Penderyn Legend
The Welsh Penderyn whisky called Legend from the Dragon series was matured in ex-Buffalo Trace casks and finished in Madeira casks. An exciting fusion of two worlds of flavour.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Nosing the Penderyn Legend reveals sweet honey, fresh green apples and a light pear sweetness. A malty vanilla note gently dominates, accompanied by a hint of Obstler (schnapps made from fruit, mostly produced in Germany). The freshness is remarkable, with a bright, spicy presence.
Palate
The flavour of the Singe Malt from Wales is initially sweet and malty, with a hint of brown sugar that lends a warm and inviting note. A creamy, almost waxy texture envelops the palate, while fruity flavours of mango and blackberries unfold. A slice of apple pie mingles with a subtle citrus freshness of lemon zest, giving the flavour a balanced complexity.
Finish
The finish is medium long and slightly spicy, with a subtle note of burnt oak. A drop of peach tea lends a soothing quality, while a youthful note flashes at the end.
Thoughts
Marcel 74/100
Penderyn Legend brings fun to the glass with its sweet fruity notes and creamy texture, even though the Madeira finish could, in my opinion, show a bit more punch. A pleasant companion for relaxed evenings, it scores with its youthful freshness but doesn’t create any drama.
Sascha 72/100
The combination of ex-Buffalo Trace and Madeira cask maturation provides a solid structure with balanced sweetness and a light spiciness, although the Madeira finish remains somewhat restrained. Overall, a well-balanced single malt that, however, lacks a deeper cask intensity to add more complexity.
Value for Money: Good
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Mannochmore Port Finish - Murray McDavid
With a finish in Tawny Port barriques, this Scotch shows an interesting development that does not reveal a classic port wine colour in the glass. But what about the inner values of this Mannochmore Port Finish bottled by Murray McDavid?
65/100
Glencadam Reserva Andalucia
With 46% ABV, uncoloured and non-chill filtered, this bottling promises honest craftsmanship. But can a NAS whisky, which was first matured in bourbon casks and then finished in Oloroso sherry butts, really convince? Or does the delicate Glencadam spirit disappear under the powerful sherry wave?
74/100
Single Malt Miyagikyo
The Miyagikyo Single Malt hails from the Miyagikyo Distillery in Japan, renowned for its slow distillation process and innovative methods. This whisky is distilled using a combination of traditional pot stills and "giant stills," with a long (bended) line arm that ensures a particularly gentle distillation. With just 5 ppm (parts per million), the Miyagikyo has a subtle, almost invisible smoky presence that complements the flavors without dominating them. The whisky comes in at 45% ABV and does not carry an age statement, speaking to its modern yet well-structured expression.
79/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Madeira cask finish in Penderyn Legend special?
The Madeira cask finish imparts a fruity sweetness and subtle spiciness to Penderyn Legend, enriching the aroma with notes of dried fruit and a delicate acidity.
How does maturation in ex-Buffalo Trace casks influence the flavor of this whisky?
The ex-Buffalo Trace casks contribute warm vanilla and caramel notes to the whisky, which combine harmoniously with the fruity freshness of the Madeira finish.
Why does Penderyn Legend have no age statement (NAS)?
Penderyn Legend is bottled without an age statement to achieve an optimal flavor balance by blending various younger and more mature casks, without committing to a specific age.