Penderyn Hiraeth Single Malt Welsh Whisky (700ml)

One of fifty editions in the ‘Icons of Wales’ series that was launched in December 2021, No.8 references the wonderful Welsh word, ‘Hiraeth’. Difficult to translate into English, some interpret it to mean ‘yearning’ or ‘homesickness’, but the BBC’s Roy Noble summed it up very nicely as: “a longing for your homeland, your heritage and your very being”. A vatting of mostly double distilled, ex-bourbon matured whisky with a smaller proportion of single-distilled, STR cask finished single malt, it's also Penderyn's first release predominantly composed of malt from the set of double stills that were installed in 2014. The result is a sleek, softer-styled whisky with medium-bodied flavours of wafer-biscuit and vanilla that become fresher and fruitier as the distillate gains ground. A feather-weight, integrated finish rounds off an easily approachable dram. Comes beautifully presented and bottled without filtration at 46% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the producers... Nose: Elegant and floral with light oak notes, vanilla, raisins, toffee apples, citrus peel and a hint of lime. Palate: A delicate smooth single malt with honeyed fruits, vanilla, cinnamon spice and a hint of nutmeg. Finish: Soft honey and vanilla notes fade to a malty finish.

Gold Medal - 2022 New Wizards of Whisky