region/Country: Brecon Beacons, Wales
Type: Single Malt Welsh Whisky
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Ex-bourbon casks finished in ex-peated Scotch whisky casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Distillation method: Faraday distillation
Number of bottles: Approximately 5,000 per year
EAN no.: 5011594010721

Flavour profile

Smoky · Soft · Aromatic

Did you know?

Penderyn adds no peated malt whatsoever in producing Peated — all of the smoke character comes from the casks themselves, previously used for peated Scotch whisky, making it one of the more unusual takes on a smoky single malt you'll find.

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Frequently asked questions about Penderyn Peated Single Malt Welsh Whisky 46%

Is Penderyn Peated a smoky whisky?

Yes, but in an unusual way: the smoke comes from ex-peated Scotch casks rather than peated malt, giving a sweeter, gentler smoke character than, say, an Islay whisky.

How many bottles of Penderyn Peated are made?

It's a limited annual release of around 5,000 bottles, so it appears in a fixed but limited run each year.

What does Penderyn Peated taste like?

Sweet, aromatic smoke meets vanilla, green apple and citrus on the nose, while the palate offers a gentle interplay of smoke and fruit with a medium, smoky finish.

Is Penderyn Peated a good choice if you don't like heavy smoke?

Yes. The smoke here is noticeably softer and sweeter than in many peated Scotch whiskies, because it comes from the casks rather than the malt itself.

What glass should Penderyn Peated be served in?

A nosing glass captures both the smoke and the sweeter notes best — try it neat first, and add only a drop of water if you want to open the aromas further.

What's the difference between Penderyn Peated and an Islay whisky?

Islay whisky gets its smoke from peated malt during malting, while Penderyn Peated draws its smoke entirely from previously peated Scotch casks — resulting in a sweeter, less ashy profile.