Penderyn Distillery was officially founded in 2000, that ended a 106-year drought of legal distilling in Wales. The distillery was founded by a private group of Welsh entrepreneurs. Penderyn Distillery is located across three distinct sites in Wales. Depending on whether you want to see the original “spiritual home,” a historic seaside school, or an industrial copperworks.
1. Penderyn Brecon Beacons (The Original)
This is where the journey began in 2000. It is nestled in the southern foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog).
2. Penderyn Llandudno (Lloyd St)
Opened in May 2021, this distillery is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian school building in the heart of North Wales’ most famous seaside resort.
3. Penderyn Swansea Copperworks
The newest addition, opened in June 2023, is located in the historic Hafod-Morfa Copperworks, once the center of the world’s copper industry.
Production Contrast: Brecon vs. Other Sites
| Distillery | Primary Style | Notable Bottle |
| Brecon Beacons | Light & Fruity | Madeira Finish |
| Llandudno | Peated & Smoky | Serpent’s Tears (2025 release) |
| Swansea | Industrial & Rich | Copperopolis (Icons of Wales #12) |
The First Release
The first official whisky release from Penderyn was the Penderyn Single Malt “First Release,” which launched on St. David’s Day, March 1, 2004.
This was a landmark event for the industry, as it marked the first time legal Welsh whisky had been available for sale in over 100 years (since the closure of the Frongoch Distillery in 1903).
Penderyn First Release was limited to only 450 bottles.
The “Premium” Commercial Launch
Shortly after the 450 cask-strength bottles were released, Penderyn launched its first widely available commercial expression: the Madeira Finish (46% ABV). This became their signature “house style,” created by the late Dr. Jim Swan, and remains the flagship of the distillery today.
Penderyn’s lineup
Penderyn’s lineup is organized into three primary ranges, plus a highly collectible limited series. Each range uses their unique Faraday Still spirit but focuses on different cask finishes or intensity levels.
1. The Gold Range (The Premium Core)
These are Penderyn’s most awarded whiskies, bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered.
- Madeira Finish: The definitive “house style.” It is smooth, light, and fruity with a cream-toffee finish.
- Portwood: A connoisseur favorite. Rich and intense with notes of dark chocolate, cranberries, and honey.
- Sherrywood: Matured in Oloroso sherry casks, offering a nutty, toasted oak profile with hints of dark chocolate.
- Rich Oak: Matured in various oak casks (including rejuvenated “STR” casks), resulting in a spicy, vanilla-forward flavor with tropical fruit.
2. The Dragon Range (Accessible & Vibrant)
Introduced in 2015 and updated in 2024 with more sustainable, lightweight packaging, these are bottled at 40% ABV and designed to be an easy entry into the brand.
3. The “Icons Of Wales” Series (Limited & Collectible)
The Penderyn “Icons of Wales” is a special ongoing series of limited-edition whiskies that celebrate the people, milestones, and cultural events that have shaped Welsh identity.
The series is planned to include 50 unique releases in total. As of 2026, the series has reached its 13th edition.
Early “Hall of Fame” Icons
If you are looking for the most “collectible” bottles in the series, these earlier releases are the ones that command high prices.
Penderyn Red Flag Icons Of Wales No 1
Penderyn Red Flag is the first release in the “Icons of Wales” series from the Penderyn Distillery. Launched in 2012, it is a limited-edition single malt Welsh whisky that commemorates a pivotal moment in Welsh working-class history.
The History: The Merthyr Rising
The name “Red Flag” refers to the 1831 Merthyr Rising, where coal miners and ironworkers in Merthyr Tydfil protested against wage cuts and crushing debt.
- The Symbol: This event is widely cited as the first time a red flag was raised as a symbol of social protest and working-class solidarity (it was reportedly a white cloth dipped in calf’s blood).
- The Martyr: The uprising led to the execution of Dic Penderyn (Richard Lewis), a local miner who was hanged for a crime many believed he did not commit. He has since become a folk hero and martyr for social justice in Wales.
Penderyn Independence Icons Of Wales No 2
Penderyn Independence is the second bottling in the “Icons of Wales” series. It was released to commemorate the signing of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776, highlighting the fact that Thomas Jefferson and 15 of the other signatories had Welsh roots.
Distillery and Process: Penderyn Distillery, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, is a key player in the resurgence of Welsh whisky. They use a unique single copper-pot still called a “Faraday” still, which produces a very high-quality and high-proof spirit that is known for being light, clean, and fruity.
Cask Maturation: The whisky is initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Madeira wine casks. This finishing process is a signature of Penderyn and imparts a distinct flavor profile.
Penderyn Dylan Thomas Icons Of Wales No 3
Penderyn Dylan Thomas is the third installment in the “Icons of Wales” series from the Penderyn Distillery. Released in 2014, it was created to commemorate the centenary of the birth of the legendary Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas (1914–1953).
Who Was Dylan Thomas?
Dylan Thomas (1914–1953) was a Welsh poet and writer whose lyrical, emotional, and rhythmic style made him one of the most popular—and notorious—literary figures of the 20th century.
Known for his booming voice and “rock star” persona, Thomas’s work often explores the cycle of life and death, the nostalgia of childhood, and the raw beauty of the Welsh landscape.
Collectibility & Legacy
As the third of a planned 50-part “Icons of Wales” series, Penderyn Dylan Thomas is a highly sought after by collectors.
Penderyn That Try Icons Of Wales No 4
Penderyn That Try is a single malt Welsh whisky and the fourth release in the distillery’s “Icons of Wales” series. It is a highly sought-after bottling with a unique character and a specific historical inspiration.
Penderyn That Try is a tribute to one of the most famous tries in rugby history, scored by Gareth Edwards for the Barbarians against the All Blacks on January 27, 1973, at Cardiff Arms Park. The name “That Try” is a direct reference to this iconic moment.
Unlike many of Penderyn’s other whiskies which are unpeated, “That Try” is a peated single malt whisky. This makes it a distinct offering in their lineup. It was initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels and then finished in quarter casks that had previously held peated Islay whisky.
Penderyn Bryn Terfel Icons Of Wales No 5
The Penderyn Bryn Terfel is the fifth release in the “Icons of Wales” series, launched in November 2016. It is one of the most distinctive entries in the collection, both for its unique presentation and its tribute to the world-renowned Welsh bass-baritone, Sir Bryn Terfel.
The Tribute: Sir John Falstaff
This release specifically celebrates Bryn Terfel’s legendary performance of Sir John Falstaff in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Falstaff.
- The Design: To reflect the “theatrical” and “sumptuous” nature of the character, the bottle is uniquely finished in a red velvet (flocked) wrap.
- The Character: The whisky aims to mimic the personality of Falstaff—egotistical and drunken, yet charming and warm.
Penderyn Icons Of Wales Royal Welsh No 6
Penderyn Icons of Wales Royal Welsh No 6 is a single malt Welsh whisky from the Penderyn distillery. Released on St. David’s Day (March 1st) 2019, it is part of the “Icons of Wales” series, which celebrates Welsh history and heritage.
Background:
Penderyn Icons Of Wales Royal Welsh No 6 commemorates the original Welsh Whisky distillery at Frongoch, near Bala, which closed over 100 years ago. In 1895, the Welsh Whisky Co. received a royal warrant, leading to the creation of “Royal Welsh Whisky.” The Penderyn release pays homage to this historical predecessor.
Penderyn Icons Of Wales No 7 Rhiannon
Penderyn Icons of Wales No 7 Rhiannon is a single malt Welsh whisky from the Penderyn distillery, released in 2019. This expression is the seventh in the “Icons of Wales” series, which celebrates figures and symbols from Welsh history and mythology.
This whisky is named after Rhiannon, a powerful enchantress and horse goddess from the ancient Welsh folk tales, The Mabinogi. She is known as a figure of intelligence, strength, and otherworldly powers. The name Rhiannon in Welsh means “Great Queen” or “Divine Queen.”
Penderyn Hiraeth Icons Of Wales No 8
Penderyn Hiraeth is a single malt Welsh whisky that is a significant and meaningful release from the Penderyn Distillery. It is the eighth bottling in their popular “Icons of Wales” series, which celebrates people, events, and concepts with a deep connection to Wales.
The Whisky: “Hiraeth” is notable for a technical reason as well. It was the first core-range single malt from Penderyn to be made predominantly with spirit from their pot stills, which were installed in 2014. Previously, the distillery was best known for its unique Faraday still. This shift in production method contributes to a slightly different character than some of their earlier whiskies.
Cask Maturation: This whisky is an ex-bourbon cask finish. While some sources mention it was a finish, others describe it as being matured in these casks. Regardless, the flavour profile is a direct result of the use of American oak casks that previously held bourbon.
Penderyn The Headliner Icons Of Wales No 9
Penderyn The Headliner is the ninth release in the “Icons of Wales” series, launched in 2022. This expression pays tribute to David Lloyd George (1863–1945), the only Welshman to serve as British Prime Minister.
The History: The “Accidental” Industry Architect
Lloyd George is a complex figure in whisky history. During WWI, he was a staunch advocate for temperance, famously stating that drink was doing more damage to the country than enemy submarines.
- The Immature Spirits Act (1915): In an attempt to curb drinking, he introduced legislation requiring all whisky to be aged in oak for at least two years (later increased to three).
- The Result: While he intended to make whisky more expensive and harder to produce, he “accidentally” established the premium standard for the industry. By forcing maturation, the quality of the spirit improved drastically, turning it into the global luxury product it is today.
Penderyn Yma O Hyd Icons Of Wales No 10
Penderyn Yma O Hyd is the tenth release in the “Icons of Wales” series, launched in August 2022. It is perhaps the most “patriotic” bottle in the collection, serving as the official whisky for the Football Association of Wales (FAW) during their 2022 World Cup campaign.
The History: “We Are Still Here”
The name “Yma O Hyd” (pronounced Uhm-ah oh Heed) translates to “Still Here.”
- The Anthem: It is named after the famous folk song by Dafydd Iwan, written in 1983 during a time of economic hardship in Wales. The song celebrates the survival of the Welsh language and culture despite centuries of adversity.
- The Red Wall: The song was adopted by the “Red Wall” (Welsh football supporters) and became the unofficial anthem that carried the team to their first World Cup finals since 1958.
- The Release: Interestingly, this was actually released before No. 9 (The Headliner) because the distillery wanted it available in time for the World Cup tournament in Qatar.
Penderyn Patagonia Icons of Wales No 11
Penderyn Patagonia Icons of Wales No. 11 is a significant and unique release from the Welsh distillery.
The Penderyn Patagonia ( Icons Of Wales ) No 11 is blended malt whisky. This is particularly notable as it’s Penderyn’s first-ever blended malt.
The Collaboration: The whisky is a blend of Penderyn’s own single malt with single malt from La Alazana Distillery in Patagonia, Argentina.
The Story: The whisky is the 11th release in Penderyn’s “Icons of Wales” series, which celebrates a person, milestone, or event from Welsh history. This bottling commemorates the journey of 153 Welsh pioneers who, in 1865, sailed on the ship Mimosa to establish a Welsh colony in Patagonia to preserve their language and culture.
Penderyn Copperopolis Icons Of Wales No 12
Penderyn Copperopolis is a limited-edition single malt Welsh whisky that serves as the 12th release in the distillery’s “Icons of Wales” series. It is a highly significant bottling with a strong connection to Welsh history and the distillery’s own expansion.
Penderyn Copperopolis is the 12th installment in the “Icons of Wales” series of single malt Welsh whiskies from the Penderyn Distillery. The name “Copperopolis” is a tribute to the city of Swansea’s history as a global center for copper smelting, a history that Penderyn’s newest distillery now occupies a part of. The distillery in Swansea is housed in the Powerhouse of the old copperworks building.
Style: Unlike some of Penderyn’s other whiskies, “Copperopolis” is finished in sweet red wine casks, which imparts a distinct character. It is also non-chill filtered and has natural colouring.
Penderyn Bad Wolf Icons Of Wales No 13
The Story & Significance
The Penderyn Bad Wolfis the 13th release in the distillery’s highly acclaimed “Icons of Wales” series, which celebrates Welsh people, places, and cultural milestones.
The Collaboration: This edition is a collaboration with Bad Wolf Productions, the Cardiff-based television production company known for high-profile shows like Doctor Who, His Dark Materials, and Industry.
The Occasion: It was released to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bad Wolf Productions, which has played a major role in growing the creative sector in Wales.
The First 10-Year-Old: This bottling marks a significant milestone for Penderyn as it is their first-ever 10-year-old single malt Welsh whisky released in their core limited-edition.
Awards And The International Acknowledgement
Penderyn is one of the most decorated “World Whisky” distilleries, having amassed over 140 Gold and Double Gold awards internationally. Their unique Faraday still produces a high-purity spirit that consistently performs well in blind tastings.
Here is a breakdown of their most significant and recent awards as of early 2026.
Recent Major Wins (2024–2025)
Penderyn has maintained a strong winning streak in the major international competitions over the last two years:
- The Spirits Business Global World Whisky Masters 2025: * Master Award: Penderyn Gold Range Madeira (the highest possible honor in the competition).
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2025:
- Gold Medal: Penderyn Madeira.
- The Spirits Business World Whisky Awards 2024:
- Gold Medal: The Headliner (Icons of Wales No. 9).
- Gold Medal: Penderyn Rich Oak.
- New York World Spirits Competition:
- Double Gold: Penderyn Legend.
- Gold: Sherrywood and Hiraeth.
The Collector’s Strategy
For a collector, the Icons of Wales series is challenging but rewarding because:
- The Box Art: Each release features a unique color scheme and illustration that looks striking when lined up on a shelf.
- Varied ABVs: Unlike the core range, these fluctuate in strength (from 41% to 46%+) depending on the “character” of the icon being celebrated.
- Low Outturns: Many of the early editions were produced in limited numbers and are now “sold out” at retail.