I tried a couple of Welsh Penderyn whiskies around 2008-2010 when they were still a bit immature. Let’s be honest: I avoided them for a couple of years after that. I tried the Myth / Legend / Rich Oak releases last year but I’m afraid these didn’t restore my faith either.
Now The Whisky Exchange presents a single bourbon cask exclusively bottled for them. A good opportunity to find out what proper selection work can bring to the table.
Penderyn 10 yo 2015 (58,3%, OB for The Whisky Exchange 2025, bourbon cask #276, 221 btl.)
Nose: a rather fruity profile. The bourbon cask is highlighting bananas, butter pears and peaches, as well as light brioche and cake. Then a little peanut oil, vanilla and later also mango. Hints of narcissus in the background, along with a slightly tangy woody note, maybe even a hint of wood glue. This disappears with a few drops of water.
Mouth: a similar sweet and creamy fruitiness at first, with plenty of yellow orchard fruits, ripe apple and bananas. Later it moves towards grapefruit peels and a mild grassy bitterness. Then some gristy notes, mint and pear eau-de-vie. Subtle leafy and herbal hints in the end. Here as well, a few drops of water make it rounder.
Finish: still quite zesty now, with some oaky spice, green leaves and sweet coconut.
I was pleasantly surprised by the nose, which boasts a lot of fruits including some tropical elements. It doesn’t keep the same level on the palate, becoming younger and flatter as it were. Enough to make me interested in Penderyn again though. Only available from The Whisky Exchange.