Penderyn Peated(46%, OB, 2012)

• 46% ABV, £35 for 70cl
• Score: 79/100

What they say:

The sweet aromatic smoke of Penderyn Peated single malt whisky is an alluring and unusual expression of our single malt whisky produced each year as a limited bottling.  A classic malt whisky.

Our peated single malt whisky is finished to impart a generous flavour of subtle complexity. Hand crafted to perfection, the unique distillation and maturation produces a single malt whisky in which a delicate spirit underlies a medium peaty character with light golden tone. This fine whisky captures the true spirit of Wales.

The Penderyn Peated in this bottle has been aged in ex-bourbon barrels and ex-peated Scotch whisky casks to bring out its appealing character. At a generous 46% ABV, it introduces itself with sweet, aromatic smoke. Under this there are signature notes of vanilla, green apple and refreshing citrus. An array of gentle flavours tempts even the most sophisticated palate, while smoke and vanilla linger on the attractive medium length finish.

What I say:

The conclusion of our Penderyn mini-vertical tasting ended with the Penderyn Peated expression.

Colour:

Light gold

Nose:

By now familiar sweet floral perfumed Penderyn with a hint of earthy peat and a salty and nutty aroma [salted peanuts]

Taste:

Sweet barley cereal malt, very earthy peat flavour [reminiscent of JW black label] , buttery and a little marzipan

Finish:

Short honey sweet, earthen peat but no smoke and not harsh, very mellow and smooth and a little dirty

Would I buy it again:

Sadly again for this one it didn’t quite match up to the Penderyn Madeira finish which I feel really compliments and brings out the best of the Penderyn whisky. Similar to the Penderyn Sherrywood I perhaps again felt the balance in this one was a little too safe, whilst definitely having some peaty elements they lack a little substance. The most similar whisky I have tried to this is the Balvenie 17 Years Old Peated cask, manufactured by the same process [having bourbon-matured and ex peaty scotch-matured casks married together in the final expression] which is probably a lot older/more mature but equally much more expensive! In conclusion, for us the Penderyn Madeira is definitely the best out of this very fine selection of Welsh whiskies, and we look forward to trying lots more!