PENDERYN: SPIRITS OF WALES
Penderyn, located in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, has an excellent, multi award-winning Welsh distillery. Several friends became involved in creating a dream – an exceptional distillery, producing fine whiskies and other superb spirits. Resulting in the first Welsh distillery, for over 100 years, their dream became a reality in 2000. A second distillery was opened in Llandudno (North Wales) during May 2021 and a third in Swansea in July 2023.
The Penderyn Distillery uses the finest hand-selected American ex-bourbon casks, plus other quality casks in the finishing process. Penderyn’s Wysgi (Welsh for whisky) productions produce superb aromas, balance, flavours and wonderful aftertastes. Penderyn Madeira, Single Malt Welsh Whisky (46% vol) is a classic. Enticing aromas lead to the smooth, sweet palate sensation, with a good lengthy finish. Penderyn Sherrywood, Single Malt Welsh Whisky (46% vol) goes through a process which incorporates the use of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. This splendid production is extremely popular, having a wonderful mouth-feel and long finish. Penderyn Peated, Single Malt Welsh Whisky (46% vol) is, as the name implies, of a peaty character. Impressive on the palate, plus a very good aftertaste, of smoke and vanilla, ensures a place in the cabinet for this grand whisky production too.
The ranges of whiskies produced include the Penderyn Dragon, having Legend, Myth and Celt whisky productions. The Penderyn Gold range boasts Madeira, Peated, Sherrywood, Portwood and Rich Oak whiskies. Again, all are hugely popular with whisky lovers. Icons of Wales is a further range, with Patagonia, YMA O HYD, The Headliner and Hiraeth in the line-up. Many connoisseurs of whisky have a particular favourite.
Merlyn Welsh Cream Liqueur (17% vol) is a combination of fine malted barley spirit, plus pure, fresh dairy cream. A much-favoured choice, being smooth and mellow. Other fine spirits produced include gins, rums and vodka. All productions have very impressive presentations.
A visit to Penderyn Distillery and Visitor Centre is most interesting, with a lot to be learned from a tour and the masterclasses. Online ordering is available and easy.
Penderyn Distillery, Penderyn, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF44 0SX, Wales. Tel: 44 (0) 1685 813 300. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.penderyn.wales
WINES: SOME FAVOURITES FROM WALES
Wales is renowned for its scenic beauty, which includes national parks, mountains and coastal regions. The capital city of Wales is Cardiff. History and ancient customs are in abundance throughout Wales, attracting visitors from worldwide origins, all and every year. Welsh residents are extremely proud of their heritage, the Welsh language and Celtic culture. Sports are a huge feature of Wales, plus the arts, entertainment, choirs, singing and more. Foods and drinks, produced in Wales, have a great reputation around the world.
Llaethliw Vineyard is a family-owned, award-winning Welsh vineyard, located near Aberaeron, Ceredigion. The original selection of vines – namely, Solaris, Rondo, Regent and Orion – began being planted during 2009 and the first grapes to be picked happened in October 2013, with the resulting bottles of wines having completion in May 2014. Today, their grapes also include Seyval Blanc, Bacchus, Madeleine Angevine, plus several others, with the premium wine productions being very much recognised now, more and more.
Llaethliw Sparkling Wine (11.5% vol) utilises the Orion grape variety to great advantage. I found this production to be an excellent sparkling wine, which uses the traditional method in its making. Following the initial pleasures of admiring the fine, persistent perlage, an enticing bouquet greets the nasal senses. The mouthfeel is crisp and this follows through, with appreciation, to the palate. The sensation of citrus fruits is a delight, for this dry, sparkling wine. Great to accompany seafood, as well as being a most impressive pre dining drink experience.
Other wines, from this company, include splendid ‘pink’ ones, both sparkling and still, plus other superb still red and white productions, with refreshing cider also, all with excellent presentation. Online ordering is available and easy.
If an overnight stay or short break appeals, then the Vineyard Cottage may be the answer. Having an attractive first floor bedroom, plus an open living and dining space, kitchen, bathroom, log burner and deck area, this is often booked well in advance. For more details of the wines, cider and facilities, please visit their very informative website or make contact.
Gwinllan Llaethliw Vineyard, Neuadd Lwyd, Aberaeron, SA48 7RF, UK. Tel: 01545 571 879.
E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.llaethliw.co.uk
Enjoy!
Trevor Langley
#LoveWalesLoveTaste
To celebrate St David’s Day we are also showcasing more of the finest food and drink producers courtesy of Food Drink Wales.
Alfie’s Coffee is an award-winning speciality coffee roastery based in Carmarthenshire and is committed to providing coffee of excellence with each roast. Roasted in small batches by hand, the coffee is produced with maximum freshness, ensuring each sip is as delicious as the last. With a short supply chain, the roastery can supply the freshest and tastiest coffee within days.
Carmarthen Deli by Albert Rees
Carmarthen Deli is the home of Carmarthen Ham (PGI), an air-dried cured ham produced in south Wales. The ham, which was first produced in the 1970s by market butcher Albert Rees, is dependent upon skill and expertise built on traditional Welsh roots, which is why it has been awarded PGI status. Carmarthen Ham is delicate and mellow with salty undertones and has a melt in the mouth quality.
Cawl & Co makes delicious cawl, a traditional Welsh broth. The company was founded by a mother and son partnership following their realisation that, despite a soaring demand for it, cawl was absent from supermarket shelves. Through the founders’ love of the iconic dish, the company brings this culinary tradition to the forefront. Flavours include ‘Lamb of the Land’, ‘Wholesome Ham’ and ‘No Bone Barley’.
Cwmfarm Charcuterie Products produce award-winning Welsh Salami and other pork products in the little village of Ystradgynlais, south Wales. The company rears its own pigs which are free-range and kept outdoors, foraging on acorns on the farm’s woodland. The company likes to keep things local, so the laverbread used in the laverbread salami is from Penclawdd. The company also produces delicious snacks such as salami crisps and biltong.
Launched in June 2019 by young couple Joelle and Sarah, Drop Bear Beer Co. produces award-winning alcohol-free craft beers. With a mission statement that promises to ‘brew the best 0.5% ABV craft beers and build a better world in which to drink them”, the company brews low calorie, vegan and gluten free real beer. Products include ‘New World Lager’, ‘Yuzu Pale Ale’, ‘Tropical IPA’ and ‘Bonfire Stout’.
Founded in 2020 by a retired medic come beauty entrepreneur during lockdown, the company collects coffee grounds from Welsh cafés and transforms them into innovative products. While the products, which also contain other natural ingredients, are created to benefit our wellbeing, the company operates as a social enterprise and contributes to local communities. Products include quality fertiliser, skincare products, soaps and a premium vodka.
Since 1952, Rachel’s family pioneered in organic, using only natural methods on their farm, which became the first organic dairy farm in the UK. Today, Rachel’s Organic strives to deliver the very best taste experience in yogurts and desserts using local British organic milk and the best ingredients that nature has to offer. Rachel’s Organic products are available worldwide.
Founded in 2010, Radnor Preserves uses the finest natural ingredients of the highest quality to produce award-winning preserves. Locally sourced as far as possible, the ingredients are carefully hand-prepared and cooked in small batches. No artificial preservatives or additives are used, and all products are gluten free and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Established in December 2006, The Blaenafon Cheddar Co. is an award-winning specialist cheddar cheese company based in the World Heritage site of Blaenafon, south Wales. While suitable for vegetarians, all cheeses are handmade and are free from artificial preservatives or colourings. The flavoured cheddars are made with local alcohols including Celtic Spirit whisky, Black Mountain Liqueur, Brains SA & Reverend James ale and Taffy Apple cider.
Established in 2020, The Rogue Welsh Cake Company Ltd never compromises on quality and uses the finest ingredients to make its Welsh Cakes. Based in Newport, south Wales, the Welsh cakes are handmade without using additives or preservatives. The Welsh cakes contain organic self-raising flour, butter, high quality Belgian chocolate, demerara sugar and free range eggs.
Penylan Preserves
Multi award-winning Penylan Preserves was created from a hobby and turned into an unquenchable passion to create good quality, locally produced, and most importantly, tasty preserves, in the heart of Cardiff. The ingredients to make the handmade jams, marmalades and chutneys are freshly sourced from the allotment and local independent businesses.
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus
Happy St David’s Day
