A Brief History of Welsh Whisky

History suggests that there is evidence of stills in Wales since the 4th century. The spirit produced wouldn't have been like the whisky we know today which is fruity, sweet and mellow. However, despite this long history, Welsh whisky wasn't fully recognised as a force until 1705 when Evan Williams took his distillation expertise across to America, where he became the founding father of Kentucky Bourbon.

Since then the whisky industry in Wales, as in many countries, has risen and fallen with various world events, including the 19th Century temperance movement in Wales which encouraged a total abstinence from drink. In the late 1800s, whisky had come to a grinding halt in the country, and it wasn't until the 2000s that the spirit would again be made there.

Luckily for us however, after an inspiring trip to the pub by a group of pals, the Penderyn distillery was born, with the aim of resurrecting a Welsh liquid as precious as Welsh gold and so a new distillery was built in Llandudno.

The Modern Day Welsh Whisky Scene

Now, with Penderyn leading the way, there are seven whisky distilleries in Wales, including Aber Falls and Coles, and since 2023 Welsh Whisky has been officially granted a geographical indication, provided it...

  • be made using 100% Welsh malted barley
  • use water of 100% Welsh origin
  • be produced in Wales at all stages from brewing to bottling.

Thanks to its stunning natural landscape of fresh water and lush greenery, the whisky now produced in Wales is smooth, rich, and unique.

We Recommend

We spoke to our wonderful team in Cardiff who love the Welsh whisky giants Penderyn. Penderyn has picked up a multitude of awards, and has become a much loved staple of British whisky.

The team particularly enjoyed and recommend the Penderyn 2015 Tawny Port Single Cask - a Whisky Shop exclusive, meaning you won't find this dram anywhere else in the world

Penderyn 2015 Tawny Port Single Cask TWS Exclusive
Penderyn 2015 Tawny Port Single Cask TWS Exclusive
£99.50
Shop Now

Distilled in January 2015 and bottled in June 2022 at an eye-watering 60% ABV, Penderyn 2015 Tawny Port Single Cask is a limited-edition single malt Welsh whisky with only 309 bottles available. It was matured, as the name suggests, in an ex-Tawny Port cask giving it a beautiful rose-tinged hue. The cask also imparted a flavour profile of dark fruits including black grapes, plums, figs, and berries, all with a subtle undertone of spice.

But it's not only Whisky Shop exclusives that we love from the Penderyn! They have a wonderful range to choose from including their Icons of Wales bottlings which are perfect for any St David's Day celebrations.

More to LOVE from Penderyn...