Penderyn Legend

The spirit is remarkably bright and crisp. It has a very citrusy character with distinct layers of cereal notes derived from the barley. While it seems thin when I taste it, it possesses several clear layers. I detect a subtle layer of lemon, followed by a thin layer of grassy cereal notes, then a faint layer of starchy cereal notes, and finally a subtle layer of caramel. This combination creates an intriguing drinking experience. The Madeira cask finish is distinctive and adds an interesting dimension. My primary enjoyment of this whiskey stems from its uniqueness; it truly is its own entity. While other whiskeys may offer more complexity or better balance, this one is so light, crisp, and drinkable that it's easily enjoyed. If my usual drink is akin to Coke, this is more like Sprite. I generally associate peated Scotch with the late fall or early winter months. This, however, is a perfect early spring beverage. I've now sampled a few Penderyn expressions, and they have consistently impressed me. I believe it merits a spot in my collection simply for the contrast it provides, being so different from the heavily peated or high-rye spirits I typically consume. Its freshness and crispness allow it to stand out to my palate, which is accustomed to much bolder flavors.

My 99th review is of a Welsh Whisky, Penderyn Legend. I wasn't sure what to anticipate before tasting it, but it was fairly intriguing. This young whisky is bottled at 41% ABV and has a pale gold appearance. The nose isn't strong, but its notes are pleasant. Grapes, Vanilla Cake, Raisins, artificial apple juice, and some spiciness. Not overpowering, but enjoyable. The palate is very pleasing without being spectacular. There's a lot of wood, new wood. It has a taste reminiscent of raw cocoa, and it's light-bodied but makes your mouth water. A nice clean finish, pleasant and smooth. There's a dark chocolate note and some slight spiciness. After 10 minutes, it strangely became thick, almost chewable. I didn't add anything to it (no water at all), and it felt like biting into an orange. The nose also developed into milk chocolate-covered raisins. Overall, it's a good whisky. Easy to drink, but there are many better drams available. Scored 3.25 out of 5 (73 out of 100).

Nose: Fresh green apples, fresh sweet cream, a subtle hint of young ethanol in the background. Taste: More creamy fresh green apple cream, with the bitterness of young/unripe green apples present, no burn. Finish: Creamy green apple, like over-steeped green tea with dried apple peels, to which a hint of sweet cream was added later. Score: 67/100 Final Thoughts: I'm not entirely sure how this expression differs from Penderyn Myth, but this genuinely resembles over-steeped green tea with green apple peels, served with a touch of sweet cream added. It helped reduce the bitterness somewhat, but otherwise, it's not significantly different from the Myth expression. Would I drink it if offered? Maybe Would I specifically order it? No Would I buy a bottle? No

A complex Welsh Single Malt from Penderyn Distillery, crafted in Wales, UK, using a pot still designed by Dr. David Faraday. Penderyn Legend is positioned as a younger counterpart to the standard Penderyn Madeira Single Malt. It's produced from the same still and aged similarly, initially in Bourbon barrels before a finishing period in Madeira Wine casks. The key distinction is Legend's younger age and bottling at 41% ABV. Its aroma presents a vibrant beginning, while the palate develops into notes of pepper, ginger, malt, tangerine, crème brûlée, and fresh biscuits, concluding with a spicy, roasted finish hinting at spice cake and rye. There be Dragons! January 2020 / July 2022

A subdued spirit. Nose: crème brûlée, grass, clover, cleaning fluid, and (please excuse me) urinal cake. Palate: Raspberry and clotted cream, woody and malty. It feels thin, light, mild, and watery with no heat at all. Where is this spirit's fire? Finish: sugar-dusted toast, mild pepper. I struggled to identify it for a long time, but something seemed artificial yet familiar. It eventually struck me that it resembled a cheap nightclub shot from long ago. A resurrected memory of slamming B52s, which, for those unaware, consists of layered coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and orange liqueur. Strange!

On the nose: Butterscotch, vanilla, candle wax, apple peel, spring blossoms. On the palate: Lively, citrus floral, and unripe melon notes. Transitions to a young, wax-coated apple peel with touches of spicy cinnamon and a little salt. The aftertaste resembles dry white wine. It has a thin to medium body. The finish is long and spirited. Quite elegant. It's comparable to Clynelish but is more youthful and sharp. Very enjoyable. I spent a bit too much on this bottle, but it's a fine, young single malt. Bonus points for natural color and no chill filtration.