Penderyn Madeira

After being in the UK for four days, the cost of Australian whisky is currently infuriating me. This spirit represents the initial Penderyn ‘house style’, matured in former bourbon barrels and then finished in ex-Madeira wine casks. I've been keen to sample Penderyn's output for over a year, yet this specific bottle retails for at least $121 in Australia. Here in the UK, a supermarket offers it for £26 (around AUD$50). Now, sitting outside at 8:30 PM with the sun still lingering, this bottle gleams a beautiful golden hue, truly embodying its 'Welsh Gold' nickname. I'm quite eager for this dram… Nose: It's oily, creamy, and rich, packed with sultanas, vanilla-toffee, banana, and coconut, with a subtle herbal-grassy undertone. Palate: Smooth and full-bodied. The sweetness of green apples and vanilla shortbread is nicely offset by a creamy, delightful oak presence that develops into an almost orange perfume. Finish: Lingering. It's crisp and pleasantly dry. Tropical notes from the nose reappear, like coconut and perhaps something akin to mango. Shortbread and plump raisins join with a late ginger spice. This is fantastic. While its youth is apparent, there's a wonderful fresh vibrancy throughout, with just enough oak to add character and a superb texture. It boasts lovely complexity and well-rounded development. Delicious stuff, and an absolute bargain at £26. Whisky tasting #208

Nose: Banana appears immediately upon pouring, followed by a grape-like tanginess that's reminiscent of Bunnahabhain's fruitiness. For a fleeting moment, I detect strawberries. There's a subtle oceanic freshness beneath it all, with just a whisper of youthful vibrancy. Palate: On the tongue, there's a distinct saltiness along the edges, counterbalanced by bright, tangy fruit. The body carries that grape-like tang and the dried fruit character found in Bunnahabhain, with hints of honey and malt sweetness mingling throughout. The heat is moderate, but not harsh. Finish: Medium in length, tangy, and quite warm, leaving a persistent saltiness and a refreshing, fruity lift. Overall: I genuinely enjoy this whisky. It strikes a perfect chord for me: fruity, tangy, with a hint of coastal saltiness, yet it never feels heavy or excessively sweet. While it's not as robust as a powerful coastal Islay, it is balanced, accessible, and truly delightful.

The aroma presents toffee, vanilla, and lemons, reminiscent of 80s foam shrimp candy. The nose is delightful, and the initial taste is equally impressive, with a sensational creaminess akin to melted warm vanilla ice-cream. Blackcurrants then become prominent, followed by more citrus fruits that mingle with stewed prunes in the medium-long finish. The Madeira cask finish complements the characteristic fruity Penderyn profile exceptionally well. This is now my preferred Penderyn expression. It's a wonderfully flavorful and well-priced whisky; I would appreciate seeing more age statement expressions from them.

An elegant Welsh Whisky from Penderyn Distillery in the Brecon Beacons, Wales, United Kingdom. It was initially matured in bourbon barrels selected from Buffalo Trace distillery, then finished in special Madeira barriques. It presents an aromatic beginning with notes of herbs, lemon peel, sultanas, toast, and cream toffee; while a thick and crisp character adds notes of tropical fruit, raisins, custard, spices, and pistachio; leading to a balanced, medium-length finish. April / August 2019 / July 2022

Nose: fruity with vanilla Palate: very fruity, somewhat dry, I detect citrus notes Finish: tropical fruit and a hint of spice Nose: fruity with vanilla Palate: very fruity, somewhat dry, I detect citrus notes Finish: tropical fruit and a hint of spice

Penderyn Madeira Finish is their original and still their best offering. Fruity, smooth, and delicious, and at 46% ABV, it's the perfect strength. I've consumed numerous bottles over the years, and the quality seldom drops below excellent. My current bottling, 24 0239, is especially good.