Penderyn Celt
The Welsh Penderyn whisky named Celt from the Dragon series was matured in ex-Buffalo Trace casks and finished in ex-Laphroaig casks. An exciting combination.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Starting with the Ex-Laphroaig peated cask, we perceive light phenolic smoke, some fire smoke and an idea of salty coast. The ex-bourbon cask then delivers vanilla-sweet notes, neutral chewing gum flavour and some orange peel. A good match.
Palate
The Penderyn Celt plays out both flavours here. Medicinal, phenolic smoke flavours with a little iodine meet vanilla, cane sugar, slightly floral and hay-like notes. Somewhat tart grapefruit and green apple round off the flavour.
Finish
The medium-long to long Finish is characterised by cold smoke with a maritime touch.
Thoughts
Marcel 73/100
The Penderyn Celt is an uncomplicated malt that pleasantly surprises with its smoky and vanilla blend – ideal for anyone looking for an affordable entry into Welsh whisky. While it lacks the depth of an older malt, it’s precisely this fresh youthfulness that makes it charming and easy to drink.
Sascha 72/100
With a balanced interplay between phenolic smoke and sweet bourbon notes, the Penderyn Celt impresses through clear cask integration and a clean, maritime-influenced finish. Despite its rather simple aromatic profile, it shows a solid structure, though it falls short of expectations in intensity and complexity.
Value for Money: Good
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77/100Frequently Asked Questions
How do the ex-Buffalo Trace and ex-Laphroaig casks influence the flavor of the Penderyn Celt?
Maturation in ex-Buffalo Trace casks imparts vanilla-sweet notes and a hint of orange peel, while the finish in ex-Laphroaig casks adds smoky, phenolic aromas with a maritime touch and a salty coastal character.
Why does the Penderyn Celt have no age statement (No Age Statement)?
Penderyn uses a combination of different maturation periods for this whisky to achieve the desired flavor profile without committing to a specific age. This results in a complex blend without a fixed age statement.
How does the Penderyn Celt pair with food or occasions?
Thanks to its balanced mix of smoky, sweet, and fruity notes, the Penderyn Celt pairs well with grilled fish, mild cheeses, or as an aperitif for convivial evenings.