Maker: Penderyn, Penderyn, Aberdare, Wales, UK.
Style: Single malt Welsh whisky, bourbon barrel cask aged.
Age: NAS (at least three years old)
ABV: 43%
Michigan state minimum: $60
Notes: No color added, unfiltered.
Appearance: Straw.
Nose: Juicy apricot, mango, mandarin orange, alcohol, bourbon barrel.
Palate: Full bodied and creamy. Semi-dry. Orange sherbet.
Finish: Maltier, but still fruity with a bit of oak and alcohol.
Parting words: Penderyn distillery was founded in 2004. The early part of the twenty-first century saw the rebirth of the whisky industry in England and Wales. Penderyn was one of the first distilleries of that revival and was one of the first to get widespread distribution outside the UK. The distillery is located about thirty miles northwest of Cardiff, in Brecon Beacons National Park. Since today is the feast day of St. David, the sixth century monk who is the patron saint of Wales, I thought it might be a good day for my first Welsh whisky review.
Legend is Penderyn’s entry level single malt. The others available in Michigan are Myth (bourbon & “rejuvenated” casks, $70), Celt (finished in peated quarter casks, $70), Madeira Cask ($80), and Sherrywood ($90). At least they were all available in Michigan. They seem to have dropped off the most recent price book, although they’re still on shelves in many liquor stores in Southeastern Michigan.
It’s easy to taste why Penderyn has been so successful. Legend is a well-made, easy-drinking malt roughly on par with Scotch competitors in the same price range. If I can find them somewhere, I’d love to give the other expressions a try, especially Celt. Penderyn Legend is recommended.
Sipology 