Madiera cask, NAS - Penderyn

[Malt-Teaser]

Penderyn (Madiera cask), Wales

Nose: Gin, Juniper

Palate: Dry, juniper and cinnamon. Quite a distinct tingle on the front of the tongue.

With water: Juniper and much more spicy.

[The Third Dram]

Penderyn Aur Cymru Madeira Finished – 46%

Penderyn Distillery lies within the confines of Brecon Beacons National Park, not too far from Aberdare in South Wales. This non-chill-filtered whisky is matured in American oak before being transferred to Portuguese Madeira casks for a short sojourn.

Colour: Pale gold with very faint coral highlights.

Nose: A sweetly malty, Tequila-like, fruit salad fragrance. Scents of bananas, cantaloupe, pears and apples drizzled with lime juice and lightly dusted with pepper spring forth from the glass, as well as notions of fresh mint and vanilla.

Palate: The overture is all banana-coconut custard, followed by candied ginger. An overall textural roundness gains a bit of an edge from both the youthfulness of the spirit and the influence of the oak. The spirit becomes quite spicy in the middle, with zesty notions of chilli and citrus serving to further accentuate the fruit-laden sweetness and oiliness. There seems to be a tiny dollop of sootiness as well. Adding a drop or two of water brings mint and pepper nuances more to the fore.

Comment: All in all, this effort showcases an interesting juxtaposition of high quality though young whisky and clever cask management. Worth a detour.