Penderyn Madeira Finish
The Penderyn Madeira Finish Single Malt comes from Wales and thus from a rather untypical whisky region. What makes the Penderyn distillery unique is a so-called Faraday copper still, which is used in the production of the whisky. Matured in ex-bourbon casks and later in Madeira casks, the whisky is bottled in really chic bottles.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The single malt opens fresh and fruity with a pleasant sweetness. We think of a pear tree that bears pears that are not quite ripe yet. Excitingly, there is a slightly bitter note in the background - could be something like pineapple. This is accompanied by freshly cut wood.
Palate
A vineyard - green leaves, ripe green grapes and a bright blue sky with sunshine. Later we go into the wine cellar, slightly musty with lots of wood and light leather. And suddenly a sharp fruit brandy appears. This is roughly how the taste of the distillate from Wales, probably matured for 3-4 years, can be described.
Finish
The finish is short and crisp slightly peppery, later more balanced and fruity.
Thoughts
Marcel 74/100
The Penderyn Madeira Finish presents itself as a pleasant, fruity companion with a charming touch of acidity – ideal for relaxed evenings. However, the young maturation still feels a bit raw, which slightly detracts from the drinking pleasure. All in all, a likeable, straightforward whisky with character and natural freshness.
Sascha 74/100
A structured single malt with clear fruitiness and a light acidity, which, however, shows a certain imbalance due to its short maturation period. The 46% ABV and the absence of chill filtration speak for quality, yet the alcoholic sharpness and the short finish suggest there is room for further development. For lovers of light, fruity whiskies, an interesting, if not perfect, choice.
Value for Money: Fair
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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about the Faraday copper still at Penderyn?
The Faraday copper still is a special still used at the Penderyn distillery that ensures an exceptionally pure and fruity distillation. It differs from conventional stills through its unique design, which makes the distillation process more efficient.
How does the Madeira cask maturation influence the taste of the Penderyn Madeira Finish?
Maturation in Madeira casks imparts fruity and slightly tart notes reminiscent of green grapes and pineapple. This cask aging complements the fresh sweetness and wood character of the ex-bourbon cask, resulting in a complex, lively flavor.
Why does the Penderyn Madeira Finish have no age statement on the bottle?
The Penderyn Madeira Finish is bottled as a No-Age-Statement (NAS) whisky, meaning no minimum age is indicated. This allows the distillery to blend different vintages and casks to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor.